Eliza sat on the cot in the spare room at the Smyth’s cottage. It
hadn’t taken her long to pack, she’d arrived with very little.
She realised she had no idea how the trains ran so she decided to
wait for Mrs. Smyth. She had to thank her for their hospitality
anyway.
At last the door to the stone cottage swung back and a puffing
Mrs. Smyth arrived home. Eliza came out into the sitting room.
“Alright my dear,” Mrs. Smyth said to Eliza, “what happened
between you two. Your Kimi looks like he’s just lost his
favourite sheltie and he’s swallowed his tongue. He really puts
on a good sulk, doesn’t he?”
“I… I can’t talk about it,” Eliza said, “I’m leaving and…”
“Aye, well it won’t be today. There’s only one train and it
leaves at midday.”
“Well, I’ll leave tomorrow, then.”
“Hadn’t you’d better say goodbye to your little mechanic?”
“No… I never want to see him again.”
“I see! You sit down, girl. I’ll fix you a little toddy. It looks
to me like you need a pick-me-up.”
Mrs. Smyth went out to the kitchen and put some fresh milk on the
stove. From a cupboard she took a clay jar and uncorked it. She
took one sniff from it and poured a generous portion into the
milk.
When the milk had heated she brought out a cup of the mixture for
Eliza.
“It’s sweet,” commented Eliza, ” and … oh… it’s certainly
warms you up. What’s in it?”
“Just a drop of mead. It’ll calm you down.”
Mrs. Smyth’s honey mead was rumoured, locally to have kept Jimmy
Lauchlan’s Beardmore motorcycle running for days during a petrol
shortage. Consequently within half an hour Eliza began to feel
very relaxed indeed.
Some time later, she was dimly aware of voices. Somehow she was
lying on a sofa with a rug over her, however she was having
difficulty taking in her surroundings or making sense of
anything.
“An excess of ardour I gather,” said the man.
“Aye, she told me everything after the second toddy,” said the
woman.
“Well, you can hardly blame the boy. He’s thought of nothing else
for 9 months.”
“That’s no excuse! You need to knock some sense into the lad.”
“Aye. How much of that mead did you give her? She looks like
she’s been hit with a cobble.”
“A little too much, I fear. The English obviously can’t hold a
little liquor.”
“Well, we’ll have to put a bit of meat on her bones. Especially
if you’re going to dose her with your medicinals again.”
“It was only for the melancholy’s.”
“Aye, well, I’m feeling a little melancholy myself. Would you
have any left in the jar?”
On the 11th hour of the 11th month of 1918, representatives of
the Allies signed the armistice with representatives of the
German government. The news was telegraphed around the world. It
arrived at Galston the next day.
Nothing much changed at the camp. It would be many months before
repatriation could be arranged, however fraternising rules were
immediately relaxed.
Although officially prisoners were not permitted to leave the
camp without permission, in reality there was increased coming
and going. Afterall there was nowhere for the prisoners to go,
anyhow.
Eliza heard the news when she woke the next morning. Actually it
was midday when she emerged from her cot in the spare room. Her
packed bag lay discarded in the corner. She winced at the glaring
sunlight.
“Eliza love, you’re looking poorly,” said Mrs. Smyth, ” would you
care for some crispy bacon?”
“No, no!” Eliza replied, ” I need a glass of water.”
“You wouldn’t have heard the news. The armistice has been signed,
we’re at peace at last.”
It took awhile for Eliza to absorb the news. Outside the villages
and soldiers were already hanging red, white and blue buntings in
preparation for a village party. The tavern was full of people
and a lone piper was walking up and down the street playing
pibroch.
The whole atmosphere, though was sombre. Too many people had lost
loved ones and had suffered so much. In any case, everyone knew
it was coming so it was a bit of an anti-climax. It would take a
dram or two for the party to start.
Mrs. Smyth gave Eliza a cup of her ‘hair of the dog’. Eliza could
taste Worcestershire sauce but little else. She was encouraged to
knock it back ‘without blinking.’
Jock Smyth staggered in about mid-afternoon. His red face and
loud voice indicated a detour at the tavern.
“Jean, Eliza! I think it’s time for that bottle of malt,” he
announced, “there’s many that aren’t coming home.”
“I think you’ve done a bit of toasting already,” said his wife, ”
I think we’d better leave it until Eliza’s feeling a wee bit
better. What’s going to happen with the Germans?”
“They stay where they are until we receive orders. I expect their
people will come and get them when they’re ready. They’re forming
a Repatriation Commission, but I’ll doubt they’ll be too quick
about it. It’s only an armistice, you see” Jock Smyth explained,
“I understand they’re going to meet in France sometime next year
to sign the peace treaty.”
“Let’s hope they don’t take too long about it.”
“Aye, well. The French will drive a hard bargain. Of that you can
be sure.”
That night, there was a reduced guard at the camp. Only two in
fact, and they were not happy. A simple church service was held
in remembrance of the dead and anyone with any uniform left put
it on. Kimi pulled out his cap, still with the legend,
‘S.M.K.L.D’ in faded gold lettering. He tacked on his tattered
airship badge onto his Government Issue POW jacket.
A U-boat man by the name of Obergefreiter Herman Schoemann
produced a German Naval Ensign from somewhere and sometime during
the night it miraculously replaced the Union Flag on the camp
flagpole. It remained up there for two days until ordered taken
down by Colonel Monroe. Otherwise the Germans were left alone
while the victorious allies celebrated.
Jock Smyth came into the camp the next day. He sat next to a
dejected Kimi sitting on the steps of his barracks.
“I hear you’re a very passionate man, young Kimi,” he said.
Blushing, Kimi replied,
“She told you?”
“Aye, at least she told Mrs. Smyth. You made her very unhappy.”
“When did she go?” Kimi asked.
“Who told you she left?”
“Y’mean… she’s still here?” Kimi said, getting up.
“Sit down! I think you and me need a little chat about your
future.”
Jock began by giving his paternal advice on how to ‘treat a
lady’.
“There’s nothing wrong with a bit of fire in the belly,” he told
him, “but, for crying out loud, have you never courted a lass,
Kimi?”
Kimi hung his head.
“Aye, well, there’s a few things you need to learn, my boy.”
Jock also told him about his visit with Colonel Monroe.
“The Colonel will have to see General Archibald himself, but I
understand the General owes a few favours to old Andy. Something
going back to Alexandria in 1882 when they were both posted there
to protect the Khedive. You know it’s a very immoral place for
foreigners, Egypt” the WO told him, smiling.
The next day, Kimi made his familiar way from the camp to the
village. This time, however he was on a different assignment.
As he approached the Smyth’s stone cottage with apprehension.
Jock appeared at the door and directed him down the path to the
back. Mrs. Smyth and Eliza were hanging out washing.
“Why don’t you two go for a walk,” said Mrs. Smyth casually,
“Eliza, you can show him the cottage.”
Head down, Eliza walked up to Kimi and wordlessly they set off up
the path.
“Eliza,” Kimi said, breaking the silence, “I’m sorry for…
for…”
“I’m sorry too,” Eliza replied in a small voice.
Kimi held out his hand and with a shy smile, Eliza accepted it.
Together they strolled towards the village.
“Where are we going?” Kimi asked.
“For a walk… somewhere,” Eliza answered cryptically.
“Oh.”
After a while they came to a stone cottage, not unlike the
Smyth’s. The front yard was overgrown and Kimi thought it hadn’t
been lived in for some time. Eliza pulled Kimi towards the gate
and opened it.
“Do you like it?” she asked.
“Sure,” said Kimi puzzled.
“Really?”
“Yes, really,” Kimi replied, still puzzled.
“Would you like to live here?” Eliza asked.
“I don’t know,” he replied, “I haven’t seen the inside.”
“I’ll show you. I have the key.”
The entrance opened out into a sitting room. It was simply
furnished with a settee and two rocking chairs, a polished
mahogany bureau was against one wall. The place had been recently
cleaned and dusted, Kimi noted.
Kimi’s eye was drawn to a landscape painting set above the
hearth. The scene was familiar but he couldn’t quite place it.
“Do you like the picture?” Eliza asked.
“Yes… it’s… vaguely familiar. Who’s the artist?”
Kimi walked up to it and squinted at the artist’s signature.
“It’s one of Bruno Lody’s,” he exclaimed, “where did you get
it.”
“Bruno painted it for… us,” Eliza said, embarrassed, “do you
know where it is?”
“It’s the Baltic,” Kimi said excitedly, “Danzig… that’s the
pier! With the boathouse down to the left! I used to go there for
my summers. Bruno painted it for us, why?”
“Mr. Smyth suggested he do one… for us, Kimi. To remind you of
home… We thought that… if you decide to stay here, of
course… I mean…Are you going to stay, Kimi?”
“I don’t know… I want to if… But they’ll want to ship me back
to Germany, won’t they? When they’ve signed the treaty? Eliza,”
he said, dropping his voice and octave, “what’s going on? What
have you and Jock been plotting?”
Eliza rapidly acquainted Kimi with the entire goings on over the
last few days. Of General Archibald and Colonel Monroe, the
favours called in and of Warrant Officer Jock Smyth. Kimi’s head
spun and he asked Eliza to slow down.
“Ok,” Eliza said, gathering herself, “Technically you are still
in the German Navy. While you are in the Navy you must be
returned to Germany where you will be discharged from service.
General Archibald has secured an early discharge for you on
compassionate grounds, Apparently your Aunt is near death and you
want to be with her in her final moments.”
“She is? I do?”
“Not really. That’s just a story they made up. The Home Office
agreed to offer you temporary residency so you can see your Aunt.
We’re just waiting for the letter.”
“But Eliza. When they find out my Aunt is fit and well, won’t
they be displeased, and deport me.”
“That depends… on if you still want to marry me? That would
give you a permanent right to stay, under the law.”
“Marry? But…”
“Do you?
“Yes… but what about you?”
“You haven’t asked me… not officially.”
“Oh.”
Eliza closed the distance towards Kimi and put her arms around
him. Kimi bent down and kissed her.
“Well?” Eliza asked.
“Um… ok… will you have me… as a husband?”
“Have you got a ring?”
“No.”
“Then you’d better get one… or I’ll won’t take youseriously.”
“Ok… I’ll just…”
“Not yet, Kimi… I haven’t shown you the rest of the cottage.”
Eliza led a stunned Kimi through the cottage. He showed him the
kitchen, laundry and spare room, all freshly cleaned and
scrubbed. Eventually they found themselves in the master
bedroom.
“And this will be our room,” Eliza led the commentary, “I mean
the bedroom…. Where we’ll sleep,” she said shyly.
Eliza sat down on the canopied double bed. It had been made with
fresh linen and a candlewick bedspread. She bounced up and down
on it, if testing it.
“Doesn’t squeak,” she announced, ” at least with one.”
Kimi sat down beside her and copied her movements.
“See?” she said.
“Let’s try it for size, shall we?” Kimi suggested. Eliza
stretched out on the bed and Kimi lay beside her.
“It should do nicely, don’t you think?” Eliza asked.
“I think so,” said Kimi rolling towards her. “Eliza? I’m sorry
for the other day. I just got… carried away. I do love you.”
“I’m sorry too,” she answered, ” I… I… guess I got a bit
frightened… you know, I’m still a… I mean… I’ve never
done…”
“And I’m experienced?” Kimi responded.
“Are you?” Kimi shook his head.
“Shall we try again?” Eliza asked.
In response Kimi leaned in and kissed her. Eliza put her arms
around him and pulled him into her.
Eliza needed no persuasion to admit Kimi’s tongue, as their
kissing grew hotter. They ran their hands up and down each
other’s backs in gentle caresses. Eventually Kimi said,
“We can get under the covers… if you want… I mean… there’s
no fire… it’s chill in here.”
To Kimi’s surprise, Eliza agreed. She sat up and hoisted her
sweater over her head. Demurely she began to undo her long
skirt.
“You will be… careful, Kimi… please?” she said.
“Of course… I’ve learnt my lesson… really!”
Kimi watched Eliza take off her skirt before shedding his own
jersey. Soon he had stripped to his long johns and snuggled under
the bedspread next to Eliza. Hesitatingly they resumed kissing.
After a while Kimi’s hand began to roam around Eliza’s front. In
response she slipped her hands under his shirt and onto his
skin.
“Be careful with the buttons,” she whispered to him.
At that, Kimi carefully undid the buttons of Eliza’s shirt, this
time all the way to the waist. Gently he stroked her little
breasts with their swelling nipples. Their breathing grew
faster.
Kimi pulled off his own shirt and together they stroked each
other’s chest.
“You’ve got nice muscles,” she breathed, “nice and hard. Do they
feel the same when I touch them?” she said, touching his
nipples.
“The same as what?”
“Well… mine… all tingly.”
“Kind of… I guess. How does this make you feel,” he said,
pulling on her stiffening nipples.
“Oh… very nice… very, very nice. Kimi… you can put your
hand down… between my legs… if you want. Just don’t grab
me… yes… gentle.”
Kimi reached down and stroked her pussy through her bloomers.
Eliza opened her legs for Kimi to gain access.
“It’s warm… and damp,” he said.
“Oh Kimi… just right… like that,” said Eliza, panting.
Boldly, Eliza placed her hand over Kimi’s erection. The warm pipe
seemed to swell in her hand. Slowly she began to undo his fly
buttons.
“Mrs. Smyth… suggested I do this… to calm you down… she
said,” Eliza whispered, “she said… otherwise… I won’t fit…
into my wedding… dress.”
“What did she… oh… I get it… she means youcould…get…”
“Exactly!” Eliza chuckled, “oh it’s smooth… and funny,” she
said freeing Kimi’s cock.
Slowly Eliza began to stroke Kimi’s cock.
“Is this right?” Kimi nodded, “good… tell me…when you…
y’know.”
“Ok.”
“It opens in the front too,” she said, “that’s if you want to.”
Kimi undid the buttons of Eliza’s bloomers. He carefully inserted
his hand. He looked into her eyes as he felt around her pussy
hair. He carefully watched her reaction as he sought out her
pleasure centres. She gave a start when Kimi ran a finger along
her slit.
“Sorry.”
“No, it’s… alright… keep doing that… I like it. Just not so
hard.”
Kimi continued to follow her lead as she continued her
manipulation of his cock.
She gave a jerk and gripped his erection.
“Ouch…” Kimi yelped.
“Sorry… I… Oh Kimi… oh… uh… Kim… keep… going…
fast… oh…”
Eliza started to thrust herself forward onto Kimi’s hand, panting
and gasping. With a growl she grabbed Kimi’s hand and ground
herself against it in a series of spasms.
“Oh… sorry… oh… I couldn’t hold…” she panted, “oh… so
good… better… than… my…”
“Your what?’ asked Kimi.
“Don’t… ask…” she panted, smiling.
After she’d calmed down from her orgasm, Eliza said,
“You didn’t… finish?”
“No! I guess that’s means I’m going to have to get you pregnant,”
Kimi joked.
“No!” replied Eliza, laughing, “don’t you dare! Here…” she
resumed her ministrations. “Too awkward… why don’t you sit on
me… up here?” she suggested.
Eliza made Kimi sit on top of her so his cock was over her chest.
She pulled her shirt apart, exposing her breasts. That way she
could reach him with her hand easier. She resumed stroking him.
Kimi looked at her little tits with the big nipples, wobbling
below him. Just under him her bloomers were open, exposing her
black thatch of pussy hair and glistening slit. It wasn’t long
before his penis attained its fully erect state.
“Grip harder… faster…” he instructed as Eliza jerked him. He
watched the sexy sight of his future wife under him, her pretty
face, now serious, as she bent to the task at hand.
“Never seen one before,” she giggled, “not like this. Does it
squirt much?”
“You’re… going… to… find… out… soon… eeaarg…” Kimi
grunted as his cock pumped his white juice over Eliza’s chest,
face and hair. Eliza continued to rub until Kimi stopped her.
“That’s enough… stop… sorry… it’s all… over you.”
“So it is… I didn’t think you had so much… ugh, it’s in my
hair,” she said wiping her face.
After a while they lay together in the afterglow.
“I hope you have some more left,” Eliza said.
“More of what?”
“Your… stuff.”
“What for,” Kimi asked.
“For our wedding night, you twit,” said Eliza, laughing.