He kissed her lightly on the cheek, and then walked out of the door and up the road towards the station.
Ten
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.
Eleven
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?’
‘You mustn’t worry about us, Ruthie. Now your Dad’s home and working regular, we’ll be fine,’ Daisy told her. ‘We only want what’s best for you.’
‘Captain Russell said you could go there and see if you like it, and if at any time you’re not happy, you can return home at once.’
‘Oh.’ Ruth chewed her bottom lip as she t
hought about this. It was comforting to know she needn’t stay if she didn’t like it there. And it would mean she’d see Bob again, and have two children and an elderly woman to look after. She’d like that, and it would be exciting to live in a fine house. But still . . .
‘Put the kettle on, Daisy,’ Steve told his wife. ‘Let’s have a nice cup of tea while our daughter considers her future. You know, the captain must have told Bob he’d been here or he wouldn’t be offering Ruth a job at the house.’
‘He must have,’ his wife agreed.
After reading the letter through twice, Ruth put it down and drew in a deep breath. ‘I would be silly not to give it a try, and Bob will be there to help me settle in. I’ll be sad to leave you, but I’ll go.’
‘Good girl!’ Steve sat back, a satisfied expression on his face. ‘Chances like this don’t come along often in life, and you’re right to go and see what the job is like. I’ll write straight away and let him know you’re coming in a week’s time.’
The day of Ruth’s departure came all too soon, and there were tears as she boarded the train.
‘There will be someone at Maidstone to meet you,’ Steve assured her, ‘so you’ll be all right.’
The train started with a jolt, making her sit down suddenly, but she peered out of the window until her family had disappeared in the distance. Although she was full of fears and doubts, the journey was exciting, and she watched with fascination as London gave way to beautiful open countryside.
When she arrived at her destination, she jumped from the train, eagerly looking for the familiar tall figure of her friend Bob.
‘Miss Cooper?’
Ruth spun round to face the young boy who had spoken. ‘Yes.’
‘Oh, good.’ He smiled shyly and politely took her bag from her. ‘The captain sent me to collect you. I’ve got a horse and buggy outside. My name’s Tim, Miss Cooper.’
She walked beside him, disappointed it wasn’t Bob, but relieved someone was here for her. ‘Call me Ruth, please.’
My goodness, Ruth thought as she climbed into the buggy. What an adventure this was turning out to be.
They trotted along and she listened to Tim talking about the estate and the horses he obviously loved. But when they swept through large iron gates and the house came into view, she was stunned. It was a palace!
‘Nice, isn’t it?’
‘It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen – apart from Buckingham Palace, of course. Am I really going to live there?’
‘You’re here to help the family so you’ll have a room in the main house. The captain’s strict, but fair, and the mistress is a quiet lady, but kind. You’ll like it, I’m sure.’
Tim went to the rear of the house and stopped. He helped Ruth down and grabbed her bag before she could pick it up herself. Then he opened the door. ‘Mrs Perkins!’
‘I’m coming, Tim. You don’t have to shout.’ A stout woman came towards them, looking quite severe, until she smiled at Ruth, then her expression softened. ‘Welcome, young lady, the mistress will be pleased to see you. She has her hands full with the new baby, and her mother-in-law has just moved in as well. Come with me and I’ll show you to your room, and then you can meet the family.’
Before following the housekeeper, Ruth whispered to Tim, ‘Would you tell Bob Hunter that I’ve arrived, please.’
‘Bob?’ Tim frowned. ‘He don’t work here now.’
There wasn’t time to ask questions, but Ruth couldn’t believe that. Tim was obviously mistaken. Nevertheless, she felt her heart sink. Suppose it was true? The kind of mood Bob had been in when he’d left home meant he was liable to do anything; even something as daft as leaving this lovely place. But one of the reasons she had taken this job was because they would be together again. They were friends, and always had been.
So lost in confusion, Ruth had to trot to catch up with the housekeeper. She was surprisingly agile for a large woman, and she climbed the stairs to the top of the house without even getting out of breath.
Mrs Perkins opened a door. ‘This is your room, Ruth, and the bathroom is at the end of the landing. Leave your bag and I’ll take you to meet the mistress, and then we can see about getting you something to eat.’ She smiled. ‘I expect you’re hungry after your journey.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Perkins.’ Not even taking time to look around, Ruth tossed her bag beside the bed and went down the long winding stairs again.
Mrs Perkins knocked on a door leading from the impressive entrance hall, and she ushered Ruth inside. ‘Miss Cooper has arrived, madam.’
‘Oh, splendid. Welcome, my dear, did you have a good journey?’
‘Yes, thank you, madam. This is the first time I’ve been out of London, and it was very interesting. I’ve never seen so much green grass before. The London parks are beautiful, of course, but nothing like this. There’s so much space . . .’
The captain smiled kindly. ‘We will have pleasure showing you the estate. Lillian, our daughter, will enjoy taking you to see everything.’
Ruth smiled back, feeling more at ease. She had liked the captain when she’d met him at her home, and his wife was softly spoken and seemed quite nice. Casting a quick glance at the other occupants of the comfortable room, she saw only one, an elderly lady who was studying her intently. Her nerves came flooding back.
‘Come here, child, and let me have a proper look at you. My eyes are not what they used to be.’
The woman sitting in a large armchair beckoned her over, and Ruth didn’t care for the tone of the command. She summed her up immediately. This was a person who expected to be obeyed without question. All nervousness vanished as she stepped forward. ‘I am not a child, madam. I am fifteen.’
‘Really, that old?’ Her expression didn’t change, but her mouth twitched at the corners. ‘I apologize for my mistake. How do you like to be addressed?’
‘My name is Ruth, if you please, madam.’
‘Very well, Ruth, my son has told me you will be helping with the children.’
She nodded. ‘And I will be pleased to help you as well, madam. I believe that is also to be a part of my job.’
‘And what experience have you had?’
‘I’ve looked after my brothers and sister since they were born, and I did what I could for the elderly and sick in our street.’
There was a smothered laugh, and the captain cleared his throat. ‘I believe Ruth has answered all your questions, Mother.’
At that moment the door burst open and a little girl rushed in, followed by a nurse carrying the baby.
‘This is our daughter, Lillian, but nearly everyone calls her Lilly, and the baby is our son, Robert Benjamin.’
As soon as she heard the name, Ruth smiled with pleasure and gazed at the child. ‘He’s beautiful.’
‘He cries a lot!’
‘Babies do that, Lilly. It’s their way of letting us know they need something,’ she said, turning her attention to the girl.
‘Hmm. Can you ride?’
‘Ride what?’
‘A horse!’ Lilly turned to her father. ‘I don’t suppose she can. Jim can teach her though, can’t he, Daddy?’
‘We’ll see about that later. But first we must let Ruth settle in. She must be tired and hungry after her journey. Why don’t you show her to the kitchen where Cook has a meal waiting for her? And then you can help her unpack.’
‘Can I show Ruth the horses, after that?’ Lilly’s face shone with excitement.
‘Only if she isn’t too tired.’
Before Lilly could tow her out of the room, Ruth faced the captain. She just had to know. ‘Is it true that Bob isn’t here any more, sir?’
‘Yes, I’m sorry to say it is.’
Her disappointment was crushing and she couldn’t hide her feelings. ‘But why did he leave?’
‘He found out I had visited his father, and he was very angry. I tried to stop him, but he wouldn’t listen.’
‘Oh, the fool!’ For the
first time in her life Ruth was furious with him. ‘He’s got to learn not to run every time something happens he doesn’t like. Do you know where he’s gone?’
‘No, I’m sorry, Ruth. I don’t think even he knew where he was going. He just walked away.’
‘It was my fault.’ Lilly looked up at her with an imploring look in her eyes, and slipped her hand in Ruth’s. ‘I didn’t know it was a secret. You won’t go away as well, will you?’
‘No, of course I won’t.’ She squeezed the girl’s hand and managed a smile. ‘It was very kind of your daddy to come and see us, and Bob should have known that. But he’s confused, angry and lost. He needs to find himself.’
Lilly looked puzzled. ‘But he knows where he is.’
‘No he doesn’t, darling. On the outside he’s big and tough, but inside he’s all at sea, as my dad says.’
‘I liked him,’ Lilly sighed. ‘And I cried when I knew he’d gone away, and it was my fault.’
‘You mustn’t blame yourself. Bob’s good and kind, but he needs to pull himself together.’
Lilly giggled. ‘You do say some funny things.’
‘I’m full of odd sayings.’ Ruth rubbed her tummy. ‘Now, show me where the food is. I’m starving.’
‘Cook’s made you a huge apple pie.’ Lilly tugged her towards the door, her upset forgotten.
Twelve
‘Surprising confidence for one so young.’
‘I agree, Mother, but they have to grow up quickly where Ruth comes from, or they don’t survive,’ Ben said. ‘She’s also very perceptive, don’t you think?’
His mother gave a quick laugh. ‘She summed me up very quickly. This house must seem like a palace to her, but she wasn’t intimidated by the grandeur. She spoke her mind, and I liked that. She also handled Lillian very well. I think she will do very nicely, Benjamin.’
‘What do you think, my dear?’ he asked his wife.
‘She appears to be good with children and the elderly . . .’
That remark caused laughter from her husband and mother-in-law.
‘I was impressed, and she will be a great asset, I’m sure. But will she stay, Ben? She was expecting to find Bob here, and is obviously very disappointed.’
Battles Lost and Won Page 7
