Good Night Elizabeth

By D.W. Bennett.

This is a love story of Devotion, Endurance, Temptation and the love of three women for one man that will transport you through the fields of human emotion. How one man found the love of his life lost her and the remarkable circumstances that allowed him to find love again. Two women fulfilled that love, one was denied. Haunted by Clares love, he carries on through life until the years of love and devotion for Elizabeth end in tragedy. Enter Ann to pick up the baton.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Jun 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499002195

D.W. Bennett.

I'm almost 80 now and live alone with my cat LEO. I am still active being able to Lawn Bowl and do the gardens.

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Copyright © 2014 by D.W. Bennett.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 05/19/2014

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This is a story dedicated to my beautiful wife Elizabeth

and the other women who shared my life.

In my life I have been fortunate to be loved by four women. First my mother who guided me through my childhood and into adulthood then passed the baton onto a woman named Elizabeth who loved me for the next thirty six years. During that time and after, is what this story tells.

It was a Friday night in September 1962 when I had the pleasure to meet a lady named Elizabeth, never realising how much it would change my life. It was brought about by a chance conversation with a work colleague. I was working as a production supervisor in the local brewery and during a meal break an associate supervisor Greg, from a different department engaged me in conversation about his wife and family, then casually asked, You aren’t married Don are you?

No I answered.

Little did we realise how a simple thing like this conversation would in years to come change the lives of four people.

Please don’t think I am being nosey he said, but why not, how old are you thirty?

Twenty eight I answered.

Going to be a bachelor he questioned?

No, I just haven’t met the right one I replied.

I have he answered, been married to Clare for four years, met her when I was twenty, married her when I was twenty one. Clare fell pregnant on our honeymoon, two years later our second child was born.

So you are younger than me I asked?

Yes Greg said I’m twenty five.

"Hell I’d better get going I replied, you’re three years younger, married and have two children and I haven’t even started.

Are you going with someone at the moment Greg enquired?

No I answered.

What kind of woman are you interested in he asked? As he unwrapped his lunch, Blonde, red head, big small, have you been too choosy looking for that someone special?"

I don’t know Greg I answered, like most people I don’t have a set idea of what a person should be like. I like to meet people before I make up my mind. I guess in choosing, we all like to think we have found that someone special. Why have you someone in mind? I asked jokingly.

Could be, could be, he repeated then continued, It may be none of my business but I happen to know of a lovely lady who may suit you. She is a good friend of my wife, lives two houses up from us.

And I asked?

I thought you may like to meet, or at least consider meeting her Greg said.

‘‘Why’’, I asked?

"Well if you’re looking for someone special she just maybe the one, you aren’t attached and neither is she, sought of’’ he answered.

‘‘What do you mean sought of I asked, is she attached or not?’’

‘‘Let me explain Greg said, I’ll describe her and her situation, then you will understand’’.

"Okay, go ahead’’ I answered.

Let me think how do I describe her? he said pausing with a frown on his brow and a sandwich in his hand. A short description would be, she has dark hair, blue/green eyes, gorgeous figure, lovely sense of humour, beautiful, separated, going for her divorce, respectable, about thirtyish I’d guess, and her name is Elizabeth. There how’s that he asked all in the one breathe?

A short description I queried, boy I’m glad I didn’t ask for a detailed one. OK OK he answered with a laugh, just trying to give you an idea of what she is like. Don’t blame me if I get the eye colour wrong, because sometimes they appear to have a green tinge to them, other times they appear blue but it’s one of the first things that you notice about her, except how beautiful she is. That’s ok I answered the colour of her eyes isn’t important." This statement came back to haunt me.

‘‘So the sought of part is, she is still married’’ I questioned?

‘‘Yes Greg answered, but she doesn’t live with her husband of course, they are separated’’.

‘‘How long separated’’ I asked?

About nine months I think he replied.

‘‘Oh I don’t know Greg I answered it could be messy, I don’t want to get mixed up in a divorce. If she is as beautiful as you say, why are they getting divorced?’’ What went wrong?

"I don’t know he answered It’s none of my business but you won’t be mixed up in anything, that’s already happening besides there’s no harm in talking is there.’’

‘‘No I guess not’’ I answered as I considered his question. Although, did I want to become involved with a married woman even if she was separated? Not really, there could be problems ahead like a nasty husband. Still it wouldn’t hurt to consider the situation after all I could back off if I didn’t like the circumstances. Although why should I consider a married woman, surely there were plenty of single women out there. There are but I hadn’t had that much luck finding one since my broken engagement a little over six months ago. I was apprehensive now.

Trying to place a few obstacles in the way, because I wasn’t happy about being involved with a married woman, I asked, ‘‘why would she be interested in me? Maybe she won’t be Greg stated, but nothing ventured, nothing gained".

Look Don, you and I have talked a bit over the last year or so, and I have come to know you reasonably well Greg stated. I know you are a decent guy, sensible, reliable, responsible, and good looking, I’ll throw that in he laughed, and, if you like I will mention you to her, how’s that?

Thank you for the build-up Greg, it’s nice to know you consider all that of me although as I said what makes you think this lady is even looking for someone else? Being separated, she may not want to be involved with someone at this stage.

I don’t know about being involved, Greg said but I know Elizabeth would love to go out sometimes, because she told us she doesn’t get out much. She has a couple of guys call on her, but I don’t think any are serious contenders from what she tells us. Elizabeth was living with her brother for six months waiting for the new house to be completed and has hardly gone anywhere since she moved in about three months ago. I’ll tell you what, I will tell her about you and let her make up her own mind okay

Okay I said. So her name is Elizabeth. I’ll tell you what Don, Greg said, this woman will knock your socks off, wait till you see her, she is really lovely. If you do get to meet her, you will be so impressed I guaranty it. She is a real head turner believe me and it’s only a matter of time before some other lucky guy gets her so act quickly if you want it to be you. She’s that good I mocked him? You better believe it Greg answered, and the moment she turns those eyes on you, believe me you will melt. That increased my interest.

We finished our lunch and left the topic of my meeting Elizabeth at that. The odds of hearing from the lady were slim so I didn’t dwell on it.

Next day Greg informed me he had mentioned me to Elizabeth that night, and after talking among themselves, that is, his wife Clare, Elizabeth and him, Elizabeth suggested that I write to her first. That way if she didn’t like what I wrote, or didn’t gauge from my letter that I was suitable, she could simply not pursue it.

So mate Greg said, now you have to sit down and think seriously about what you are going to say. No pressure he continued, with a smile but remember this maybe the most important letter of your life. What you say and how you say it may determine your future. Give it a go, what have you got to lose? And by the way, Elizabeth asked that you enclose a photo of yourself, if you have one.

No pressure, what an understatement, my future was in the balance here and Greg could not know how true his words about that letter were going to be. I would never again write a letter that would have such an effect on my life as this one.

He showed concern as he said, I know how you feel, it’s a bit unusual to have to write to someone you haven’t met and then have to promote yourself. I’m glad it’s not me having to write the letter, as I’m a poor writer and would be lost if I had to do it. I will leave you with a little quote though, Good luck and may good thoughts and words be with you".

Thanks’ Greg I don’t know that I am good at writing letters either I answered especially a letter to a lady I don’t know, what I am going to say I will have to seriously think about.

That’s your problem, so start thinking about it now, and don’t leave it too long he answered or she may think you are not interested.

At least I had found out her name, Elizabeth. I liked it, although knowing her name didn’t changed anything, a name doesn’t make a person, although it was a positive way to begin. Another thing was Greg had said she was lovely, I hope he wasn’t lying. I would have to give it careful thought before committing pen to paper.

Next day being Friday Greg asked how the letter was coming along, and if I knew what I would say.

I have given it some thought I told him, although I still have doubts. I will write it at the weekend after some careful consideration.

Good idea, don’t tell her everything, keep her guessing about something, like the fact that you’re handsome or wealthy he joked. Hey I’m not going to lie I replied. About which one he asked? Both I replied with a laugh. Oh I don’t know he answered, you have one going for you. Yeh I answered, well it certainly isn’t the wealthy one.

On the weekend I sat down and agonised over what I was going to say. I had never done this type of thing before, that is write a letter to a lady I didn’t know and I was unsure of what to write. It sure was an awkward time. One other thing that concerned me was the fact that Greg had said he thought Elizabeth was thirtyish, that meant she was older than me. I had never dated a woman older than me, and what did thirtyish mean, thirty, thirty two, thirty five, surely Greg could tell if she was older. Hell no way would I date a woman older than me. It wasn’t done. Was it? Calm down I told myself, stop jumping to conclusions who cares if she is a few years older, that doesn’t mean she isn’t a nice person. Maybe being older would mean she was more mature and sensible. Anyhow just do it I told myself, stop placing obstacles in the way and get on with the letter. Keep it simple but truthful.

How do I begin? Dear Elizabeth no, that won’t do, maybe just Elizabeth. What about Hello Elizabeth oh god I don’t know. Forget the bloody beginning, start with your information and worry about the introduction later I told myself or you will be here all day. Gradually I constructed the letter in my mind. What would she want to know about me I pondered?

My age 28 height five eleven,{178cm} personality quiet and friendly. Sober habits despite working in a brewery and someone who has a good sense of humour. I was hopeful of a long term relationship if we suited one another. Then enclose a recent photo of myself, which could say more than my few words of description. I was open to just seeing her if that’s what she wanted, as at the moment I also was not involved with anyone. I reaffirmed that I had a steady job at the brewery as Greg had already informed her and that I intended to stay there. Keep it neat and hope for the best. I finally started the letter with Elizabeth, in answer to your request to write to you, let me introduce myself and tell you a little about me personally. And I did in a not too clumsy way. Greg had probably told her just about everything there was to know about me anyhow. I concluded, if the information I have given interests you and meets with your approval, can we please meet and discuss our possible future. I look forward to meeting you and talking with you. Till then I send you my best wishes. Regards Don. Shit I thought after re-reading the letter, it reads like a bloody job application. I didn’t change it though, I let it go the way it was because I imagined, the more I messed with it the more chance I had of stuffing it up.

Greg had given me Elizabeth’s address and surname so on Saturday after completing my thoughts, and putting pen to paper, I posted the letter still not sure I had said what I wanted to say. Even after I placed it in the letter box, I wished I had said something’s in a different way, regretting also she didn’t have a phone as I would have loved to have spoken to her and listened to her voice, It may have given me a better idea of what she was like. Writing to someone like this, seemed cold to me but I guess there was no other way other than going to her house and knocking on her door. Maybe it would be a good idea after all, just turn up and say Hi I’m Don. I cast that idea out and posted the letter. Chicken I told myself, remember a faint heart never wins a fair lady. It would have helped if I could have met her in a casual or friendly way before meeting her in a slightly romantic way, but I didn’t have that luxury so we both were in the same boat so to speak. A cold turkey meeting where we would both be trying to impress each other.

Too late I told myself, the letter is on its way now, so pray you have written an interesting one, and who knows maybe the photo will get her attention, after all it was one of my better ones. I scrubbed up quite well I thought.

I assumed I would hear from Elizabeth before the next weekend if at all, although I must admit I wasn’t expecting anything to come of it. Maybe she would let Greg and his wife know if I had failed to impress her and Greg would pass it on to me.

Later the more I thought about it the more I wished I hadn’t written the letter, because I didn’t wish to become the meat in the sandwich so to speak. Still Greg did say going for her divorce, so not much chance of them getting back together. I hope this is all worth it, because I haven’t had this problem of having to write to someone not having met or seen them. Most times you are attracted to someone by look or personality, but never having laid eyes on them, made it hard to know what to say to create the attraction. This sure was a test of my prowess as a writer of letters. Maybe the photo will do the trick and save me, and prevent the letter from being thrown in the bin.

On Monday, back at work, Greg came into my department to ask me if I had written the letter. Yes I told him, it’s on its way.

What did you say he asked? Come on tell me, I want to know. I’m an inquisitive bugger I know, but I feel you owe it to me seeing as I’m the matchmaker, and I’ll tell you if you’ve stuffed it up.

Bit late to tell me now I said with a smile, I can’t do anything about it now can I?

No but tell me anyhow he requested.

I am not going to tell you what I wrote, it’s personal you cheeky bugger I told him, besides you probably told her just about all she will need to know at this stage.

That’s gratitude for you he said with a grin, although don’t worry I’ll ask her when I see her, or I’ll get Clare to ask her.

Bloody sticky beaks I said, with a laugh, I hope she doesn’t tell you.

To add to their frustration Elizabeth didn’t.

Greg told me on Wednesday that Clare asked Elizabeth if she received my letter, and she said yes.

Well Clare asked what was in it, tell me?

Elizabeth refused. What Don said is private, all I will say is I was impressed by his words, and his photo shows he is quite handsome. I will write to him later today.

Have we got a romance on the way Clare asked excitedly, and can I see the photo, I want to see what he looks like? Oh for heaven’s sake Elizabeth answered, talk about jumping to conclusions, we haven’t even met and I will show you the photo later. Oh come on l want to see him Clare persisted, you said he is good looking, can I come over and take a look? Oh hell Elizabeth said, taking my photo out of the pocket in her skirt reluctantly, here take a darn look. Aha, you must be impressed Clare stated, carrying his photo in your pocket. I just put it there when I removed it from the letter Elizabeth told her. Oh yeh Clare answered mocking her, sure you did. Removing the photo from Elizabeth’s hand and gazing at the image before her she exclaimed, Oh Elizabeth he’s yummy, grab him before some other woman gets him. Down girl down Elizabeth said, you are getting more excited than me.

Are you going to meet Clare asked? You must like what you see. Then before Elizabeth could answer, Clare dived in again where are you going to meet, at your house? You can come here if you like neutral ground so to speak.

Clare! Elizabeth said please, let me think about things first okay. One thing for sure, I won’t be meeting him at your house, it might be neutral ground, but it sure wouldn’t be private’’. Why not Clare asked? I can get Greg to invite him for tea and you can meet him then, and after he has gone home, we can discuss whether we like him or not. Pick him to pieces you mean Elizabeth asked? And what’s with the we bit? I thought it was me who had to make the decision. Well yes, but maybe two heads are better than one Clare declared, and I’m pretty good at sussing men out. If I like him, it would be a good recommendation. No Elizabeth told her, I’m sorry Clare but I want to make up my own mind on whether I like him or not in the privacy of my own home. I think he may be more at ease with just the two of us, I know I will. And Elizabeth emphasized, I’m not sure about your sussing out capabilities, they may be alright for you but I want to make my own decisions."

‘‘Oh come on Elizabeth Clare grumbled, don’t keep me in suspense, I’m dying to know what’s going to happen, and, I suss out men quite often" she stated with a smile and an air of cheeky pride.

‘‘I know you do and you are a bit excited, but you will have to be patient’’ Elizabeth answered. God I’m glad you aren’t my rival for Don or I’d be in trouble, you’d have him in bed before he got through the door. Not really Clare giggled although I can be quite naughty sometimes. Clare, you are a wanton hussy Elizabeth scolded her with a smile. No I’m not Clare replied with a laugh, I just have naughty mischievous thoughts now and then. You will let me know how it goes won’t you she asked again with a cheeky look on her face, if you need any ideas on how to snare your man, let me know.

I don’t intend to snare him as you put it Elizabeth said, now give it a rest."

Clare had no intention of giving it a rest and continued on, Are you going to make love to him, I would, I wouldn’t let him get away, Greg says he’s a nice guy, I wonder if he’s rich, ask him when you talk to him. Clare, you are incorrigible Elizabeth told her, and no I won’t be making love to him, certainly not on the first night, and I’m still married don’t forget. I have no intention of seducing him, and I don’t care if he is rich or not. Oh Elizabeth, you are so sweet and old fashioned but I’m getting excited for you, Clare declared. Are you going to wear nickers? I think I’d leave them off, maybe leave the bra off as well. Yes that’s it Elizabeth, leave them both off, show off your lovely breasts, that should get his attention. Oh and wear a low cut top, that will really get his attention. Clare you are disgusting Elizabeth scolded her, I never knew your morals were so low. Sorry, Clare replied with a laugh, I’m just joking. Then not being able to contain herself she asked, ‘‘now I promise not to ask again, but when are you going to write did you say? I didn’t say Elizabeth replied, now for heaven’s sake back off. Do it now today Clare insisted, if you don’t he may get away".

Clare! Elizabeth said raising her voice settle down before you have an orgasm. I never knew any one getting so excited over someone else meeting a man. Heavens what would you be like if it were you meeting Don, the poor man wouldn’t stand a chance. I’d be all over him like a rash Clare declared, I’d smother him in passionate kisses, and not even let him come up for air and by the time he regained his senses, it would be too late, he’d be mine. Elizabeth shook her head saying You are a wicked, wicked woman Clare and you have the hunting instincts of an alley cat." That brought them both to laughter with Clare declaring she was not going to let Elizabeth get away without telling her all about the meeting.

Okay, Okay Clare answered, raising both her hands in surrender, no more dirty talk. She then broke into laughter again asking, So, did that naughty talk get you going Elizabeth? Remember I will be watching you, and I can tell if you get any, I’ll be able to read you like a book, I’ll know if you’ve had sex or not, you won’t be able to hide it, your face will give you away, you will light up like a Neon Sign and she joked, your hair will become frizzy. When you find a great guy, you have to grab him quick or some other woman will. Is that the way you operated to get Greg Elizabeth asked? Yeh Clare answered with the look of concern, but I sometimes think I made a Boo Boo picking him. Oh Elizabeth replied, so do I detect by your shiny cat eyes your back in the hunt again? Not yet Clare answered but Don sounds interesting from what Greg tells me. Bloody hell Elizabeth uttered I haven’t even met him yet and already you have designs on him, maybe you should be the one to write to him. Sorry Elizabeth Clare apologised I’ll shut up and let you think about what you are going to say. Then again, giving it some thought, it might be more interesting if I did write for you, I could make it spicier and by the time he finished reading my letter, he would be so enticed, he would break all records getting here to meet you. Well Elizabeth told her, if I don’t like Don you are welcome to him ok. But Elizabeth emphasised, if you try to take him from me, I’ll scratch your eyes out.

I’m going home now Elizabeth declared getting up from the kitchen table where they had been sitting having their discussion, before you get any worse and corrupt my morals. No one is safe around you, not even me. I must admit I haven’t been this excited since I ensnared Greg about four years ago Clare extoled. I didn’t need to know that Elizabeth said placing her hands over her ears. How did I get mixed up with you anyhow, I thought you were a nice woman, now I find out you are an alley cat. I can’t help it, I guess I’m getting bore Clare declared. I need some excitement in my life. Yes well don’t get it through me Elizabeth replied.

See you Clare Elizabeth called as she opened Clare’s front door leaving her chuckling. Come back soon Clare called. As Elizabeth sauntered up the foot path towards her own home she thought my god Clare is a character, I must keep Don away from her if we meet otherwise that sexy bitch will take him before I have a chance. She wandered along towards her house, her thoughts drifting to what Clare had said, no nickers no bra, I wonder what it would feel like? Hell it would be naughty and provocatively sexy. Oh god, listen to me Elizabeth thought, what the hell am I thinking, that bloody Clare has corrupted my thoughts already. What would Don think of me? Would it excite him or would he be disgusted. Maybe both and it would send the wrong message about who I was. No I will be as I always am ????? Boring. Boring but decent. I am not a Clare, I’m Elizabeth.

Am I a prude she wondered? As she wandered along, probably was the answer. Is that what my fault is, I’m a boring prudish house wife? Do I need a spark or a kick up the bum? Am I old fashioned? Don won’t want a boring old fashioned house wife for his partner in life, he will probably want someone like Clare bold and beautiful. Where is my guiding angel when I need her she said to herself, if you are listening, Help, I know longer know what to do. Oh hell she asked herself, have I lost the ability to attract a man, am I passed it? Now way, she decided, I’ve still got it, I’ve seen men admire me and Don will to, I’ll bewitch him and charm him. I’ll wash my hair and be beautiful when he calls. He will call on me I know it. Before Elizabeth had reached her own house however, her thoughts had established one thing, she knew exactly the way she would be. Respectable. The no nickers no bra thing was not for her, although it did excite her she had to admit. Despite her disgust at the very idea, Elizabeth found it excited her. What the hell am I thinking about she chastised herself. Her thoughts were in such turmoil that she walked past her house and had to turn back. Damn she thought what the hell is happening here, I have never had thoughts like this before, I must get myself together bugger Clare putting thoughts into my head. Gathering her senses she looked at her watch and realised it was time she met Kent’s school bus and once again had to turn and walk down the footpath over which she had just walked.

Little did Clare know that Elizabeth on receiving my letter on Tuesday had answered it straight away, saying she hoped I didn’t think it was too soon but she wanted me to get her letter before the week was over considering it needed two days for delivery from one suburb to another. I received her letter on Thursday when I came home from work. If her letter had not reached me till Friday, I would not have been able to respond in time, as she asked me to call on her at 8pm Friday evening.

She thanked me for my letter and invited me to visit her. If you can’t make it I’ll understand she wrote, probably giving me a way out in case I suddenly got cold feet. Either way she requested me to send a Telegram with my answer as a letter would not reach her in time. Unfortunately no photo accompanied the letter, so I was still a little apprehensive.

Her letter was pleasant, describing herself as slim to medium build with long dark hair and blue eyes and that she was separated, as Greg had already told me. She also informed me she had only recently moved into the new house she now lived in and was still trying to get it established. I was encouraged despite her not mentioning her age, not that it mattered at this stage. Her description of herself tied in with what Greg had told me, the writing clear and neat. Considering the contents of the short letter, I sent her a telegram Friday while on my lunch break accepting her invitation. What the hell, I didn’t have anything better to do besides I had never met a married woman in a situation like this before. I don’t know why but this was the first time in a long while I found myself becoming excited to be meeting someone new. I was also excited to find out if Elizabeth was as lovely as Greg had told me. Meeting a woman who had been married was going to be different from meeting single girls, especially as I would be meeting her in her own home. This was a change in venue I would have to adjust to.

At this time of my life I was living at home in the suburb of Manning with Mum and Dad, and always copped a fair share of ribbing from my married brother and sisters about still being home and unattached. I had recently returned from a three year absence working in South Australia and a broken engagement to a girl I had left behind. I was trying to rebuild my lonely boring life. Was I becoming desperate?

How is the old bachelor my brother and sisters would chide me each time they came to visit Mum and Dad. Haven’t you found someone yet? Mum they would say jokingly, you better have your son checked out, we think he might be gay. I’m not gay, I’m just happy I would answer their joke, although the happy part wasn’t entirely true as I wanted to have a steady relationship with a lovely women but so far I hadn’t found that right one. My previous fiancé had proved to be unfaithful, thus the broken engagement and I had lost my trust in women to some degree.

Don’t worry about me I would tell them, one day I’ll surprise you and bring home a really lovely lady".

In your dreams they would say to me, you never go anywhere to meet lovely ladies. Fate I informed them, that’s what rules our lives. I will meet my lady through fate, you wait and see. Oh god mum they said, you look like having a frustrated grumpy old son still living with you and dad for the rest of your lives.

Oh ye of little faith I quoted, have patients, you would think I was fifty not twenty eight, what’s the rush? All good things come to those who wait remember’’.

Yes they told me, but don’t wait too long, remember fortune favours the bold.

And fools rush in where angels fear to tread I retorted, although this saying came back to haunt me after I met Elizabeth.

I could hardly wait for the night to come and despite being nervous. I thought, I wonder if Greg told me the truth about Elizabeth. I hope she is as good as he said she was. Just my luck the bugger is playing a trick on me and she is ugly with buck teeth and glasses, over weight even. I will kill him if she is. I know Elizabeth had described herself as slim to medium in her letter, but I was still apprehensive as I have heard other people say they had been deceived by people describing themselves in letters, causing disappointment when they finally meet. Unfortunately there was no photo. Her description didn’t say she didn’t wear glasses or if she was attractive. I guess she couldn’t say she was attractive without sounding conceited. That was for others to decide and as for glasses that could be ok as some people look good with glasses.

I tried not to get my expectations up too high and after carefully shaving, showering, and making a careful selection of what I was going to wear, I told Mum I was going out for a while to see my friend George, and probably wouldn’t be home late. I foolishly tried to hide the fact that I was going to meet Elizabeth because if it didn’t work out, I wouldn’t have to explain why, to my family.

Mum looked at me in a sceptical way and asked "are you sure you’re going to see George, you don’t usually wear good cloths