Battles Lost and Won (8 page)

‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘I don’t want a sister, and nanny said Daddy needs a son, so it’s got to be a boy.’

‘We shall have to wait and see. Now, show me what you have been working on.’ He wasn’t sure how this would go, but he’d do his best to find something to interest Lilly. He didn’t think it would be too difficult for she had a lively mind.

She held out an exercise book, looking at him expectantly. ‘I like writing, but I’m not very good at sums. I can draw and I love learning about all the old Kings and Queens.’

‘You like history?’

She nodded, slipped off her seat and went over to the bookshelf. ‘I’ve got some picture books. Would you like to see them?’

‘Yes, bring them over and we’ll spend the first hour on history.’ This was Bob’s favourite subject and would be a good way to start.

The morning flew by. Not only was Lilly a bright child, but she continually bombarded him with questions. Her reading was good for one so young, and he realized she must have an excellent tutor. Although he had never met him, Bob hoped one day to have a talk with him. It was a challenge keeping a lively child’s mind off what was happening, but he felt he was doing a reasonably good job. Perhaps he should see if he could become a teacher after all. He knew he was reaching for the impossible because he had only received an elementary education at school, but it didn’t hurt to have something to reach for. One teacher had encouraged him by taking the trouble to give him homework on subjects not covered in class. Not many teachers working in the slum areas bothered very much with the children, and he would always be grateful to that man. School would have become boring for him otherwise, because he was always way ahead of the other children. The extra work kept his mind stimulated.

They took a break when lunch was brought up to them, and they were just about to resume lessons when the captain entered the schoolroom.

Lilly rushed up to her father. ‘Is my brother here yet?’

‘Yes, darling.’ The captain swung his daughter up, smiling broadly. ‘Your mother and the baby are resting now, but they are both well, and it is a boy.’

She grinned at Bob as her father put her down again. ‘I told you, didn’t I?’

‘You did. Congratulations, sir.’

‘Thank you, Bob, we are both delighted. Now, Lilly, have you been a good girl and studied your lessons?’

‘Yes, Daddy. We’ve had a lovely time. Bob knows ever such a lot of things. He’s the best teacher I’ve ever had – just like you said he would be.’

Bob frowned. He hadn’t questioned why he had been called upon to teach Lilly, because someone had to keep the girl occupied and they had always got on well together, but now it did seem strange that a stable boy had been given the task. ‘How did you know I could do this, sir?’ he asked quietly.

‘Your daddy told him,’ Lilly burst out, gazing up at her father. ‘Can I see Mummy and the baby now?’

The little girl’s excited chatter faded into the background. ‘Has he been here, sir?’ Bob asked.

‘No. I told him I didn’t think it would be a good idea for you to meet yet.’

‘You tracked him down?’ Bob didn’t want to believe that, but when he looked in the captain’s eyes he saw the truth – and it hurt. He had liked and respected this man, but he had no right to interfere in this way. He should at least have told him what he’d wanted to do! Without a word, Bob walked out of the room, down the stairs, and out of the house. And he kept on walking.

‘Green!’ Ben shouted at the top of his voice, and the butler arrived out of breath. ‘Look after Lillian for me.’ Then he was running down the stairs, intent on catching Bob.

He was nearly at Mrs Trent’s lodging house before he saw the boy, and called for him to stop.

Bob turned to face him, his expression thunderous. ‘I only told you about my family so you would see the damage excessive drinking could do. You had no right to do this without telling me. I trusted you to keep what I’d told you to yourself, and you’ve broken that trust.’

‘You asked, but if you remember, I never agreed. But trust – that’s the important thing to you, is it?’

‘Yes. I believed that when Dad came home he would take care of Mum. I’d done my best during the war, but I was only a kid, and he was big and strong. The man I remembered never came back.’

‘We were all changed,’ Ben told him quietly.

‘I soon realized that, Captain, but I couldn’t trust him to stay sober long enough to get a job so we could pay the rent. When Mum died I felt he had betrayed both of us.’

‘It must have been devastating for a young boy, but I’m not going to apologize. I met some very kind people who care deeply for you. They had a right to know you are safe.’

‘And you thought you had the right to tell them?’

‘Someone had to. You haven’t even sent a note to the Coopers to let them know you are safe. You’re father is sober and working, but he’s had a rough time, and has been worried about you. Don’t you care?’

‘I’m glad he’s managed to pull himself together, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s too late. Goodbye, Captain Russell. Take good care of your lovely family.’

‘Where the hell do you think you are going?’

‘I really don’t know.’ Bob turned and walked towards the house where Mrs Trent was standing at the door.

The captain tried one last plea. ‘Lilly will miss you. She will be upset.’

Bob’s long stride faltered for a moment, then lengthened again. He didn’t look back.

‘Dammit, Bob, you don’t have to do this!’ But his plea went unanswered as he followed him into the house.

‘All right,’ he called to the boy, taking the stairs three at a time. ‘I should have asked your permission before going to see your father, but you helped me and I wanted to do something for your family in return.’

A door closed upstairs with a thud and Ben sighed. ‘That daughter of mine has big ears, Mrs Trent, and she remembers everything we say. What’s he going to do? Go back to digging ditches?’

‘What’s happened, Captain Russell?’

He told her and she nodded her understanding. ‘That boy is in a mess. He clearly loved his mother very much, and watching her suffer has damaged him.’

Ben’s expression was grim. ‘I don’t want him to go, but I can’t stop him.’

‘No, you can’t, Captain. He’s got to work this out for himself.’

Bob came down the stairs with his bundle of clothes over his shoulder, and the captain stepped up to him. ‘I know you feel you can’t stay now, but if you ever want to come back there will always be a place here for you. And for God’s sake come to me if you are ever in any trouble or need a helping hand.’

‘And your room will be waiting for you,’ Mrs Trent told him.

He kissed her lightly on the cheek, and then walked out of the door and up the road towards the station.

There was a nip in the air and Bob shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked beside the Thames. For the last couple of weeks he had been moving restlessly from place to place doing a variety of jobs ranging from errand boy to farm labourer, and anything else he could get. On the whole he had done quite well, and always had enough for a proper bed at night. He had been determined that there would be no more sleeping in barns, but the summer was almost over and he didn’t fancy wandering around the country during the winter months. It was time to find something more permanent for a while.

He stopped to watch some swans gliding along and a smile touched his lips. Richmond upon Thames seemed a nice place, so perhaps he could find something here. He badly needed time to sort out his confused thoughts. He had been happy with the Russells . . . No, not happy, he hadn’t been happy since his mum died, but he’d been content – yes that was it. Why had Captain Russell interfered and brought all the pain to the surface again? He’d worked hard, never causing any trouble, and that should have been enough for him.

The light was fading and this stirred him into action. He must find somewhere to sleep tonight. At least this time he had carefully saved money in his pocket, but after seeing the large houses along the river he decided to walk up the hill and find something more modest. At the top the view was lovely and he told himself he must come here again when there was enough light to see clearly. There was a road to his left with a few small shops, so he headed for those. The butcher’s shop was preparing to close.

‘Could you tell me if there is anywhere around here I could find lodgings for the night?’ he asked the man.

‘You could try Mrs Summers; she takes in lodgers. You want Forest Road, number twenty-eight. It’s the first turning on the left.’

‘Thanks. And I’ll have one of your pies, please.’

‘Finest steak and kidney pies you can get,’ the butcher told him proudly. ‘And all ready to eat.’

Bob paid him and munched as he looked for the house. He soon found it and was lucky: she had a spare room, and had even given him sandwiches and tea when he’d arrived.

The lady of the house – Pat, he’d been told to call her – served a hearty breakfast, and after eating everything put in front of him, he asked, ‘Is there any chance of work in this area? I’m not fussy what I do.’

Pat studied him for a moment, then said, ‘Well, you’re a strong boy and they could probably do with you at Grove House. You can walk there from here.’

She gave him instructions and he set off, hopeful of finding something to do. It was another lovely day and Bob whistled as he walked along. He quite liked this place and really hoped he could stay for a while.

He soon found the large house, but when he stepped inside, he stopped dead, frowning as he caught sight of a nurse pushing someone in a wheelchair. Was this a hospital?

‘Can I help you?’

The quiet voice behind him made him spin around to face the woman who had spoken. She had the most serene expression on her face, and for some reason it tugged at his heart. ‘I was told there might be a job going here.’

‘We could certainly use someone with your build and strength, but it will depend upon your temperament. What is your name?’

‘Robert Hunter.’ What on earth did she mean by that?

‘I’m Sister Headley. Come into my office, Robert, and we’ll have a talk.’

‘Everyone calls me Bob, Sister.’ He waited for her to sit before doing so himself, then he remained silent, not asking any questions. For some odd reason he was relaxed and almost at peace, and he felt that somehow this woman’s inner tranquillity was touching him. How strange.

‘This is a special place, Bob,’ she began. ‘We care for men who were badly injured in the war, and our aim is to help them to become as independent as possible. You could be a big help to us, but it is not a job everyone can do.’

Bob was shocked, and knew he should walk out of here, but somehow he couldn’t.

‘We would be happy to employ you for a trial period of two weeks, but if at any time you want to leave, you can do so. Would you like me to show you around the house?’

‘Please.’ He stood up and allowed her to walk out of the room first, then he followed, wondering what on earth he was still doing here.

By the end of the tour Bob was numb. The men they were caring for here were very seriously injured, and when he considered the kind of life they had ahead of them he wanted to cry. But he didn’t. He talked and smiled and even gave a hand with lifting when it was needed.

Back in the office, Sister said, ‘I believe you would fit in here, Bob, and we would be pleased to have you.’

He took a deep breath. He could do a few days, and could walk away if he wanted to. ‘I’ll give it a try, Sister, but I’m not making any promises.’

‘That is understood. All I ask is that you come to me at once if you have any problems coping.’

Bob nodded. ‘I’ll do my best.’

‘I know you will.’ She smiled and shook his hand. ‘We’ll see you tomorrow morning at nine o’clock then?’

‘I’ll be here.’ As Bob walked out of the door he wondered if he’d lost his mind.

It had been several weeks since that nice captain had visited them with the wonderful news that Bob was safe. Ruth was saving every penny she could earn doing odd jobs for people. She never took money from the old or sick, but anything else she was given was put in a purse, and when she had enough she would visit Bob. It would be so good to see him again, and she couldn’t wait to find out what he looked like riding a horse. She would tease him about that. She missed him so much . . .

‘Ruth!’ her dad called up the stairs. ‘Come here, please.’

Hurrying to the scullery she saw him with a letter in his hand. That was exciting because they didn’t get many letters. ‘What’s up?’ she asked, sitting down and waiting expectantly.

‘We’ve had a letter from Captain Russell,’ Daisy said. ‘You explain, Steve.’

‘The captain and his wife have had another baby – a boy this time.’

‘That’s nice for them.’ Ruth smiled, never taking her eyes off the letter. ‘Is Bob all right?’

‘I expect so. He doesn’t mention him.’ Steve turned to face his daughter. ‘Before I tell you what he’s said in his letter, I want you to know that we have discussed this, and both agree that you must be free to decide for yourself.’

Now Ruth was getting rather worried as she looked from one to the other. ‘Decide what?’

‘They now have two children and the captain’s mother is coming to stay with them because she is suffering from rheumatism. They need someone to help with the lady and the children. The captain is offering you the job.’

Ruth gasped. She knew her dad had talked about this with the captain, but she had never expected anything to come of it. People often made promises they had no intention of keeping, and she hadn’t been able to see why this rich man should bother with them. He had done them the kindness of bringing news about Bob, and they certainly didn’t expect anything more from him.

‘You will live in the house and have your own room.’ When his daughter didn’t answer, Steve took hold of her hand. ‘You’ve been a good girl looking after your mum and the kids while I was away, but you’re old enough to go out to work now, Ruth, and this is a good chance for you to get away from here.’

‘But . . . but . . .’ She gave her mother a worried look. ‘How will you manage without me?’