Chasing The Tide

FRANTICALLY willing on the weary pony and dreading what he might find, Bryn approached the two figures huddled together on the saturated sand.

The angry-looking water was approaching at breakneck speed, and a swirling mist was heading forward like a giant, all-consuming blanket.

He knew he had not a moment to lose.

Bryn jumped on to the sand, the water squelching beneath his sinking boots, and moved across to Rhona, whom he immediately swept up in his arms.

“Don’t be afraid, Rhona,” he whispered, feeling her ice-cold cheek against his own. “You’re safe now.”

He signalled to Nedra to get to her feet.

Nedra moved like lightning, jumping into her cart and taking control of the reins.

“Go, Nedra!” Bryn called as he laid Rhona inside his own cart and tore off his jacket to cover her.

Then he, too, took hold of his reins and the two carts raced as quickly as their ponies would allow back to shore.

An even larger crowd had by now gathered on the beach, their hearts in their mouths.

As the two carts drew near, no-one dared cheer, instead maintaining a respectful silence.

The crowd moved away to give space to Dr Hughes and the ambulance, which had already been summoned.

Only as news began to circulate that Rhona had opened her eyes and was breathing unaided did a muted applause ripple through the throng.

Bryn carried his beloved Rhona to the hospital vehicle, where Bronwen stood waiting, pale and anxious.

Then the girl was taken from his arms and the young hero found himself being hassled goodhumouredly on all sides by the relieved villagers.

He tried desperately to break free and watch the ambulance as it mounted the cliff path but, in the mêlée, he quickly lost sight of the vehicle as it raced to Swansea General.

Nedra, meanwhile, had refused medical treatment. Shaken and unusually silent, she was led home by friends.

Bryn stood still for a while, somewhat stunned by events, not knowing what to do now that the urgency of the situation had subsided.

He had wanted to go with Rhona to the hospital, if only to make sure she was out of danger, but knew it was only right that a mother should be there to comfort her child at this time.

All the same, he now felt a closeness to Rhona that he hadn’t known before.

He could still feel her slender frame in his arms and he felt sad that things had turned out as they had.

Unrequited love was just so hard to bear.

The congratulatory back pats and hearty handshakes began to decrease and the crowd dispersed in the mist that now hung low over the bay.

Bryn looked about him and was suddenly conscious of a small man standing before him, thin and pale-faced. He held out his hand to Bryn.

“I must thank you, lad,” David said, his voice faltering, “for saving my daughter.

“A brave man you are, indeed. I am indebted to you, sir.”

Bryn smiled and took the hand willingly.

“How is she, Mr Evans?” he asked. “In all the chaos, I couldn’t hear what the doctor was saying.”

“She’ll be all right. Hypothermia and exposure, the doctor said, but her pulse was strong and she’s a healthy child.

“The hospital will check her over, but it all looks promising, thanks to you.”

“I can’t tell you how glad I am to hear that, Mr Evans,” Bryn replied.

****

Rhona was allowed home from hospital two days later, with strict instructions to rest for the remainder of the week.

A collection was made in the village towards her hospital costs, and with agreement from the mining board and the miners themselves, the remainder was met by the mine’s own emergency fund.

The fact that Bryn hadn’t been at work on the day of the incident was deemed an act of fate and he was warmly welcomed back to the pithead.

The lad’s heart wasn’t in his job, however. It never would be.

Despite the close friends he’d made over the years, he was itching to leave the dangers of the mine, and keener than ever to make a new life for himself.

He toyed several times with the idea of trying to visit Rhona at home, just to be assured that she was on the mend and to clear the air between them so that he could leave the village on friendly terms.

But then the scene in Swansea’s high street would inevitably come back to haunt him and he remembered the handsome stranger who had bowed to Rhona and kissed her fondly on the hand.

Instead, Bryn bought her flowers and a card wishing her well.

As soon as he could, he decided, he would take himself off to the Swansea docks to see if he could secure employment on one of the boats.

Time away from the village was still the only way he knew of piecing his broken heart back together.

****

“These flowers are beautiful, and they must have cost a pretty sum,” Nedra remarked as she stood at the window in Rhona’s parlour and breathed in the aroma. “Bryn must be fond of you.”

She looked coyly behind her at her friend in the rocking-chair by the fire.

Over the past few days, Rhona’s health had improved dramatically.

“I think I saw him pass by on his way to the night shift at the mine just now.”

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me, Nedra? I need to thank him.”

Rhona threw off the blanket that Bronwen insisted she keep wrapped round her.

“Can you still see him?” She moved over to the window and scoured the lane leading to the mine.

“Too late,” Nedra replied casually, picking up her newspaper and flicking through it to see her photograph for the umpteenth time.

“I’m surprised he hasn’t called round to see you in person, Rhona. I’m sure your mother couldn’t refuse him a short visit after what he’s done.

“I mean, she’s allowed me to step over the threshold for once, hasn’t she?”

Rhona sat down in the chair again. She hadn’t told Nedra about her encounter with Bryn in the Swansea café and what a mess she had made of everything.

“I’ve known for ages that he’s sweet on you,” Nedra continued as she paced up and down. “It’s as clear as glass.”

“We’re just friends,” Rhona replied, poking at the embers for something to do.

“Oh, yes?” Nedra smiled. “So why, then, when Bryn and I went for a walk along the salt marsh that time, was he looking across at you on the beach the whole time?

“He had eyes only for you and listened to not one word I said that day.

“He’s crazy about you, Rhona.” Nedra stooped down beside Rhona and patted her hand.

“I’m sorry I spoke so rudely about him, because he’s truly a very brave man. If I were you I’d snap him up.”

“Do you think so, Nedra?” “Oh, Rhona, what an innocent you are!”

The girls looked at each other and began to laugh. Things were back to normal between them and it felt good.

“Mind you, you’ll have to be quick if you want to do anything about it,” Nedra added as she stood and picked up her shawl.

“Rumour has it Bryn’s heart isn’t in the mine any more and he’s off to Swansea to get work on

Unrequited love was just so hard to bear

the boats,” she added.

Rhona’s hand went to her mouth and her mood changed in an instant.

“Oh, Nedra, how do you know this? I simply can’t let him go without speaking to him. There’s something I need to explain.”

She stood up and grabbed her friend by the shoulders.

“I’ll wake up early in the morning and walk to the mine. I must see him, Nedra.”

“Whoa, there!” Nedra exclaimed as she absorbed this latest outburst.

She took Rhona’s hands and held them in her own.

“Be sensible. You can’t possibly go out in the early morning chill. Not when you’re just getting better.”

“Now you’re sounding like my mother, Nedra,” Rhona grumbled. “This is so important to me.

“Bryn once asked me out, but I threw his offer back in his face.

“Things have been so awkward between us since then and it’s all been my fault.

“He’s probably only going away because of me. So I just have to see him.”

Nedra paused and sighed.

“Well, if you’re really sure, who am I to stop you? You’re in love, my dear, and love knows no bounds!”

The two friends hugged, and by the time Bronwen hurried into the parlour to tell Nedra she had outstayed her welcome, the subject was dropped.

But as Nedra walked to the door, she tapped her friend on the shoulder and mouthed, “Good luck”.

****

It was all settled. As soon as his shift had ended, Bryn would shower in the communal washroom, then hop on the early tram which would take him directly to Swansea docks.

His hope was that he might secure a job quite easily, then he would come home, happy that his plan was now on course.

It was the first time in years that Bryn had entered the mine with the hint of a smile on his face.

****

Rhona had slept restlessly, fearing she might miss the stream of men as they ended their night’s work.

She needed to be at the mine before the first lift came up, and knew she had to be extra alert, for when the men did surface it was hard to distinguish any of them from each other due to the muck covering their faces.

Most would be eager to get home to their tin baths and warm beds.

She was confident she would recognise Bryn among them, for he was taller than most and always strode out at a fast gait.

Rhona rose from her bed and shivered as her bare toes reached the icy floor.

She must be quiet this morning, for Bronwen was a light sleeper and, once roused, would doubtless stand in her way if she knew what her plan was.

It was still dark outside, though a speck of daylight was beginning to appear beyond the mountain that backed the mine.

She could see one or two lamps being lit in the houses across the courtyard: a sign that the cocklers had also risen.

The girl got dressed and remembered to pile on her warm clothes.

She took a large slice of fruitcake from the pantry, which she wrapped in a cloth and placed in her apron pocket, then she drank a little milk.

Without further ado she opened the scullery door and slid outside, gasping a little as the cold air hit the back of her throat.

The siren blew for the end of the night shift as Rhona reached the mine.

In an instant the iron gates were drawn back and a few men appeared with their lamps, wiping their eyes as they grew accustomed again to the light.

She stood just behind the gatekeeper’s shed, hearing the men hand in their metal tokens and speak their names before they dispersed through the village.

Dozens appeared, and Rhona squinted as she peered through the lines.

Fear rose in her chest. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

Maybe she should just have waited at Bryn’s house for his return, even though her neighbours would have seen her.

She stamped her feet to ward off the cold and her stomach rumbled. What she would have given for a hot cup of tea.

Then a voice behind her made her jump.

“Can I help you, madam? Are you looking for someone?”

She turned and noticed the owner of the voice immediately.

It was Bryn’s father, the mine supervisor.

He recognised Rhona, too.

“Rhona, what brings you down here at this unearthly hour? I thought you were still recovering.”

She didn’t reply for a moment. She hadn’t expected Bryn’s father to be so pleasant towards her and was momentarily caught off guard.

But it was too cold and early for her brain to fabricate a story. It was better to be straight with the man, she decided.

“I was looking for Bryn, Mr Thomas. I heard that he was thinking of leaving the mine and I wanted to thank him for all he has done for my family and to give him my good wishes.”

“Oh!” Mr Thomas scratched his chin and looked at the ground. “I’m afraid that may be a little difficult.

“Bryn left the pithead ten minutes ago and went to catch the early Swansea tram. I think you may be too late.”

Rhona was crestfallen and looked across at Bryn’s father, the disappointment etched in her face.

She gathered her wits. “I’ll run like the wind,” she said. “I may be lucky, Mr Thomas.”

Then she spun round and tore down the slipway that turned into the valley, her skirt billowing in the slight breeze.

“Good luck!” Mr Thomas shouted as the screeching lift carried the first of the morning shift down to the coal face.

****

Bryn was a little rattled. The bus was late.

He sat on a mound of grass beside the bus stop, listening for the rumble of the engine and trying to catch sight of any flashes of silver through the distant trees.

The countryside remained unstirred.

Rhona saw him from the brow of a small hill. He was still there. All her effort had been rewarded.

She took a deep breath and called out to him.

He stood up at the sound and felt he was staring at some sort of mirage.

“Wait for me, Bryn!” she shouted, frightening the few starlings that were roosting in a nearby gorse bush.

She ran full pelt down the short incline and they fell into each other’s arms as if there had never been one moment’s tension between them.

“I couldn’t let you go before clearing the air.” Rhona panted. “Oh, Bryn, I fear I have upset you so.”

He held her close and could feel the rapid beat of her heart.

“But why leave us so suddenly? Without even a word of goodbye?”

He stroked the back of her head, running her hair through his fingers.

“I felt my life was on hold, Rhona. The future looked so bleak. I couldn’t face another day at the mine in the dust and darkness.

“I am not like the others, resigned to living out my years underground just because my family always have and it is expected of me.

“When I saw you in the high street in Swansea with another man kissing your hand, that was the final straw.

“I had lost you. I had nothing left to keep me here.

“I felt you had deceived me, dashing my hopes in one fell swoop.”

She pulled away from Bryn and looked at him with sad eyes.

“I could never deceive you, Bryn. Oh, if only I’d had the courage of my convictions from the start.

“That day in the café, I was overwhelmed by my feelings for you, but I didn’t know how to respond.

“I knew I could never attend the Coronation party and go against my mother, and I’m truly sorry. I know better now.

“When I ran from you, I found myself lost in the town. Then Nedra and her friends came along and she asked me to sing.

“One of the men could see I was upset and tried to be kind. How could I see anyone else when I only have eyes for you?” she finished.

Bryn pulled her to him again and kissed her. All that had gone before was forgotten in an instant.

Then came the agonising blast of the mine klaxon. A

long, interminable sound that echoed round the bay.

Bryn’s expression changed as he listened.

“It’s the alarm. There’s something wrong at the mine!” he cried. “We must go back at once.”

****

People were already rushing from their homes, along the stony paths and across the fields as Rhona and Bryn approached.

Very soon, a crowd had gathered at the gate.

Some of the men who had been working were already leaving the mine, distressed, their eyes shining through the grime on their faces.

“What’s happened, Dai?” Bryn anxiously asked one of the men as he filed past.

“A roof fall,” the fellow replied. “The lights are out and some of the roof shafts have collapsed. There are two men trapped.

“Hopefully they will reach them before the tunnel fills with gas.”

Bryn turned to Rhona and took her hand in his.

“I must go, Rhona. I know those tunnels like the back of my hand. You understand, don’t you?”

She looked up at him and nodded.

“When I come back to you, my love, will you marry me?” he asked.

Rhona smiled and then he was gone.

Rhona stood, shaking. Her head was swirling.

She felt weak, but she wouldn’t leave him. Not again.

She fell back against a low wall and prayed.

****

There were four men who went down in the cage.

Ill prepared and running on adrenaline, they disregarded the pleas of the foreman to await the trained rescue team. Time was of the essence.

Bent double and sometimes on their knees, the men crawled through the maze of tunnels, stopping now and again to call out.

As yet there was no sign of fire or methane gas that so often followed a rock fall or explosion, but Bryn knew they couldn’t be complacent.

Things could change in an instant.

Beads of perspiration covered his brow, his hands were torn and scratched and his breathing fast and laboured.

However much he hated this place, he knew he would never turn his back on an injured fellow man.

Then a voice was heard – a feeble cry for help. They were close.

A pile of rocks lay in front of the four rescuers and parts of the wooden roof supports were strewn along the tunnel, blocking their way.

Visibility was bad now, since a certain amount of dust was being kicked up as they quickened their pace, covering their lamps.

Then four pairs of hands were desperately digging at the mass, until the top of a man’s head appeared.

They knew they now had a chance.

****

Outside, the crowd remained eerily silent. Heads were bowed, hands were gripped and bodies stiff with fear.

Then the bell cut through the silence. The bell that signalled the lift was winding up.

Everyone held their breath.

****

Earlier that morning, Bronwen had found Rhona’s empty bed.

“Where are you, my girl?” she muttered to herself.

She looked out of the window and saw Nedra leading her pony to her cart.

Bronwen stepped outside. “Have you seen Rhona, Nedra?” she asked.

Nedra stopped what she was doing, a look of surprise on her face. “I haven’t, Mrs Evans.” “Oh, but where can she be? She’s not in her bed. She surely hasn’t already gone out with the cocklers?”

Bronwen gathered up her skirt and turned to hurry back inside, but Nedra stopped her in her tracks.

“Mrs Evans,” she said. “I think there’s something you should know . . .”

****

He was safe. They all were.

Weary and blackened, the men stepped from the cage, four upright and two on stretchers.

Broken bones, they said, but no lives in danger.

A sigh of relief ran through the waiting crowd and heads were lifted and smiles broke out.

Bryn walked over to Rhona, waiting by the wall, and she fell into his arms.

“Oh, Bryn. The answer to your question is yes,” Rhona said. “I would be happy to marry you.”

****

Bronwen was furious. “I should have known this would happen,” she said, wringing her hands.

“And you never backed me up, did you, David?

“In love, Nedra says. Our girl, in love. I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous.”

David sat quietly in his chair and waited for this latest outburst from Bronwen to run its course, then he replied.

“It’s not ridiculous at all, Bronwen,” he replied, sitting up straight. “It’s what happens to young people, isn’t it? They fall in love.

“The ridiculous thing is your unwillingness to see anyone else’s point of view. To forgive and forget.

“I’ve been fool enough to let you carry on. But it must stop, Bronwen, and it will stop now!”

Bronwen looked shocked by her husband’s outburst.

“I know you love the child, Bronwen, but she’s a young woman. A woman with her own mind.

“If she loves Bryn Thomas, then so be it. He’s a good lad.”

Bronwen was shaking now and David took her in his arms.

“We were young once. Young, foolish and in love.

“Remember that time on the ? When I took you in my arms and told you I’d be proud to call

Glen Gower

you my wife?

“I still am,” he added. “You’ve done a wonderful job of taking care of me and bringing up Rhona, but it’s time to let her go.”

****

It was eerily quiet at home when Rhona opened the door.

She took a deep breath. Her mother would be angry, but she was stronger now, more resilient.

She opened the door to the sitting-room and Bronwen and David were both sitting quietly, staring at her.

Then her mother got up and walked across and hugged her.

“Oh, Rhona, have I really been too hard on you?”

Rhona laid her head on her mother’s shoulder.

It had been a long time since she had done so, but it felt good.

She looked across at her father, who seemed calm and happy. Something had happened.

“Oh, Ma, what’s all this? I’m fine, I really am. Please don’t cry. Everything’s going to be all right.”

****

Later that evening, Bryn came to call.

Things in the Evans’s household were a little stiff and formal at first, but once Bryn had asked for Rhona’s hand, David did his best to be welcoming.

They talked about the mine rescue, while Bronwen fussed around a little awkwardly, bringing in cakes and drinks.

Then Bryn stood up, faced the three of them and cleared his throat.

“I expect you know that I have decided to leave the mine and find myself another job. Well, this afternoon, I have done just that.

“I shall now be a member of the crew of a large vessel now moored at Swansea docks.”

Bronwen gasped, while David looked serious.

Rhona stood and ran to Bryn’s side, looking a little perplexed.

“Bryn, what boat is

this? Where will you sail to?”

Bryn put his arm around her shoulder and a broad smile filled his face.

“I shan’t be sailing far,” he said. “Just round the Gower coast and up to Ilfracombe. I’ve been taken on as a maintenance man on the

“Eight months at sea and four months on shore, painting and repairing in dry dock. The captain offered me the job on the spot.”

Rhona clapped her hands and clung to him as if she would never let go.

“The David chuckled. “I always felt that old paddle steamer would be lucky for us.”

Then Bryn looked across at Bronwen.

“Rhona told me the ship had special memories for you and that she had always wanted to treat you both to a trip one day.

“I have taken the liberty of buying you tickets for her first outing this summer.”

There was silence for a moment.

Rhona looked up at Bryn and kissed his cheek. She loved him more than ever.

“There’s just one more thing, Mr Evans,” Bryn went on. “My father wants to offer you the post of part-time clerk at the mine.

“Would you think about it and let him know?”

David could only smile and nod, while a tear fell from Bronwen’s eye.

Glen Gower. Glen Gower?” ****

“So you’ll be a sailor’s wife very soon, then?”

It was the afternoon of the Coronation party. Nedra looked stunning in her red dress and matching ribbons, but Rhona was a fitting match for her today.

Bronwen and David had bought her a blue satin dress from Olwyn’s as an engagement present.

Nedra took her arm and the pair walked past the empty tables which only a few hours before had been laden with food.

On an improvised stage on the green, one of the locals was playing his violin and trying to encourage the crowd to dance.

“The nicest part is that we won’t need the cockling any more as Da will be working again.

“Bryn hopes to buy some land and build our future home.

“Oh, but enough about me, Nedra. What are your plans?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” Nedra smiled. “I was offered a permanent place in the repertory company at the Grand.

“Just small roles to start with, but you know me, Rhona . . .

Rhona turned to her friend and they hugged. “That’s wonderful!” “Isn’t it just?” Nedra agreed. “I have to find digs in Swansea, but I can’t stop thinking of that huge marble staircase, the plush seats and the audience all crammed in, watching.

“Rhona, I’m so excited I think I shall burst!”

“Rhona, I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Bryn caught her arm. Nedra smiled. “That’s love for you. Can’t keep away.” She chuckled as she dashed off.

“They’re asking you to sing,” Bryn said. “If you don’t want to –”

“It’s all right, Bryn,” she interrupted, her cheeks glowing.

“I will. I feel so full of emotions just now, I need to sing. And I know just the song.”

Rhona made her way to the stage and proceeded to sing “Myfanwy”, her mother’s favourite song.

As she did so, Rhona watched her mother, one arm through David’s, and remembered how much they had gone through.

She saw Nedra, her dear friend, swaying as if in a dream, and thought how brave she was, stepping out into the world alone.

Then there was Bryn, her saviour. The loving man she had hoped for, looking at her with pride in his eyes.

She sang like a nightingale, her voice rising on the wind, filling the village and carrying along the lane to the dunes and out to the bay.

The End.