Poppy's War (37 page)

‘One bottle of port between all of us,’ Edie said, grinning. ‘How very generous.’

‘I bet he’s got a cellar full of the stuff in London,’ Mavis added. ‘I expect she bathes in champagne, the snooty cow.’

‘He wants to see me in the study,’ Poppy said thoughtfully. ‘I wonder what it’s about.’

Edie flicked water at her. ‘You seem to make a habit of meeting men in the study. Are you sure they only want to chat?’

Jean laughed but Mavis frowned, jerking her head in Rupert’s direction. ‘I expect Mr Pallister wants to tell Poppy how to put the train track together, or something like that.’

‘Of course he does,’ Edie said, grinning. ‘That’s what I meant.’

Mrs Toon held up her empty glass. ‘That’s a lovely drop of port. I wouldn’t mind another.’

Jean snatched up the bottle and filled her glass. ‘You’ve earned it, Mrs T. That was a splendid
Christmas
dinner. The best I’ve ever tasted.’

Mrs Toon’s already flushed face deepened to a shade of puce. ‘You’re just saying that. Why, I remember a time …’

Poppy took the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. She found Hector sitting in Edwin’s chair, smoking a cigar. The scent of Havana tobacco reminded her of the last time she had seen Guy and the Christmas spirit seemed to evaporate within her. ‘You wanted to see me, Mr Pallister?’

‘Yes, Poppy. Come in and close the door. I don’t want anyone else to know until it’s absolutely necessary.’

Nervously, Poppy perched on the edge of a chair. ‘What is it?’

‘It’s top secret at the moment, but this house has been requisitioned by the army. I don’t want you to say anything for now, but I want you to prepare the gatekeeper’s lodge. You will move there in two weeks’ time with my mother-in-law and Rupert.’

Poppy stared at him, hardly able to believe her ears. ‘You want Mrs Carroll to live in that cottage? She won’t like it.’

A grim smile lit Hector’s pale eyes. ‘No, I’m afraid she will dislike it enormously, but this has come from the very highest source, and what goes on here may well affect the outcome of the war. I can’t say any more, but I’m going to have to leave Marina to you.’ He leaned forward, fixing her with a determined stare. ‘In fact, Poppy, I’d say you are the only person,
apart
from Guy, who could undertake such an onerous task. I’m not pretending it will be easy, or that you will live as you have in this house, but it is absolutely vital or I wouldn’t ask it of you.’

Poppy’s mind was racing. ‘What about Mrs Toon? Will she come too?’

‘I believe there are three bedrooms in the lodge, and I’m sure you wouldn’t mind sharing with Rupert, as you always have done.’

She was not about to argue. ‘And the land girls?’

‘Will go on as before, but I’m taking Jackson back to London to work for me. My chauffeur wants to retire to the country to live with his sister, and the Bentley will have to be laid up for the duration. Have you any questions, Poppy?’

She thought quickly. ‘What about the family heirlooms and the silver?’

Hector frowned. ‘I want you to make an inventory and I’ll arrange for them to be packed, collected and stored in a repository. I’ll telephone you in a few days’ time and you can let me know when things are ready to move.’

‘But I’ll have to explain why I’m doing all these things. I won’t be able to keep it secret for long.’

‘Keep it quiet for as long as possible. I leave everything in your capable hands, Poppy, my dear.’

Jean was the first to guess that there was something major afoot when she met Poppy coming out of the lodge two days later on a bitterly cold and frosty
morning
. Poppy took her back inside, swearing her to secrecy before telling her what Hector planned. ‘But he doesn’t realise how much work it entails,’ Poppy said, glancing round at the empty living room. The wallpaper was hanging off in patches and cobwebs festooned the ceiling. A tracery of ice patterns decorated the insides of the small-paned windows and the bare floorboards were covered in mouse droppings. ‘I’ve got to get this place habitable in less than a fortnight as well as making an inventory of all the valuables in the house so that they can be collected and stored somewhere safe. I just can’t do it, as well as everything else.’

Shoving her hands deep in the pockets of her corduroy trousers, Jean followed Poppy’s gaze. ‘What’s it like upstairs?’

‘It’s just about the same, only with a few damp patches where tiles have come off the roof.’

‘You’ll have to tell Edie and Mavis, but we’ll help you. If we can get this place cleaned up and the chimneys swept before you move in, it’ll leave you free to make a note of the stuff in the big house. We need to get the old girl moved in here before they come to take her treasures away or she might think we’re flogging them and pocketing the cash.’

Poppy blew on her numbed fingers. ‘You’re a brick, Jean. What would I do without you and the others?’

‘Dunno, love. But I tell you one thing: when I
marry
Algy I’m never going to get my hands dirty again.’

‘You’re engaged and you never told us?’ Poppy could hardly believe her ears. ‘You dark horse.’

Jean slipped her finger beneath her shirt collar and pulled out a fine silver chain on the end of which dangled a diamond ring. She held it out for Poppy to see. ‘It’s half a carat set in platinum,’ she said proudly.

‘It’s beautiful. But why didn’t you tell us?’

Jean pulled a face. ‘It’s supposed to be kept secret from Algy’s old Aunt Jane. She’s the one who holds the purse strings, apparently. She thinks she can pick the woman he’ll marry but Algy has other ideas, I’m glad to say. I think she must be a terrible snob and a bank clerk’s daughter wouldn’t be good enough for her precious nephew.’

Poppy wrapped her arms around Jean, hugging her until she protested. ‘Then she’s a silly old woman. If anything you’re too good for him. But when did all this happen? I don’t know how you kept quiet about it.’

‘It was after the funeral lunch. He asked me to go for a walk.’

‘I remember that, but you didn’t say a word.’

‘We didn’t think it was the right time. I’m sorry, Pops. I desperately wanted to tell you and the girls.’

‘Anyway, it’s wonderful news. I’m so excited for you and Algy. You must tell Edie and Mavis or I won’t be able to look them in the face.’

‘Okay. I’ll tell them my secret but only if you tell them about the army taking over the main house. We’ve got to stick together.’

The move to the lodge went surprisingly easily, although it was impossible to keep the secret from Mrs Toon and the daily woman, since their help was essential in making the place habitable. The chimneys were swept, the floors scrubbed and the windows flung open to air the musty building. Pamela, who seemed to be delighted not to be involved, had given permission for them to take anything they needed, and Poppy scoured the rooms for objects that would make Mrs Carroll feel at home.

It was only when Marina was told of the impending move that Poppy encountered any opposition. In the end she was compelled to telephone Pamela and beg her to reason with her mother. When this failed it was Hector who took over the telephone call. After a long conversation he finally managed to persuade his mother-in-law that there was no alternative other than to allow the army to occupy the family home. Poppy had no way of knowing what it was he said that convinced her that the move was imperative to national security, but it was obvious that Squire’s Knapp was going to hold an important strategic position in forthcoming events.

With everybody pitching in, the lodge was ready for occupation just in time. Small household items were
transported
in the farm cart, but when it came to moving bigger items of furniture that were too heavy for the women to shift on their own, help was called in from outside. Howard brought his tractor and trailer over and Lester was able to take time off from his air base at Warmwell to lend his considerable muscle to furniture moving. If the adults had reservations about leaving the main house and setting up in the lodge, Rupert seemed to think it was a great adventure. He told Poppy that it was like the gingerbread house in the story of Hansel and Gretel, and she could understand its appeal to a small child. With lattice casement windows and a tiled porch over the front door it was a pretty place even in the depths of winter, but in summer there would be roses rambling up the walls and hollyhocks growing in the small front garden. At the back of the house was a well that could have come from the illustrations in one of Rupert’s nursery rhyme books, and a vegetable garden that would provide them with much-needed food. Rupert might be happy and Mrs Toon was resigned to the move, but Poppy was only too well aware that Mrs Carroll might view her new accommodation in a less enthusiastic light.

The move was accomplished on the day that the army was due to arrive. A wheelchair had been purchased for Marina and Poppy pushed her along the avenue of beeches, their bare branches forming intricate patterns against a cool azure sky.

‘Walk.’ Marina held up her hand as they reached the garden gate. ‘Walk.’

Poppy knew better than to argue. She helped her from her chair and unhooking the ever present walking stick she placed it in her hand. Marina walked slowly up the path to enter her new home with her head held high. Poppy had never felt such admiration for anyone. She was pushing the wheelchair round to the shed at the side of the cottage when she heard the sound of approaching motor vehicles. Overcome by curiosity, she hurried to the front gate. A faint sound from the house caused her to glance over her shoulder and she saw Marina standing in the doorway. Poppy could only imagine what was going through her mind as the first staff car swept through the gates which Atkins had left open in readiness for their arrival.

To Poppy’s surprise the vehicle stopped and a soldier leapt out to open the rear door, holding it for the officer who emerged from the vehicle. He came towards her, tucking his hat under his arm. ‘Good morning. Is this Mrs Carroll’s residence?’

Poppy nodded her head. ‘Yes, it is now, thanks to you lot.’

‘And you are?’

‘I’m Poppy Brown. I look after Mrs Carroll. She’s not well and mustn’t be overexcited.’

‘I understand, Miss Brown. But the Brigadier would like to have a few words with her, if convenient.’

The familiar sound of dragging footsteps made Poppy turn to see Marina making her way slowly back down the path. She hurried to her side. ‘The Brigadier wants to meet you, but if you don’t feel up to it …’

Marina clutched Poppy’s arm, squeezing it with surprising force. ‘Feel fine.’

‘Captain Fellows at your service, ma’am.’ He snapped to attention, inclining his head in Marina’s direction. ‘Brigadier Beecham presents his compliments and wonders if you could spare him a few moments of your time?’

Chapter Nineteen

EVERYTHING SEEMED TO
be moving in slow motion as Poppy watched Brigadier Beecham step out of the car and walk towards them. If this man was really her father, surely she would recognise her own flesh and blood? But as he drew closer she was even more confused. He was not much above average height and hardly an imposing figure, but he had an indefinable air of authority. If she had hoped to see a mirror image of herself she was disappointed. He was fair-haired whereas she was dark like her mother, but as he drew closer she realised that his eyes were a similar shade of green to her own. He was smiling, but there was no instant flash of recognition as he met her gaze for a brief moment before turning his attention to Marina.

Captain Fellows cleared his throat. ‘May I introduce Brigadier Beecham, ma’am?’

‘How do you do, ma’am? I’m delighted to meet you in person. Hector has told me so much about you, and I wanted to tell you in person how much the British Army appreciates your sacrifice in allowing us the use of your home. I will personally see to it that your property remains in the same state
when
we withdraw as it is today.’ He took Marina’s hand and bowed in a gallant old-fashioned gesture.

Marina met his gaze squarely with a determined lift of her chin, but Poppy could feel her trembling. ‘I think I’d best get Mrs Carroll indoors,’ she said firmly. ‘She’s not used to being outside in such cold weather.’

‘This is Miss Poppy Brown, sir,’ Captain Fellows said hastily.

‘How do you do?’ Brigadier Beecham shook her hand. ‘You’re quite right, Miss Brown. It’s too cold to stand about out here.’ He proffered his arm to Marina. ‘Allow me. Wait for me in the car, Fellows, there’s a good chap.’

Together, Poppy and Brigadier Beecham managed to get Marina into the house and settled in her chair by the fireside, watched anxiously by Mrs Toon who was hovering by the kitchen door. ‘She shouldn’t have gone out without her coat. I’ll put the kettle on to make tea. Poor soul, she looks frozen.’ She disappeared into the kitchen, closing the door with a disapproving thud.

‘Will Mrs Carroll be all right?’ Brigadier Beecham asked in a low voice. ‘I could get our medical officer to give her the once-over when he arrives.’

‘She just needs rest,’ Poppy whispered. ‘It’s not easy for her. Coming to live here, I mean.’

‘I do understand.’ He moved towards the front door, pausing to give Poppy a searching look. ‘You’re not from these parts, are you, Miss Brown?’

‘No, sir. I was born in West Ham and evacuated here.’ She felt her heart rate quicken as she met his intent gaze. If she had had any doubts about his true identity they were dispelled in that moment. Despite the fact that they had just met, she felt she knew him already. This was the man her mother had loved and it was easy to see why. He was not what she would call handsome, but he had strong features and the telltale laughter lines at the corners of his eyes hinted at a sense of humour even when he was not smiling.

‘From West Ham, you say. Your family must miss you very much, Miss Brown.’

Poppy shook her head. ‘My mother and father and my grandparents were killed in a bombing raid, sir. I decided to stay on here and look after Mrs Carroll and her grandson.’

‘You’re very young to have so much responsibility thrust upon you.’