THE WAR BRIDE CLUB by Soraya Lane Read Free Book Online Page A

 
          The din of so many women eating had been unbearable at first, but now she found it comforting. She loved that they were all trying their hardest despite the conditions.  
          “The first issue of Sailing Wives is out today,” said Alice, piling scrambled eggs on top of a piece of hard toast. “Think there might be some good tips for us wives in there?” She waggled her eyebrows and made them all laugh.  
          “The official publication for the sailing brides of American men,” said June, mimicking the clipped voice of the onboard official.  
          “In America, your husband will expect you to sing the national anthem every morning before you leave the marital bed,” announced Betty, her voice shrill and fake.  
          They roared with laughter. Madeline had tears streaming down her face.  
          “He will expect you to forgo tea for coffee, and paint pictures of the American flag to be pinned around the house,” Betty continued.  
          They all giggled as they picked at their food.  
          “I think we should brave a stroll up on the deck in our swimsuits,” whispered Alice, voice lowered as an official passed.  
          “Huh! I don’t think they let elephants out in swimsuits,” said Betty, her hands disappearing to rest on her stomach.
          She was keeping it mostly concealed – a huge shawl wrapped around her body had kept away any unwanted attention. There were plenty of women with children on-board, the odd pregnant one, but no one was as far along as Betty.
          “What do you say, June?”
          Madeline shook her head along with June. “Not a chance! Imagine getting sent back home just for a spot of sunbathing.”
          “They wouldn’t really send us home, would they? Not just for forgoing modesty?” asked Alice.  
          Madeline got up, her plate still half full. “How about a game of cards instead? I’ll go back and get them and maybe we can show our ankles to the sun and not get in trouble.”
     
          “What are we playing for?”
          Madeline rolled her eyes at Alice. If there was one thing for sure, it was that Alice would keep them entertained until this darn ship docked.  
          “Oooh, I know!”  
          Betty’s excited voice made them all look up.
          “I know what you’re going to say,” said Alice, reclining back, her legs crossed at the ankles as she posed. “Silk stockings from the shop.”
          Betty burst into laughter, before showing off her own ankles. “No silk stockings are going to do these legs any good at the moment.”
          June tut-tutted before placing her cards out in a fan and dropping them, face up, on the table.
          “I win ladies. Tell me what the prize is.”
          “Chocolate,” said Betty, her voice animated. “Chocolate from the shop.”
          Madeline had plenty of money left, but she’d been careful with it ever since they’d left home. No amounts of sweets, gum, stockings or anything else that had been forbidden during the war were going to tempt her to spend. What if she needed it for transport? For food? What if no one was there to meet her and she had to survive on her own until she found her new family? She’d been told of the ship’s departure only days before it sailed, and hadn’t had time to confirm details with her new family. She didn’t even know if her husband was safely back home yet!
          The what ifs were making it hard to sleep at night. She had never had to fend for herself, and yet here she was with only herself to rely on.  
          “Madeline?” asked Alice.  
          She looked up.  
          “Not tempted by the illicit treats?”
          She smiled. “No, Alice. Not tempted at all.”
          Alice wasn’t going to let her get away with it – Madeline could tell by the smirk on