When World War Two began, Jeremy Martell answered the call to duty. Proudly he displayed himself in his Army uniform for Jessica. Her eyes shone with a combination of pride and sadness. She did not want him to leave; it meant he might never return. In the last moments before he boarded his military train, she clung to him desperately. Jeremy assured her of his love and promised to come back as soon as possible.

In the beginning, his letters arrived on a weekly basis. Jessica grabbed them from the hall table and eagerly carried them into her bedroom. Since the war began, she shared a New York brownstone with three other gals. In the evenings, they enjoyed sharing their boyfriend's letters. Jessica didn't feel comfortable reading Jeremy's poetic words of love with the others. She kept hers private and cherished his passionate declaration.

When the opportunity arose, Jessica found a nursing assignment in England close to Jeremy's base. She longed to meet up with him and, perhaps coordinate a week's leave. It did not take long for her to locate her lover. Jeremy expressed his delight in her arrival.

"Marry me!" Jeremy asked, falling on one knee. He took Jessica's hand and slipped an engagement ring on her finger.

Jessica said yes immediately. With the war raging around them, she didn't want to wait. Jeremy could get called to the front at any day. He might go to France or Italy where the fighting was the worst. She couldn't bear to lose him.

The following day, Jeremy arrived at Jessica's door driving a two seated roadster. Singing Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, they sped northward along a rambling road. Their destination was a secret known only to each other. They didn't wish to share their delightful plans with anyone until they were accomplished.

Finally the couple arrived at Gretna Green in Scotland. Other young soldiers and their girlfriends waited faithfully for their chance to get married. Near the end of the day, Jessica Haversford became Mrs. Jeremy Martell. They rejoiced in the clandestine nuptials at a local pub across the way.

In the snug little tavern, a huge, kilted man recited Robert Burns' famous poem in a broad Scottish accent. The thick brogue made it difficult for the American newlyweds to understand. Nevertheless, they enjoyed the quaint of words spoken their native tongue.

Jeremy picked up the accent quickly. Jessica tried but couldn't quite make her tongue work properly. When she mangled the words, her new husband kissed her to make her stop. Giggling madly, they fell into each other's arms.

Auld Lang Syne became thecatch phrase of their honeymoon. With a twinkle in his blue-gray eyes, her Jeremywould suddenly say the words in a broadest brogue each time. Jessica screamedwith laughter and clung to him tightly. They weren't mocking the poeticScotsman; he delighted them.

Wanderingthrough the Lake District, they eventually returned to London. Both Jeremy andJessica wanted to make the most of their time together. As soon as theyreturned, Jeremy received his order to go to France with his regiment. Jessicaworked in the hospital caring for the influx of wounded soldiers. War duties separatedthe newlywed pair.