Christmastime 1942: A Love Story

“By the way, you were right about Edith. Charles asked Mr. Mason, and apparently Edith is seeing someone – an actor.”

Izzy nodded. “Desmond Burke. He’s a Shakespearean actor, and he’s done a lot of off-Broadway. He seems like a swell guy. Sure helps out at the Canteen. Several girls have set their caps at him, but he wasn’t interested. Until Edith-the-mystery-woman showed up. He can’t keep his eyes off her.” Izzy took another bite of her sandwich, and then cocked her head as she considered something. “She’s a funny mix.”

“Edith? I know what you mean. I was trying to explain it to Charles. She’s both earthy and other-worldly at the same time. That contrast is part of what makes her so beautiful. That low, soft voice, and her sudden actions. I told Charles that she has the kind of beauty an artist would appreciate.”

“You’re right. She’s full of contradictions. At first, I thought maybe she was shy. The way she sometimes looks down or away – but then other times her gaze is piercing, goes right through you. She’s different – I like her. It’s almost like she’s from another time. She dresses in clothes a good decade old, sometimes older – longer hems, scarves and shawls. I assumed it was to disguise her limp – though it’s really not so noticeable. But those older fashions somehow suit her.” Izzy picked up the dessert menu. “Feel like some ice cream? While we can still get it?”

“Sure, why not? Chocolate for me,” Lillian said to the waitress.

“And I’ll have peppermint. Two scoops. With chocolate syrup,” Izzy called out to the vanishing waitress.

“Anyway,” said Lillian. “I’m happy for Edith that she has a friend.”

“Oh, I think he’s more than a friend. I saw them by chance late one night – early morning really – getting into a cab. And they didn’t look like friends.”

Lillian considered this, holding her coffee cup. “I guess that’s why Mr. Mason is concerned. Well, she’s a grown woman, after all.” She took a sip of her coffee, and suddenly looked over at Izzy. “And what were you doing out so late?”

“I’m a grown woman, too,” laughed Izzy.