Diamonds in the Dust

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Nice?’ Stan was astounded. ‘That house is a mess!’

  ‘It won’t be when we’ve finished, and we’ve got plenty of help. I only wish we could pay the men for the work they’re doing.’ Dora sighed deeply and changed the subject. No matter what they said, Stan would not be happy about them moving. ‘Did Reg see the solicitors today?’

  ‘Yes, but as expected, they wouldn’t say anything about Mrs Duval unless there was proof she was dead. They insisted she might just have gone away on holiday.’

  ‘It would be a long holiday!’ Tom gave a snort of disgust and stood up to make some tea. ‘And anyway, I still don’t believe this mysterious woman is anything to do with our mum.’

  ‘I don’t know how you can sound so sure,’ Stan said. ‘The name’s in the front of the notebook you found.’

  ‘Along with a lot of others,’ Tom pointed out. ‘Are you looking for all of those as well?’

  ‘Don’t be sarcastic, young man. Think! There was a Duval at the factory too.’

  ‘Coincidence.’ Tom didn’t apologise for being sceptical. He slipped the cosy over the freshly made pot of tea. ‘And what about that notebook? Have you any idea what it’s all about yet?’

  ‘No, it doesn’t make sense,’ Stan admitted.

  He was right about that, Dora thought. Nothing had made sense from the time of their mother’s disappearance, and all these other things just made it downright confusing. It should have been a case of searching for a missing person, but the investigation appeared to be going in all directions except the right one. She could understand her brother’s frustration. In many ways he was much like Stan, not known for his patience. The uncertainty was driving them mad. ‘We haven’t found Mum and Dad’s marriage licence. How would we go about getting a copy?’

  ‘The police will do that, Dora. They’ll let us know as soon as they have one.’

  She glanced at Tom. ‘We’ll leave that with them for the time being, shall we? We’re going to have enough to do with moving.’

  ‘All right. We’ll concentrate on the new flat first.’

  Stan went back to his own house still unhappy that they were moving, but perhaps the move wasn’t such a bad thing. The investigation was going along lines that were disturbing, and at least this would keep them occupied for a while.

  Reg was waiting for Stan when he arrived back.

  ‘Where the hell have you been? You’re supposed to be resting.’

  ‘Don’t you start on me, I’m in the mood for a fight! I’ve been at Dora’s.’ He sat down and leant back his head, closing his eyes. ‘They’re moving. I didn’t want them to do that. I would have helped them, but they won’t let me.’

  ‘Of course they won’t, Stan. They’ve got to plan for a future without their mother. Dora’s got a lot of pride in her quiet way, and she’ll do whatever she can for her brother and sister. Maybe you could have helped for a short time, but you can’t support the three of them for years to come.’

  ‘That’s what they said.’ Stan opened his eyes. ‘And I know you’re right. But I hate to see them struggling like this.’

  ‘Dora and Tom aren’t stupid, and they know what they’ve got to do to survive.’ Reg poured Stan a whisky and handed it to him. ‘They’ve got more intelligence than you’re crediting them with. Don’t treat them like children, Stan. Only one of them is still a child and that’s Lily. The other two have grown up quickly – they’ve had to. We’ll still keep an eye on them. Where are they going?’

  Stan told his brother-in-law about the arrangement they had made with Dr Burridge.

  ‘Well, what are you worrying about? That sounds ideal for them.’

  ‘It could have been worse.’ Stan sipped his drink. ‘We ought to get hold of a marriage certificate. Have you got one yet?’

  Reg took a swig of his drink. ‘We’ve only just started on that line of enquiry. At first, what happened that long ago didn’t seem relevant to tracking a missing person, but knowing her maiden name might help. So far we’ve found nothing. I don’t think they were married, Stan.’

  ‘Oh God!’

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The next morning Dora arrived at Wandsworth with her brother and sister. Dobbs beamed when he saw Lily. ‘My goodness! What a pretty girl you are. I suppose you’ve come to have a look around your new home?’

  She nodded shyly, spinning round as other men came through the door.

  ‘Ah, you must be Lily.’ John leant against the wall so he had a hand free to shake hands with Tom. ‘And you’re Tom. Are you free today? We could do with the help of an able-bodied man.’

  Tom stood up proudly at being called a man. ‘I can stay.’

  The men all crowded round, except one who was keeping in the background. John pulled him forward and introduced him as Ray.

  ‘We’re pleased to meet you, Ray.’ Dora’s gaze was direct, smiling up into his face. He had a patch over his left eye, his face was badly scarred and his left arm was missing. He was clearly nervous about being with strangers. ‘This is my brother Tom and my sister Lily.’

  ‘Nice to meet you, sir,’ Tom said, shaking his hand.

  Lily tipped back her head to look up at him. ‘You’re very tall. Have you come to help us? We’re going to live here.’

  ‘So John told me. He said they’re going to paint your room pink.’ Ray spoke in a soft, musical voice, looking to have been put more at ease by the acceptance he was receiving.

  She giggled. ‘I haven’t seen upstairs yet, but I like pink.’

  ‘I told you it would be all right,’ John whispered in Ray’s ear. ‘These are good youngsters. They’re not going to run away screaming when they see the mess we’re in.’

  ‘Tea and sandwiches are ready!’ Dobbs bellowed.

  Lily put her fingers in her ears and pulled a face at Ray. ‘Dora said he’s deaf – sometimes.’

  Ray laughed at the little girl’s antics, and Dora guessed it was some time since he’d done that. While they all made a stampede for the refreshments, Dora took Tom and Lily upstairs.

  The place was thoroughly explored and, much to Dora’s relief, appeared to meet with approval. Her sister had even chosen her room.

  ‘Come and look at the size of this garden!’ Tom was leaning out of the window. ‘Will we be able to use it?’

  ‘Of course you can.’

  At the sound of the doctor’s voice, Tom shot up, banging his head on the window. ‘Sorry sir, I didn’t know you were here. I’ve always wanted to have a go at growing things. Would that be all right?’

  ‘Go ahead, Tom, I’ll be pleased to see it being used again. It’s become rather overgrown, I’m afraid.’

  ‘I’ll soon see to that.’ Tom was enthusiastic. ‘Thank you, sir. Our garden at home is too small and mostly concrete.’

  There was the sound of clattering on the stairs, and when John and Ray appeared Lily pounced on them. ‘I’ve picked my room. I’ll show you.’

  They followed her obediently. Dr Burridge watched them leave and then turned to Dora. ‘She’s accepted the move?’

  ‘It looks like it. She was upset when we told her but now she seems quite happy. I think seeing a lot of people around has helped. She does like company.’

  ‘Good. I spoke to Ray before coming up here. He’s quite overcome by the way none of you have shied away from his injuries. We’ve been trying to get him here for some time but he was afraid to go out much. John and Alan have been talking to him about the house, explaining that he need have no worries as he’ll be among people who understand. His disfigurement won’t be commented on and he’ll be treated like everyone else.’

  A look of disgust crossed Tom’s face. ‘I don’t understand how people can be so cruel!’

  ‘No, it’s sad, but it makes some people uncomfortable, and they don’t know what to do or say. We mustn’t judge them too harshly, Tom. Now, I must get on with my work. Come down when you’re ready, Dora, but don’t rush.’

  Just as the docto
r left, Lily erupted back into the room.

  ‘Pink! I’m going to have bright pink.’ She skidded to a halt. ‘Ray draws pictures and he’s going to paint me one on the wall! He’s an artist,’ she announced with awe.

  Dora smiled at Ray. ‘Thank you. That’s very kind of you.’

  He inclined his head. ‘It will be my pleasure, and your delightful sister has already thanked me. Do you think you’ll like living here?’

  ‘It should be all right. There’s a big garden and the doctor says Tom can grow things if he wants to.’

  ‘Oh.’ John turned to Tom, immediately interested. ‘Would you like to do that?’

  ‘I always wanted to. I don’t know the first thing about it, though, only what I’ve read in books.’

  ‘I was a gardener before the war. I’d be glad to give you a few tips.’

  ‘Would you?’ Tom was fairly bouncing with excitement. ‘Where did you work?’

  ‘At Kew Gardens.’

  ‘Gosh, you must be good. Will you go back there now you’re walking again?’

  ‘I doubt they’d have me back. I wouldn’t be able to climb trees to do the pruning, or any of the heavy work.’

  ‘There would be plenty of other things you could do,’ Tom insisted.

  ‘Maybe.’ John’s smile was wistful. ‘But let’s get this place into shape first. The soil’s good, just right for growing vegetables.’

  Dora watched as Ray joined in the conversation, and the familiar anger raced through her. Sometimes she wished these shattered lives didn’t touch her so much, but she couldn’t help it. It was the way she was. They were all young, with their lives ahead of them. Some, like Alan and hopefully Stan, would be able to lead normal useful lives again, but what about others? What did the future hold for them? There was a wealth of talent amongst these men and it was being wasted. It wasn’t right after the sacrifices they had made!

  Lily bounced over to Dora. ‘John’s a gardener and he’s going to help Tom grow things.’ Her smile was animated. ‘And they’re going to let me help.’

  ‘That will be lovely.’ Dora stooped down in front of her sister. ‘We’ll be all right here, Lily, won’t we?’

  The little girl nodded. ‘I was upset when you said we had to move, but I like it here. And Stan can come and see us lots, can’t he?’

  ‘Of course, sweetie. And with the big room you’re going to have, June will be able to stay overnight sometimes. We can easily put two beds in there.’

  ‘Why isn’t anyone working?’

  ‘Alan!’ Lily was on her way over to him, but stopped suddenly when she spotted the imposing man beside him.

  ‘Who’s that?’ Tom whispered. ‘Do you think it’s Alan’s father? They look alike.’

  ‘Father, this is Dora, Tom and Lily.’

  ‘Good to meet you. Alan’s told me a lot about you.’

  The man was so overpowering that Dora had a struggle to stop herself from curtseying. ‘Good morning, sir.’

  Alan’s eyes gleamed with amusement when he saw Lily trying to hide behind Dora’s skirt, and Tom dip his head in a parody of a bow.

  ‘Come here, girl,’ Alan’s father demanded, holding out his hand to Lily. ‘Let me have a look at you. Don’t be afraid of me. I don’t bite.’

  Alan stifled a laugh.

  His father shot him an offended glance, and then looked back at Lily. He was actually smiling. ‘Not often, anyway. My son told me that you were very kind to him when you met in the park. You shared your picnic with him.’

  Lily nodded, edging forward a step. ‘We had plenty.’

  ‘He said you didn’t seem to mind that he was injured.’

  ‘Er …’ Her expression was puzzled as she looked at Dora, not understanding what he meant.

  Tom spoke for his sister. ‘Dora’s always told us that the injuries don’t make them any the less of a person, and they should be treated just like anyone else. And she’s right. We like Alan.’

  His steely eyes fastened on Dora. ‘Your sister has a wise and understanding heart.’

  ‘We think so too, sir,’ Tom said proudly. ‘We’d be in a terrible mess now if it wasn’t for her.’

  Alan’s father stood up, took a card out of his pocket and handed it to Dora. ‘I was sorry to hear about your mother’s disappearance. If you ever need any legal help then contact me.’

  Dora examined the gold-embossed card. It bore the name ‘General Arthur Harrington’ followed by a string of letters, and then the address of his chambers. His services were obviously very expensive. ‘This is kind of you, sir, but I’m sure we could never afford you.’

  ‘Don’t worry about that.’ He smiled again. ‘It would be my pleasure to return the kindness you’ve shown to my son.’

  Alan winked at her.

  ‘Now introduce me to Doctor Burridge, Alan, and the rest of the men.’

  Letting out a pent-up breath as they walked away, Dora said to her brother and sister, ‘Do you think Alan will be like his father when he’s older?’

  ‘I expect so.’ Tom’s shoulders were shaking in amusement. ‘You can already see they’re alike.’

  ‘Dora.’ The doctor came over to her. ‘General Harrington wishes to discuss something with me, and I’d like you present to take notes. You know how easily I forget things if they’re not written down.’

  ‘That’s only because your days are so full. It’s easy to forget things.’ She had done this for him on many occasions now and, much to her surprise, found that she was good at it. She had an orderly mind, and that was just what the doctor needed with his busy schedule. ‘Will you and Lily be all right, Tom?’

  He nodded. ‘We’ll make ourselves useful up here.’

  Alan stayed as well. His jacket was already off and his sleeves rolled up, ready to wield a paintbrush.

  Once in the doctor’s office, Dora sat discreetly in the corner of the room, pen in hand, ready to make notes. She was curious about the visit from Alan’s father.

  The general wasted no time. ‘My son has told me what you’re doing for the men. It’s admirable, but the need is great and there’s more that could be done. From what I’ve seen, you have plenty of room here to expand your activities. You could open your doors to all injured and unemployed ex-servicemen, including their wives and children, if they have any. People are going hungry out there, Doctor. Get that kitchen sorted out and you could provide a lunch for those in need, free of charge, of course. You’ll need a regular cook. I know just the woman for the job.’

  Dora had been writing quickly, not wanting to miss a word of what was being said. She glanced up when the general stopped talking. The doctor was resting his arms on the desk and studying the man opposite him, but he said nothing.

  ‘I know what you’re thinking. Where the devil is the money coming from?’

  The doctor inclined his head.

  ‘How much do you want?’

  ‘How much have you got?’

  Dora nearly spluttered with laughter, thoroughly enjoying this exchange between the two men, but managed to turn it into a cough. They were both strong, but in very different ways. The general was used to giving orders and being obeyed; the doctor was quieter, preferring to lead people, but equally determined.

  ‘I’m good at getting money out of people, and you shall have every penny you need. You have my word on that, so there’s no need to worry about the expense. You send all the bills to me and I’ll see they’re paid. What do you say? Can we do it?’

  ‘We can have a damned good try!’

  The general surged to his feet, wreathed in smiles. ‘I’ll send builders round to start on the kitchen. And from what I’ve seen, you need a new roof.’

  ‘I’ve longed to be able to do something like this. Thank you, General.’

  ‘A pleasure.’ He flipped open his pocket watch, frowned, then snapped it shut again. ‘Must leave at once. Court appearance in half an hour. Tell my son I’ve had to leave. Good to have met you all.’

  Th
ey watched him sweep out of the office. The doctor, looking rather stunned, sat down again. ‘A new roof as well? Did I just dream that, Dora?’

  She made a show of studying her notes. ‘No, it’s right here – new roof, new kitchen and all the money you need. Oh, and not forgetting a cook.’

  ‘Then it must be true! This is Alan’s doing. I must thank him.’

  ‘And I must see about preparing a meal. Do you mind if my brother and sister stay for the rest of the day? They won’t be any trouble.’

  ‘Of course they can stay. This is going to be their home, and I’m sure Lily will want to make sure they get the colour right for her room.’

  Dora grinned. ‘Dobbs has managed to get several pots of paint, so she’ll have to take whatever colour he’s managed to scrounge.’

  The doctor was halfway out of the room when he turned. ‘Where did he get it from?’

  ‘He has contacts, he said.’

  ‘I’ll bet he has. Dobbs is absolutely invaluable. I don’t think I could have kept this place open without him. Come with me, Dora, and let’s tell him the good news.’

  They found Dobbs in the kitchen peeling potatoes. ‘’Ow many we feeding today?’

  Dora couldn’t believe her eyes. There were bags of carrots, onions, potatoes, and stewing steak piled on a plate. ‘Where did all this come from?’

  ‘I sold some things from my room.’

  ‘Oh, you shouldn’t have done that. I brought some money with me today to help out.’ In truth they had made a quick call at the pawnbroker’s on their way here. The men were working to get their flat ready, and she felt that feeding them was the least she could do.

  ‘They was things given to me for the house.’ He shook his head when he looked at her. ‘You ain’t got enough money to feed this lot, girl. You leave it to me. I thought you could make a nice pie to stretch the meat.’

  ‘Thanks, Dobbs.’ She smiled at him. ‘Have you ever been told that you’re a good man?’

  ‘What?’

  She laughed, already pulling pie dishes out of the cupboard next to the larder. ‘Doctor Burridge has something to tell you.’