Diamonds in the Dust (11 page)

‘You didn’t go to the station today.’ Winnie was worried when she saw her brother staring moodily out of the front window.

‘I’m only in the way, Win.’

‘No you’re not! Reg said you’re a big help and they’re always pleased to see you. What’s the matter, Stan?’ she asked gently. ‘This isn’t like you.’

He hunched his shoulders, still not looking at Winnie. ‘I’m a bit down in the dumps today. It all seems so hopeless. It’s as if that woman never existed.’

Winnie felt her insides churn. She had never heard him say that things were hopeless, and she had a strong feeling that he wasn’t only referring to Mrs Bentley. Something was wrong, but she knew it would be impossible to get it out of him. If only he would
talk to her and not keep everything bottled up inside.

‘Have you seen Dora and the children?’ she asked, in an effort to get him away from whatever gloomy thoughts were in his mind.

Stan sighed. ‘Not for a couple of days. They all went out yesterday. Probably to a park, because Lily was carrying a little sailing boat.’

The tone of her brother’s voice shook Winnie. He had wanted to go with them! At that moment she knew that although nothing on this earth would make him admit it, her dear brother was lonely. The future in front of him must appear bleak. Then another thought sneaked its way into her mind. Was he falling in love with Dora? She hoped not, because he’d said that he would never inflict himself on any woman. He had always been a very independent man, and he had a horror of being a burden to anyone. She knew that was why he insisted on living here on his own, so that no one could witness his daily struggle.

Thankful that he was still facing away from her, Winnie quickly wiped away a tear as it trickled down her face. He must never see her crying over him. He wouldn’t tolerate pity from anyone.

She felt she had to keep talking. ‘I expect Dora’s out looking for work. I hope she finds something.’

‘She will.’

Two simple words that showed his admiration for Dora. It was time to change the subject. ‘Would you like a cup of tea, Stan? I’ve made you your favourite fruit cake.’

He turned then, his good-looking face etched with pain. ‘Thanks, Win, that would go down a treat.’

Back home again, Winnie wandered aimlessly around the house, worried sick about her brother. It was a couple of hours before she had to collect June from school, and she couldn’t settle to anything. It broke her heart to see him suffering so, and it frightened her to imagine what would happen if he decided that he’d had enough. He wouldn’t be the first ex-serviceman to feel it was all too much.

‘No!’ she shouted to the empty house. He was a brave man and would face anything he had to. But please God, don’t let him sink into apathy and despair. He had a right to a happy life!

At that moment there was a knock on the front door, and Winnie composed herself before seeing who was there.

‘Dora, come in. I was just about to make a pot of tea.’

She followed Winnie to the kitchen and sat at the table.

The tea was soon made, and Winnie asked, ‘What can I do for you?’

‘Has Stan mentioned a Doctor Burridge to you?’

‘No.’

It didn’t take Dora long to tell Winnie about her visit to the Wandsworth house, her expression animated. ‘This man’s doing everything he can to help those injured in the war, and I got the impression he would really like to see Stan.’

Winnie felt the tears gathering again. ‘If only he would go, but I know my brother, Dora, and he won’t even
consider it. The only glimmer of hope is the promise I forced him to make. I made him write down that he’ll see a doctor when your mother’s been found, but he only said that to stop me fussing.’

‘That isn’t much help, because I don’t think she’s ever going to be found.’ Dora stifled a sigh, noting how distressed Winnie seemed. She would swear she had been crying. ‘Is there something else worrying you?’

‘I’ve just come back from Stan’s. He’s really down in the dumps, and I’ve never seen him this bad.’ Winnie wiped moisture from her eyes. ‘He said he hasn’t seen you or the children for a couple of days. Would you call in on your way home, please?’

‘Of course. But we haven’t been to see him because we decided we were putting too much strain on him. He has enough problems without shouldering ours as well.’

‘No, no, you mustn’t think like that,’ Winnie told her emphatically. ‘He loves seeing you all, and he’ll be anxious to know if you’ve managed to find a job. Knowing you have will cheer him up.’

‘It’s only four days a week and the pay isn’t much, but it is something I’d really like to do.’

Winnie poured them both another cup of tea. ‘You care about other people, don’t you, Dora? You should have trained to be a nurse, not gone into service.’

‘I wanted to.’ Dora shrugged. ‘But Mum didn’t like the idea. I don’t know why.’

‘That’s a shame. It isn’t too late to do it now.’

‘Yes it is. I’ve got Tom and Lily to look after and they
come first. We’re on our own now, and it’s up to me to keep us together.’

‘You really do believe your mother isn’t coming back, don’t you?’

Dora nodded.

The determination in Dora’s eyes was clear, and Winnie’s respect for this charming girl grew. ‘You’re not completely on your own. We’re here for you if you need help.’

‘That’s kind of you, but we’ve got to make our own way in life. I don’t know why Mum’s disappeared, but obviously something’s very wrong, and I’m beginning to believe it might be better if we never know what’s happened. It’s clear she kept things from us. She may have felt she had good reasons for doing so, but I’m beginning to feel we never really knew her.’ Dora’s expression was grim as she stood up. ‘I’d better visit Stan and see if I can shake him out of his gloom.’

‘You’ll easily be able to do that.’ Winnie kissed Dora on the cheek. ‘Thank you, my dear.’

It was only five minutes’ walk to Stan’s, and Dora couldn’t get there fast enough. Winnie was very worried about her brother, and after listening to her, so was Dora. She would tell him about her job, and the amusing things, like the paint falling off the door when she knocked and the man who was hard of hearing. Perhaps she’d be able to make him smile.

The front door was open, but she knocked first.

‘Come in, Dora,’ he called. ‘Leave the door open.’

He was standing when she walked into the front room. ‘I’ve come to report progress.’

His expression lightened. ‘You’ve found a job?’

‘It’s only four days a week, but it should be interesting.’

‘That’s good news.’ Stan smiled then. ‘I’m not surprised you found something so soon. You look very smart.’

‘Thank you.’ She removed her hat, looking at it uncertainly before putting it on a chair. ‘These are Mum’s clothes. I suppose I shouldn’t be wearing them, but I need to make a good impression when I’m applying for work. They fit me, and Tom said I should make use of them. We can’t afford to spend money on clothes at the moment.’

‘You don’t have to make excuses to me, Dora,’ Stan said gently. ‘You’re doing the right thing. Now, sit down and tell me about your job.’

She explained about her visit to the house, and the state it was in, making him laugh. She didn’t mention the doctor, or what they did there. She didn’t want to say anything to make him depressed again. She could only imagine what kind of horrific time he must have faced after being injured. It was very clear that he didn’t want to go anywhere near a doctor again.

However, she knew she wasn’t going to get away with that for long when the questions came. ‘What are you going to do there?’

‘I’m not too sure yet, but they need help with the paperwork, and anything else that needs doing.’ She grinned. ‘My first task will be to paint the front door. It’s a disgrace.’

Stan looked disapproving. ‘They’ve asked you to do that?’

‘No, I volunteered. The place needs someone to care for it. The do—the man in charge is too busy.’

‘I see. What exactly do they do there?’

Dora knew she couldn’t avoid it any longer. ‘It’s a centre for injured ex-servicemen. The doctor’s trying to get them used to artificial limbs so they can walk again.’

There was silence, and Dora was sure she saw Stan flinch. ‘He’s a very caring man, Stan.’ She sat forward. ‘It’s appalling the way the servicemen have been abandoned since returning home. The doctor’s angry with that, and he’s trying to help as many as he can. They need encouragement, and to feel someone cares. If I didn’t need to earn money I would work for him for nothing.’

‘I know you would.’ Stan nodded. ‘How did you find out about it?’

‘We met a man in Regent’s Park yesterday and we shared our picnic with him. He was injured in the war, and he was on his own.’

‘What was his name?’

‘Alan Harrington.’

Stan gripped the arms of his chair, leant forward and demanded, ‘What did he look like?’

‘Nearly as tall as you, grey eyes, light brown hair, well educated—’

Stan surged to his feet with surprising speed, and Dora rushed to support him as he swayed alarmingly. ‘Whatever is the matter?’

‘You’ve just described Captain Alan Harrington. But
he’s dead! I dragged him back to the trenches. He was dead, I was sure.’

‘Sit down.’ Dora urged him back in the chair. ‘It must be a different man. This Alan had lost part of his right leg, and his right hand.’

‘Oh God!’ Stan rested his head back and closed his eyes, breathing deeply.

Clasping his hand and holding on tightly, Dora knelt at the side of the chair and waited. She guessed he was reliving the horror of the war and needed time to recover.

After a couple of minutes he let out a ragged sigh, opening his eyes again. ‘I suppose it’s possible. I was injured soon after, and I was sure he was dead, so I didn’t make any enquiries about him. I want to see if it’s the same man. Is he at the house, Dora?’

‘I didn’t see him this morning.’ Dora stayed where she was, gazing at him in concern. ‘The men don’t stay there, they come in each day. They treat it as a kind of a club, I suppose. I’m going tomorrow, so I’ll ask about him.’

‘Please.’

Dora gazed up at Stan. ‘Why don’t you come with me?’

Releasing his hand from hers, he gently ran his fingers down the side of her face. ‘Crafty move, Dora, but you know the answer to that!’

She smiled engagingly, relieved to see him back to normal again. ‘It was worth a try. Will you tell me what happened to you and Alan? Assuming it’s the same man, of course.’

He merely shook his head and changed the subject.
‘You haven’t asked me if there’s any news about your mother.’

Dora stood up. ‘There won’t be. She’s gone!’

‘You think she’s run away and left you?’ Stan asked.

‘I don’t know.’ Dora’s mouth set in a firm line. ‘I expect one day we’ll find out what’s happened, but I’ve made myself accept that she won’t be coming back to us. If I keep having sleepless nights fretting over where she might be, I’ll go mad. My brother and sister are the important ones now and I’ve got to do my best for them. Does that sound hard-hearted? I’m not unfeeling, but what will happen to Tom and Lily if I make myself ill by sinking into grief and confusion?’

Dora studied Stan’s face, her eyes troubled. ‘You do understand, don’t you?’

‘Yes,’ he agreed. ‘But don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re not alone. I’m here for all of you, no matter what happens.’

‘I know, and Winnie’s told me the same thing. It’s the one glimmer of comfort we have in this terrible situation.’

‘Dora!’ Lily called. ‘Are you in there?’

‘She’s here. Come in,’ Stan said.

Lily and Tom tumbled into the room.

The depression that had plagued Stan all day had melted away after a visit from the Bentley children. The only trouble was that he was now worried about Dora. It seemed as if she was shutting out the disappearance of her mother in her concern for her brother and sister. He could understand what she was doing, but he didn’t like
it. By bottling everything inside her, she was in danger of eventually breaking.

Stan snorted in disgust. He was a fine one to talk! Wasn’t he the expert at sidestepping the facts?

There was a sharp rap on the door and Reg strolled in. ‘Missed you today, Stan. Not feeling too good?’

‘I don’t want to be always under your feet. You know where the whisky is.’

Reg poured two generous measures and sat down, raising his glass to his brother-in-law. ‘Thanks, I need this.’

‘Any progress?’

Stretching out his legs, Reg took a mouthful of the drink. He remained silent.

Stan eyed him carefully. ‘You haven’t answered my question.’

‘What was that?’

‘You know very well! What’s going on, Reg?’

‘This name Duval has cropped up again. But it can’t have any connection to Mrs Bentley.’

His drink forgotten, Stan leant forward. ‘Tell me.’

‘Got a report from Bloomsbury station. A woman reported that she hasn’t seen her neighbour, Mrs Duval, for over a week. The local police forced open the door of the flat but found nothing suspicious. In their opinion the woman’s gone away on holiday or something like that. They only told us because we’ve put out a request for any information about the names of Duval and Bentley.’

‘Bloomsbury, that’s a nice area.’ Stan looked doubtful. ‘Most unlikely it’s anything to do with our case.’

‘I agree, but we must look into it. We’ve had bugger all to go on so far.’ Reg downed his whisky and reached for the bottle. ‘I haven’t mentioned any of this to Dora because it’ll probably turn out to be nothing. I’ve got permission to have a look at the flat and talk to the neighbour. I’m going tomorrow morning and I’d like you to come with me.’

‘Of course.’ Stan grinned, his depression a thing of the past. ‘I’ve been on plenty of wild goose chases before.’

Early the next morning, Stan, Reg and a constable from Bloomsbury station were standing in front of an impressive Georgian house.

‘It’s been turned into self-contained flats,’ the constable told them. ‘Very expensive.’

Reg nodded. ‘Have you had any news about the missing woman?’

‘No, and there’s nothing to indicate a crime of any kind. General opinion is the woman’s gone away for a few days and forgot to mention she was going. Her neighbour, Mrs James, is worried, though. Says it isn’t like her.’

‘I think we’re wasting our time,’ Stan remarked as he studied the elegant facade. ‘But we might as well have a look while we’re here.’

‘Second floor.’ The constable held a key in his hand. ‘We had to put a new lock on the door. Mrs Duval won’t be too pleased when she sees what we’ve done to the door, but the neighbour was insistent there was something wrong.’

They walked into a spacious hall and up the stairs. The carpet was dark red, and so thick it absorbed any sound.

‘Impressive,’ Reg muttered.

‘It is that.’ The constable stopped by a door clearly showing the signs of a forced entry. ‘Wait till you see the inside.’

Stan whistled softly when he saw the flat. You could have got the whole of his ground floor into the lounge area. The cream carpet, gold velvet curtains and sumptuously upholstered furniture wouldn’t have looked out of place in a palace. Not that he’d ever been in one, but this was how he imagined it would look.

‘My God!’ Reg came out of another door. ‘Have a look at the bedroom, Stan. There are real silk sheets on the four-poster bed!’

Stan went into the room and ran his fingers over the sheets, then turned and studied his surroundings thoroughly. The lounge had been tasteful and elegant, but this room was a different story. It was sensuous – there was no other word for it.

‘This isn’t anything to do with our missing woman, Stan.’ They went back into the lounge again just as a woman arrived.

‘Have you any news?’

‘I’m afraid not, madam,’ the constable told her. ‘These
gentleman are looking for someone and wanted to see the flat.’

‘Can you tell us who the landlord is?’ Stan asked.

The woman looked down her nose at him, noting the crutches and then studying his face. ‘There isn’t a landlord, young man. These flats are all privately owned.’

Stan ignored her hostility and inclined his head. Just for a moment there her accent had slipped, and he had the feeling she wasn’t quite what she seemed. But perhaps he was being oversensitive. ‘And you are a friend of Mrs Duval?’

‘We know each other quite well. She wouldn’t have gone off without telling me.’

‘Is there a Mr Duval?’ Stan persisted, not prepared to give up yet.

‘No, but her friend was here two or three times a week.’

‘Do you know his name?’

The woman gave Stan an icy glare. ‘I’m not in the habit of prying into other people’s business, young man.’

Stan couldn’t let that go. ‘Business?’

The neighbour was looking exasperated at Stan’s questions. ‘She was a good hostess and entertained several times a week. I’ve already told the police all this!’

The photograph of Mrs Bentley was still in Stan’s pocket, so he took it out and showed it to Mrs James. ‘Is this Mrs Duval?’

She gave it a cursory glance and shook her head. ‘Mrs Duval is older than that and always dresses in the height of fashion. No, she isn’t that dowdy person.’

Another dead end, Stan thought as he put the photo back in his pocket. He turned to the constable. ‘Can we search the place?’

‘Already been done. My instructions are just to let you see the place and speak to Mrs James.’ The constable consulted his watch. ‘I’ve got to get back to the station now.’

After thanking the neighbour and the constable, Stan and Reg headed back to Kilburn station on the train. Reg was wearing his ordinary clothes for this trip. They had been told to attract as little attention as possible in such an elite area.

‘You were right last night, Stan. This was a wild goose chase.’

‘I agree, but I wish we could have searched the place.’

‘Not our patch. We were lucky they even let us into the flat. Anyway, I’m convinced this has got nothing to do with our investigation.’ Reg grinned. ‘What a place! Makes you wonder what kind of
entertaining
went on here. And wasn’t the neighbour offended when you asked who the landlord was!’

‘These flats are all privately owned!’ Stan mimicked. They were both laughing as they walked back into the station.

‘You staying for a while?’ Reg asked as they grabbed themselves cups of tea.

‘Might as well.’

‘Good, you can write the report for me. You always were good with words.’

Stan accepted gladly. He was struggling with the desire to go to where Dora was working and see if he
could track down Alan. Lord, that had been a shock. He had liked the captain, and he hoped he had survived. Dora had said she would find out where he lived, so he would leave it to her. Once he had an address, he’d go and see him.

‘You haven’t told me your name.’ Dora paused, paintbrush in her hand.

‘Eh?’

‘Your name?’

‘Dobbs.’ He tipped his head to one side and studied the door. ‘Bit bright, ain’t it?’

Dora stepped back to get a better view. She had asked for blue, but the paint the doctor had left for her was more of a sea green. ‘Maybe, but I think it’s quite nice.’

‘Hmph!’ Dobbs clearly wasn’t impressed. ‘The doc won’t be here till this afternoon. He said you’d help me tidy my room.’

‘I’ve nearly finished the painting. Give me ten minutes.’

‘Eh?’

‘I said, I’ll be ten minutes.’

‘Hard work, isn’t he?’

‘John! The doctor won’t be here until later.’

‘I know, I’m early. Nothing else to do. Let’s go and see if Dobbs will make us a pot of tea, shall we?’

Dobbs was obviously used to this routine because the kettle was already boiling. Two more men had arrived, Charlie and Pete, and tossing everything into the corner of the room they cleared enough chairs to sit on.

Dora eyed it all with amusement. She couldn’t imagine why Dobbs collected all this stuff. ‘I think my next job will be to have a bonfire in the garden,’ she remarked in her normal voice.

‘No you won’t!’ Dobbs said indignantly, glancing round at the men crowding his room. ‘We’ll have to watch her. She’ll have this place so tidy we won’t be able to find a thing.’

‘There wasn’t anything wrong with your hearing that time, was there?’ she remarked.

‘Eh?’

‘Don’t you take any notice of him, Dora,’ John smirked. ‘Dobbs only hears what he wants to hear.’

The corners of Dobbs’ mouth turned up, but he was serious when he spoke to Dora again. ‘You leave these things alone, my girl. I can help quite a few people. These young blokes ain’t the only ones who need help. Many around here don’t have two farthings to rub together.’

Pete touched her arm and spoke softly. ‘The old boy does a lot of good on the quiet.’

‘I didn’t know that. Thank you for telling me.’ Dora smiled at Dobbs. Now she knew why she had seen him slipping out from time to time with parcels in his hand. ‘I promise not to touch anything in your room.’

‘Hmm,’ was his only comment as he handed round the tea, and biscuits he kept in a tin.

Dora turned her attention back to the men. ‘Perhaps one of you can help me. I’d like to know where I can find Alan Harrington. Do any of you know him?’

‘The captain … he comes here. Decent bloke – for an officer. What do you want him for?’ Charlie asked.

‘A friend of mine would like to see him. He thinks he might be someone he knows.’

‘And what’s this friend’s name?’ The voice came from the doorway.

‘Alan! I was hoping I’d see you. His name’s Stan Crawford.’

Alan went absolutely still, then murmured, ‘Crawford? Is he alive?’

Dora nodded. ‘He’s the man I told you about on Sunday.’

‘Dear Lord! I thought Crawford was dead. I want to see him, Dora. I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for his courage. I believe you said he was your neighbour?’

‘Yes, that’s right.’

‘Would you give me his address? I must see him.’

‘Of course, but if you’ve got the time you can come with me when I finish here. I told him about you and he wants to see you as well.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Doc’s here!’ Dobbs announced. It was the signal for them all to go and meet Dr Burridge.

The rest of the afternoon was hectic. Dora did her best to encourage the men as they struggled to master artificial limbs. They accepted her help without question, expressing their appreciation from time to time. She ran errands, prepared snacks to keep them all going, and loved every minute. Nothing she had ever done before had given her so much satisfaction. When
the doctor remarked that she should have been a nurse, she knew he was right. She shouldn’t have allowed her mother to talk her out of taking up the profession. They could surely have made arrangements for Tom and Lily when she wasn’t around. But it was no use regretting it now.

During a brief lull, Dora decided that she wanted to stay here for as long as she was needed. It would be a struggle to manage, but there was always the pawnshop. She would have to talk it over with Tom first, though.

‘The front door looks … er … bright.’ Dr Burridge had finally stopped working, and this was the first time he’d mentioned Dora’s handiwork with a paintbrush.

‘Don’t look so amused, sir. It’s the colour you left for me.’

He grinned, looking almost boyish. ‘So it is. The man in the hardware shop down the road donated it. I suspect he couldn’t sell it.’

‘Most likely,’ Dora said thoughtfully. ‘Do you think he’s got more he can’t sell? The shiny front door has made the rest of the place look shabby.’

‘I’ll ask. Now, go home, my dear, and thank you for today. You’re a real asset to have around the place.’

‘I’ve enjoyed every minute,’ she told him truthfully. ‘Goodnight, sir. I’ll be here tomorrow.’

‘Goodnight, Dora.’

She watched him walk down the path and out of the gate, heading, no doubt, for the hospital. She couldn’t help wondering if he ever stopped working.

‘All finished for the day?’ Alan stood beside her.

‘Yes, Dobbs told me he always locks up for the night.’

Alan hesitated. ‘Perhaps you’d better give me Crawford’s address, and I’ll make my own way there.’

‘Are you feeling too tired to go now?’

‘I’m fine, but I’ll slow you down, and you might be in a hurry.’

‘Tom brings Lily home from school and looks after her until I get back. It won’t matter if I’m a bit late.’

It suddenly dawned on her what he was doing, and she was offended. ‘You think I’ll be ashamed to be seen with you! Do you really think I’m that kind of a person?’

‘I’m sure you’re not, and I apologise if I’ve insulted you.’ Alan tipped his head to one side, studying her intently. ‘But a lot of people can’t seem to deal with the injuries so many of us have received.’

‘Well, I’m not one of them!’ She placed her hand on his arm. ‘Let’s have no more of this nonsense, Captain. I’m taking you to see Stan.’

‘Yes, nurse.’

They talked about all manner of things on the journey, but the subject of the war was never mentioned. When they arrived in Kilburn, Alan insisted on buying a bottle of whisky for Stan so they could have a drink together.

The front door was open. Dora knocked and called, ‘Stan, it’s me, Dora.’

‘Come in. I’m in the kitchen,’ he answered.

‘I’ve brought someone to see you.’

Stan was already standing, having heard the sound of crutches on the tiled floor of the passage.

The two men stared at each other, and Dora saw a mixture of relief, pain and pleasure in their eyes as they examined each other.

Suddenly, Stan smiled widely. ‘Captain! My God, I was sure you were dead. It’s wonderful to see you again.’

‘I thought the same about you. I owe you a drink.’

Dora could see that they needed to be alone so they could talk freely. ‘Before you start on the bottle Alan has in his pocket, you needn’t bother about food. I’ll bring you something when it’s ready.’

‘Thanks Dora, we’d appreciate that.’ Stan placed his hand on Alan’s shoulder. ‘Come into the front room, Captain. We’ll get comfortable and start on that whisky.’

‘That’s a splendid idea – and the name’s Alan.’

Dora didn’t wait to hear any more and left at once, not wanting to be in the way of their reunion.

Tom and Lily were already home when she arrived, and they bombarded her with questions about her day.

‘Sounds good.’ Tom nodded with satisfaction.

Lily was giggling about the front door, and Dora was overcome with a feeling of wonder that they were all managing to carry on so normally. But deep in her mind was the fear that this wouldn’t last. Their mother was missing, and the terrible mess was bound to blow up in their faces. When that happened, she was going to have to be even stronger …

‘Did you see Alan?’ Tom’s voice broke through her troubled thoughts.

Dora smiled and told them that Alan was with Stan. ‘Isn’t it wonderful! They do know each other.’

‘Can we go and see them?’ Lily was already heading for the door.

‘Not yet, sweetie.’ Dora called her back. ‘They’ve got a lot to talk about, but we’ll cook a meal and take it round to them. You can see them long enough to say hello, and then we must leave.’

‘All right.’ Lily came and sat down again, her little face serious. ‘I liked Alan. He’s almost as nice as Stan.’

‘They’re both brave men,’ Tom declared. ‘And I’m glad the doctor’s trying to help some of the men. You must stay there if you want to, Dora. We’ll manage somehow.’

‘I would like to keep working at the house, but we’ll have to see how things go, Tom. Now, have we got enough food to feed two extra?’

‘Should be able to manage it if we put the meat in a pie. You’re good at pastry, Dora.’

They all set to work on the meal. When it was ready they popped theirs into the oven to keep warm, and hurried to Stan’s.