Angela had the urge to fly down the aisle of the church and be enfolded in Stan’s arms, but, on Paddy’s arm, she began the slow walk to the altar, where Stan stood with his best man Daniel.
Angela took a surreptitious glance around the packed church. Maggie was sitting at the side of the church with her children, and Angela guessed she had chosen to sit there because it would be easier to take the children out through the side door if they misbehaved. Many women were crying, and Angela wanted to tell them not to shed tears. ‘I am marrying the man I love!’ she wanted to say. ‘We were kept apart for so long, I began to think this day would never come. Now that it has, it’s a time for celebration, not tears.’
Of course, she could say none of this. She still thought it, though.
When she threw back her veil and Stan saw her radiant face, he felt his stomach lurch, and he realised he loved Angela much more than he thought humanly possible.
They both gave their responses without hesitation, and when the priest eventually said, ‘I now pronounce you man and wife,’ Angela heard Stan give a deep, heartfelt sigh. The priest heard it too and he smiled as he added, ‘You may kiss the bride.’
Stan took Angela in his arms and she suddenly felt so loved and cherished. She would be alone no more. No more secrets, no more guilt. Only joy, happiness and love. And it was true, she loved Stan with everything in her, more than she thought possible, and she knew that whatever else life threw at them, they would face it together. Man and Wife.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I was astounded to read a book on the bombs that fell on Birmingham during the First World War, for although I had heard these bombs had fallen on London, Birmingham as a target had hardly been mentioned so I hurriedly researched it and found it to be true. Walsall was chosen because it was the gateway between Birmingham and the highly industrialised ‘Black Country’, hence its nickname, and where many of the munitions for the Great War were made. The internet is a great tool and a fount of all knowledge, but sometimes it is wise to check facts, so I have also used Brum Undaunted and Birmingham at War, both by Carl Chinn.
I feel great gratitude towards my publishers Harper Collins and in particular my agent Judith Murdoch and my editor Kate Bradley who have shown me such consideration and understanding with the problems I experienced; this has been very much appreciated.
In writing this book, thanks must go to my great family, my terrific friends and my lovely, patient and very loyal fans who have waited a long time for this book. I hope you enjoy it and it doesn’t disappoint. Write and let me know, I love hearing from you.
To all of you, I owe an immense debt of gratitude, so thank you once more.
Keep Reading …
If you enjoyed As Time Goes By, then you’ll love these other brilliant wartime tales from Anne Bennett, all available to buy now.
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‘The beauty of Anne’s books is that they are about normal people and are sewn through with human emotions which affect us all’
Birmingham Post
Anne Bennett was born in a back-to-back house in the Horsefair district of Birmingham. The daughter of Roman Catholic, Irish immigrants, she grew up in a tight-knit community where she was taught to be proud of her heritage. She considers herself to be an Irish Brummie and feels therefore that she has a foot in both cultures. She has four children and five grandchildren. For many years she taught in schools to the north of Birmingham. An accident put paid to her teaching career and, after moving to North Wales, Anne turned to the other great love of her life and began to write seriously. Despite many challenges, including many years in a wheelchair – from which she miraculously recovered – a serious stroke, and losing her beloved husband Dennis, she has never lost her love of storytelling.
Visit www.annebennett.co.uk to find out more about Anne and her books.
Also by Anne Bennett
A Little Learning
Pack Up Your Troubles
Walking Back to Happiness
Till the Sun Shines Through
Danny Boy
Daughter of Mine
Mother’s Only Child
To Have and to Hold
A Sister’s Promise
A Daughter’s Secret
A Mother’s Spirit
The Child Left Behind
Keep the Home Fires Burning
Far From Home
If You Were the Only Girl
A Girl Can Dream
A Strong Hand to Hold
Another Man’s Child
Forget-Me-Not Child
The Child on the Doorstep
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