Diamonds in the Dust

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Yes, but I’m getting used to using my left hand for most things. Writing’s still awkward, though.’ He looked up. ‘But I’m one of the lucky ones. I’ve only lost my right leg from below the knee. I’ll soon have a false one, thanks to a fine doctor I know. He reckons I’ll be able to walk well once I get used to it, and they’re giving me a hand as well, so I should look almost normal. From a distance, anyway.’

  ‘That is good news.’ Dora was so pleased for him.

  Alan finished writing and held the pad towards her. ‘Tear out that page. It’s the address of a centre for ex-servicemen who’ve lost limbs. A Doctor Burridge has set it up, and they’re always desperate for help. Go and see them, Dora.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Dora put the note in her purse. ‘Can I say you sent me?’

  ‘Of course. My name’s Alan Harrington.’

  Tom and Lily had been quietly eating, more interested in what was going on around the lake than the conversation Dora had been having with Alan. Now she was full, Lily was eager to get back to the water.

  ‘Let’s sail the boat again, Tom. You come too, Dora, it’s good fun.’

  ‘You go, I’ll just clear up this mess and be with you in a minute.’

  Alan stood up and settled on his crutches again. ‘I have to go now, but thank you for the sandwiches. It has been interesting talking to you.’

  ‘Thank you for joining us,’ Tom said politely.

  ‘Yes, we’ve enjoyed your company.’ Dora meant it. Alan seemed a nice young man.

  ‘Bye bye,’ Lily waved, and began to drag her brother towards the lake.

  ‘I hope everything works out well for you.’

  ‘Thank you, Dora.’

  She watched him make his way across the park, and could picture him without the crutches, walking normally. She hoped she would see him again …

  ‘Dora!’

  ‘I’m coming, Lily.’

  Chapter Twelve

  They had worked out a routine. Tom took Lily to school and collected her afterwards, but now Dora wasn’t working she took over the shopping, relieving Tom of that chore. She knew he disliked shopping for food, although he never complained. It worried her that he was no longer playing with friends after school, but since their mother’s disappearance he had let that activity drop. The three Bentley children had drawn close in this terrible crisis, protecting each other. When she had mentioned this to her brother last night, he had just waved away her concerns for him, saying that they would sort themselves out when this was all over.

  Dora’s thoughts turned to their day in the park. Their mother had always insisted upon good manners, and that teaching had been very evident in the way her brother and sister had dealt with Alan. Even Lily, young as she was, couldn’t have been faulted on her conduct.

  After clearing away the breakfast things, Dora chose clothes from her mother’s wardrobe. She’d never bothered about what she wore as long as she was clean and tidy, but things were different now. She was eighteen, and had begun noticing couples together with their children. Not that there was much chance of her marrying. Women far outnumbered the men after the slaughter of the war. Like many young girls she was probably destined to remain a spinster. Still, Lily was only six, and would need her for some years. Tom at twelve would soon be a young man, and it wouldn’t be long before her brother was being pursued by hordes of girls.

  The outfit she chose was perfect, smart without being showy. She hadn’t realised that her mother had such nice things, and all matching. It was important to be well dressed, because she was off to Wandsworth today in the hope of getting a job at the address Alan had given her.

  With a final adjustment to the hat, Dora set off for the train station. If they didn’t need anyone at this place, then she would spend the day searching for a job. She didn’t want to go home tonight without some good news. It was now up to her to take over the role of mother to Tom and Lily.

  The house was easy to find. It backed on to Wandsworth Common, and was very large. Dora stood by the gate and took in the scene. It had once been a grand house, but now it was sorely neglected. A coat of paint would do wonders, though. The garden was also overgrown, but that could be put right with a bit of effort.

  The front door was open when she reached it, and when she knocked a sliver of dark red paint fell off. Her hopes of finding a job here disappeared. It didn’t look as if they had enough money to employ staff. The building was falling down around them. Dora couldn’t think why Alan had urged her to come.

  Ah well, she was here now and might as well talk to someone. She tapped more cautiously this time. ‘Anyone there?’ she called, stepping just inside the door.

  A head appeared from a door on her left, sporting a mop of unruly grey hair. ‘You’ll have to knock louder than that, ducky. I’m a bit Mutt and Jeff – deaf,’ he translated in case she hadn’t understood.

  ‘I didn’t like to,’ she told him. ‘I was afraid the door would fall apart.’

  He tipped his head back and roared. ‘Come in, come in.’

  The room he ushered her into was absolute chaos. There were heaps of newspapers, books, boxes of clothes, and the table was littered with letters.

  ‘Sit down.’

  Dora glanced round. Every chair was piled high with something or other. ‘Where?’ she asked.

  ‘What? Don’t whisper.’

  She raised her voice. ‘Where shall I sit?’

  ‘No need to shout, I ain’t that deaf.’ He looked quite offended as he swept one chair clear, letting everything fall on the floor. ‘There.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She sat carefully. The chair didn’t look too safe. ‘Are you in charge?’

  When he didn’t answer she raised the volume a little. ‘Are you in charge?’

  ‘Me? Good Lord, no! I couldn’t organise a … party in a brewery.’

  From the look of the place, Dora would certainly agree with that! The room looked like a junk shop.

  ‘The doc’s the one in charge. Doctor Burridge, that is. Don’t know if he’s here, though. You want to see him?’

  ‘If possible.’ Dora was now positive she’d had a wasted journey.

  ‘Come on then, ducky. Let’s see if we can track him down.’

  The chair gave an alarming crack when she stood up, but it stayed in one piece, much to her surprise. She almost had to run to keep up with him. He might be elderly, but he could certainly move at a pace, she thought, as she took two steps to his one.

  He was darting a quick glance in each door along the corridor. Finally, he grunted in satisfaction. ‘Ah, you’re in luck. You’ll have to wait until he’s finished with one of the lads. He don’t like being disturbed when he’s working.’

  ‘I understand.’ Dora followed the man into the room, and they both stood just inside the door.

  The doctor was middle-aged, Dora guessed, but it was hard to tell as the dark circles under his eyes and lines of fatigue probably made him look older than he was. It was a gentle face, though, she thought, as she watched him haul a young man upright.

  ‘Bloody hell!’ the man exclaimed. ‘I’m never going to be able to walk with this!’

  ‘You won’t know until you try.’ The doctor patted his shoulder, then helped him to stand, put a walking stick in his hand and stepped back. ‘Have a go.’

  Dora watched, hardly breathing. The concentration on the young man’s face was intense, but he didn’t move. She had her hands clasped tightly together, and everything inside her silently urged him to take that first step. When she saw his shoulders drop in defeat, she took an involuntary step forward.

  ‘I can’t do it! I can’t!’

  That was too much for Dora. Before she realised what she was doing, she was standing in front of the young man. ‘My mother always told me that there’s no such word in the English language.’

  ‘What?’ The patient scowled at her. ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘There’s no such word as can’t.’ Dora knew the doctor was
watching her, wondering who she was, but she didn’t care. This young man couldn’t give up! ‘If you don’t persevere you’ll be on crutches or in a wheelchair for the rest of your life. Is that what you want?’

  He shook his head, near to tears, but he was standing straight again.

  Dora took hold of his arm and smiled up at him, speaking gently this time. ‘It isn’t going to be easy, but given time I’m sure you’ll master this.’

  ‘Think so?’

  ‘I know so! What’s your name?’

  ‘John.’

  ‘Nice to meet you, John, I’m Dora. I’ll hold you while you have another try, shall I?’ She glanced at the doctor who was standing with his arms folded. He hadn’t said a word, but she didn’t doubt he would have a few to say when they were on their own. She didn’t know what had come over her, but she hadn’t been able to stand by. ‘What does John have to do, doctor?’

  ‘Lean on Dora, John, and try to throw the leg forward.’

  After a lot of panting, John suddenly stepped forward.

  ‘That’s the idea, now one more,’ the doctor urged.

  In fact John managed two more steps.

  ‘Well done!’ The doctor placed a wheelchair behind John and made him sit down. ‘That’s enough for today. We’ll try again tomorrow, but if you keep that up you’ll soon be walking on your own.’

  The young man took hold of Dora’s hand, gratitude in his eyes. ‘Thanks. Who’s this beautiful girl, Doc? She certainly brightens the place up.’

  ‘I’ve no idea, John, but if you can look after yourself for a while, I’ll find out.’

  ‘I’m all right now.’ John never took his eyes off Dora. ‘Are you going to be around here much?’

  ‘I was hoping to be.’ She glanced at the doctor, but his expression was unreadable. ‘I think I might just have ruined my chances, though.’

  ‘Come with me.’ The doctor glanced round at her when they reached the door. ‘Miss …?’

  ‘Bentley.’

  There was no sign of the man who had let her in when they walked along the corridor and into a small tidy room. The doctor indicated that she should sit.

  ‘I’m not going to apologise,’ she blurted out the moment he was also seated.

  ‘Apologise for what?’

  ‘For interfer—’ Dora stopped suddenly when she looked into his eyes. He was laughing at her! ‘Ah, I thought you’d be mad at me.’

  ‘I’m always pushing these boys to try harder. I get sworn at quite regularly. But to have a stranger, and a pretty one at that, march up and tell him that he can walk, was just what John needed. For that I thank you. Now, will you tell me why you’re here?’

  ‘I met Alan Harrington in Regent’s Park yesterday, and when I told him I was looking for work he gave me this address.’

  ‘I know Alan well, and we can do with all the help we can get.’

  ‘I can see that, sir, but I think Alan misunderstood. I need to earn a wage because I have a younger brother and sister to support. It’s obvious that you need voluntary workers.’ Dora shook her head and began to stand up. ‘I’m so sorry. I would have liked to help here.’

  ‘Sit down, please.’

  She did as he asked, and sighed with disappointment. To be doing something so worthwhile, something she felt strongly about, would make her very happy. ‘Would you tell me about the work you’re doing here?’

  ‘I set up this place in an effort to get some of the young men back on their feet, even if those feet are artificial. We rely on charity donations to help run this house, and I’m continually making friends and colleagues empty their pockets for me. And I don’t apologise for that.’ He looked up and the smile he gave Dora transformed him, wiping away the fatigue. ‘I grew tired of seeing how little was being done for these men and decided to do something about it myself. This neglected house belongs to me, so I thought it was time to put it to good use. It’s a place for the men to meet others who have also been injured, and I’m here as often as I can to give help and encouragement. Sometimes all they need is someone to talk to. They’ve come to regard this house as somewhere they can meet, relax and feel comfortable. I can only help a small number, but every man I see take a couple of faltering steps is worth all the hard work.’

  Dora caught his enthusiasm, admiring his dedication. She leant forward eagerly. ‘I could come in now and again, and perhaps bring my brother and sister with me.’

  ‘That is kind of you, but wouldn’t they find it distressing here?’

  ‘No.’ Dora dismissed the suggestion. ‘Our neighbour was badly injured and has great difficulty walking, using crutches or a stick. He wouldn’t let the doctors do what they wanted and he’s still in a lot of pain. Tom and Lily are very fond of him, and when they met Alan, they treated him just like anyone else.’

  ‘That’s good.’ He sat back and frowned. ‘What’s your neighbour’s name?’

  ‘Stan Crawford.’

  ‘Ah, I met him on a train the other day. He seemed a fine young man, but he needs help. I asked him to come and see me at the hospital, but he hasn’t turned up yet.’

  ‘He never told us that. I’ll let his sister know, and she’ll try and persuade him to see you.’

  ‘He’ll probably ignore her.’

  Dora’s mouth turned up at the corners. ‘No doubt.’

  ‘Ah, I summed him up correctly then? He’s a strong character.’

  ‘And stubborn.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear it. That means he’ll keep on fighting. Now, if you work here four days a week I’ll pay you four and sixpence. I know you can’t live on that, but can I ask you to do it until you find a permanent job?’

  ‘Yes!’ Dora could hardly believe this, and accepted eagerly. It was better than nothing and would help. ‘What days would you like me to come?’

  ‘You can choose those yourself. Just let me know when we can expect you. When I’m here you can help me with the paperwork, the rest of the time I want you to talk to the boys and encourage them like you did with John. None of them stay here, they come in daily.’ He sighed. ‘I wish we could help more, but we haven’t got the staff, and there are only twenty-four hours in the day.’

  ‘I’m sure you squeeze in an extra one here and there.’

  He gave a wry smile. ‘I do try.’

  Dora stood up. ‘Thank you, sir, I’ll be here tomorrow. Oh, and have you got any paint?’

  Dr Burridge looked puzzled. ‘What for?’

  ‘I want to paint the front door. It’s a disgrace.’

  ‘Is it? I hadn’t noticed.’ He couldn’t keep a straight face as he lied. ‘What colour would you like?’

  ‘Bright blue, please.’

  He chuckled. ‘That should get us noticed.’

  ‘It’s about time everyone knew what you’re doing here. A sign on the gate wouldn’t hurt, either. And we could put a donation box by the door.’

  The doctor was openly laughing now. ‘I must thank Alan for sending you here. I’ll see you tomorrow, Dora.’

  On the train home Dora’s thoughts drifted back to her time with Dr Burridge, hardly being able to believe the way she had behaved. Only a short time ago she would never have dared to be so forward, always preferring to stay in the background. The change in her must have happened when their mother disappeared and she’d had to take responsibility for her brother and sister. She’d had to grow up quickly and become more self-assured.

  She gazed out of the train window, and realised with satisfaction that she quite liked the new Dora Bentley.

  Chapter Thirteen

  ‘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 dow
n 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.