Diamonds in the Dust

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘What?’

  It was funny, but Dobbs never missed a word when he was told about the general’s offer.

  ‘That’s bloody marvellous! Begging your pardon for the language, miss. What a turn-up. Now we’ll be able to help more men.’

  ‘We will indeed. I must tell the others the good news.’ The doctor headed for the door, humming quietly to himself.

  ‘Would you ask Tom and Lily to come down?’ Dora called after him. ‘They can help us with the food.’

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  It had been a busy, exciting day and they were all tired when they arrived home, but Dora was pleased. Lily was now happy about the move, and Tom was already planning what he was going to do in the garden with John’s help.

  They made a pot of tea and sat down to enjoy it in the first quiet moment they’d had that day.

  ‘Phew!’ Tom gulped his tea. ‘What a day!’ Lily just yawned.

  ‘I think we all need an early night.’ Dora stifled a yawn of her own.

  ‘But we must see Stan first.’ Lily was suddenly alert. ‘He’ll want to know about today and we’ve got lots to tell him.’

  ‘Let’s go now then.’ Tom got to his feet. ‘We can eat later.’

  Lily didn’t stop talking from the moment she ran into Stan’s front room, hardly pausing for breath as she told him about her room. ‘They let me paint the wall,’ she told him proudly. ‘And then we cooked a huge meal for all of them! There was ever so many there. Alan came with his dad! He’s a general,’ she told him in awe. ‘And he’s going to give the doctor lots of money so he can help more men.’

  ‘Really?’ Stan was giving the little girl his whole attention, listening intently. ‘You’ve had an exciting day, haven’t you?’

  The animation left her face as she nodded. ‘I don’t want to leave you and June and everyone, but it’s a nice place. Dora’s told me why we have to go and she doesn’t tell lies.’

  ‘Of course she doesn’t.’ Stan smiled. ‘And you won’t be leaving us. We’ll come and see you all the time. Wandsworth isn’t the other side of the world. As soon as my leg’s better I’m going to get myself a motor car, and we’ll all be able to go out for rides.’

  ‘Oh.’ Lily’s eyes opened wide. ‘Could we go to the sea? I’ve never seen it. Mum said it’s beautiful. She used to live by the sea.’

  ‘Where?’ Stan asked.

  ‘Sweetie.’ Dora immediately knelt in front of her sister. ‘Did Mum ever tell you the name of the place?’

  The girl screwed up her face in concentration. ‘Don’t think so. I was only little when she told me.’

  ‘How come she never told us anything?’ Tom complained.

  ‘She said it was a long way from London,’ Lily announced. ‘She spoke funny to me and said that’s how they sounded. It made me laugh.’

  Stan was leaning forward eagerly. ‘I think she must be talking about a regional accent, but which one? Can you talk like it?’

  Lily shook her head.

  Tom now joined in with a passable Scottish accent. ‘Like that?’

  ‘No.’ Lily looked at her brother in amazement as he had a go at Welsh, making them all laugh.

  ‘That was terrible.’ Stan was highly amused. ‘Have you heard anyone speak like it since then, Lily?’

  ‘Hmm? Ray sounded a bit like it, I think.’ The little girl was gazing from one to the other, trying hard to be helpful.

  ‘Oh, yes, he did have an accent, but it was hardly noticeable.’ Dora turned to her brother. ‘You spent some time with the men today, did Ray say where he came from?’

  ‘John told me Ray had been in the navy and was at the battle of Jutland. Since coming out of hospital he’s been living in London, but his home was Liverpool, I think John said.’

  ‘Liverpool!’ Stan hit the arm of the chair with his hand. ‘Damn! Why didn’t we think of that? Lily told us your mum and dad met where the big boats are. We assumed it was Southampton or Portsmouth, and that’s where the police have been making enquiries on the off chance that she went back there. No wonder we’re not getting anywhere. We’re probably looking in the wrong place!’ He struggled to his feet. ‘I’ll go and tell Reg. Well done, Lily. That was clever of you to remember. I never spoke to your mother so I didn’t know she had a northern accent.’

  ‘She didn’t,’ Dora told him, perplexed by Stan’s reasoning. ‘She spoke just like us. Well, better than us actually. Dad told us to listen to the way Mum spoke because she’d had a good education.’

  ‘She gave us lessons,’ Lily said sadly. ‘She was ever so clever. I wish she hadn’t gone away.’

  ‘So do we all, sweetie, but she wouldn’t have left us if she hadn’t been forced to. She loved us, you know that.’

  ‘Come on, urchin.’ Tom took his little sister’s hand. ‘Let’s go home and get something to eat. I’m starving. Do you want to eat with us, Stan?’

  ‘Thanks, but I’m having dinner with Win and Reg tonight.’ He was already moving towards the door.

  ‘We’ll see you tomorrow then.’

  ‘Is Reg home?’ Stan asked as soon as his sister opened the door.

  ‘He’s in the front room. And don’t drink too much. Dinner will be ready in half an hour.’

  He grinned at her. ‘Time for a quick one then.’

  ‘You make sure it’s just one,’ she scolded, then disappeared into the kitchen.

  Stan stood in the doorway, and when Reg looked up from reading his paper, he said one word. ‘Liverpool!’

  ‘Sorry?’

  ‘You’re looking in the wrong place. The big ships Lily was talking about are in Liverpool.’

  ‘You sure?’

  Propping his crutches against the wall, Stan fell into a chair, and told his brother-in-law what Lily had said.

  ‘That’s interesting, but it doesn’t mean the little girl has remembered it right. Win!’ he called. ‘Could you come here a minute?’

  She looked in the door. ‘I’m busy, Reg, what do you want?’

  ‘You spoke to Mrs Bentley, didn’t you? Did she have an accent of any kind?’

  ‘I only spoke to her a couple of times outside the school, and no, I didn’t notice an accent.’

  ‘Thanks,’ Reg smiled at his wife. ‘That’s all I wanted to know.’

  When they were alone again, Stan couldn’t let the subject drop. He had a strong feeling that the answers were in Liverpool. ‘This needs to be followed up. We haven’t uncovered any useful information about her in London, but there’s a chance we could have more luck in Liverpool. It makes sense, Reg. That’s probably where Mr Bentley sailed from when he was a merchant seaman.’

  ‘I don’t know, Stan.’ Reg was still doubtful. ‘All we’ve got are some vague memories from a little girl. She could be imagining things. Dora and Tom didn’t know anything about this, did they?’

  ‘No, but from what I’ve gathered Mrs Bentley seemed to speak more freely to her youngest child. I don’t know why, but I do believe Lily. She’s a bright kid.’

  ‘I’m not sure we can widen the search any more. I’m sorry, Stan, but the feeling at the station is that we should abandon this case. Enough time’s been spent on it already.’

  ‘I’m not surprised.’ Stan couldn’t hide his disappointment. ‘I’ll have to go to Liverpool myself.’

  ‘No you don’t!’ Reg was adamant. ‘You’re not fit enough yet. Leave it with me and I’ll see if I can persuade the super to send someone to Liverpool. I’m not making any promises though. You know how it goes, Stan.’

  He nodded and sighed inwardly. He couldn’t ask for more than that from Reg. ‘Thanks.’

  ‘I could end up back on the beat if this turns out to be another waste of time,’ he said dryly.

  ‘Or you could be looking at promotion if it isn’t.’

  ‘You’re letting your imagination run away with you, Stan.’

  They were both grinning when Winnie called them to the table. They had been so busy talking that they h
adn’t even had one drink.

  The next day, after his visit to the hospital, Stan called in at the station, unable to wait until the evening to find out if they were going to have a look at Liverpool.

  ‘What did the doc say?’ Reg asked as soon as he arrived. ‘Are you going to get rid of those crutches soon?’

  ‘Another week, he reckons, if all continues to go well. He’s pleased, he said I’m healing well.’ He sat down. ‘Any news?’

  His brother-in-law didn’t have to ask what he was talking about. He nodded. ‘I’m going up to Liverpool tomorrow. The super’s given me two days, and if I can’t find anything then we’re to drop the case. There isn’t much more we can do.’

  ‘I understand. I hope you do find something, but two days isn’t long enough. I should be more active soon though, so I’ll be able to take over again. That woman’s somewhere and I’m determined to find her. Her children have a right to know what’s happened to their mother. It’s the only way they’re going to be able to put this behind them and get on with their lives.’

  ‘Maybe, but have you thought that what we find might ruin their lives? There’s something very strange in this woman’s background, and my instinct’s telling me we ought to stop this right now!’

  Stan was shaking his head. ‘No, I’m never going to give up! You’ll find all the information you need in Liverpool. I’m sure of it.’

  ‘I hope you’re right.’

  Stan smiled, feeling more hopeful after his talk with the doctor this morning. His chances of a good recovery were excellent and he now had a future to look forward to. ‘You’re being too pessimistic.’

  Reg shrugged. ‘There’s one thing I’m sure about now. We’re looking for a body.’

  ‘That’s how I feel. And we must find her to end her children’s agony. Wish I could come with you tomorrow, but I’ve got to go to the hospital again. My leg’s stiff and they’re trying to get it moving again.’

  ‘That’s more important than tagging along with me. Do as they say, Stan, and you’ll soon be back here working with us again.’

  ‘Yes, I can’t believe it. And if it hadn’t been for Dora, I would never have visited the Wandsworth house and met the doc again.’ He gazed into space for a moment, then sighed. ‘I owe her so much, Reg.’

  ‘Why?’ His brother-in-law frowned, puzzled. ‘It was Doctor Burridge who persuaded you to have the operation.’

  ‘But if it hadn’t been for Dora I wouldn’t have considered it. When I first arrived back home I didn’t care if I died, at least it would have been an end to the constant pain. But then I met a lovely, caring girl and I began to long to be well again. That’s why I took a chance on the operation. She means a lot to me, and I don’t care what’s in her past.’

  ‘Ah, I thought that was the case. She’s a fine girl. Have you told her how you feel?’

  ‘No, and I’m not going to. She’s got enough to deal with at the moment. And if can’t get back in the police, then I’m never going to tell her.’

  Reg frowned again. ‘But I thought you said the doc was pleased with you?’

  ‘He is, but he can’t guarantee anything yet. The next couple of weeks will be crucial, then we’ll know how successful the operation has been.’

  ‘Well, whatever the outcome, you’ll still be better off than you were. Being in pain all the time would have led you to an early grave.’

  ‘I know, and I’m grateful for the improvement, but I want more. I want my life back!’ Stan stood up. ‘Good luck in Liverpool.’

  The next two days were an anxious time for Stan. Not only was he eager to know if his brother-in-law was having any success, he was enduring long sessions at the hospital. He felt as if he was learning to walk all over again. After relying on crutches and sticks, the thought of walking without such props seemed a daunting task. He gritted his teeth in determination. No one had ever said this was going to be easy!

  After one particularly gruelling morning, he arrived home exhausted. All he could do was slump in a chair, close his eyes and rest. It wasn’t long before he drifted off to sleep …

  The sound of the front door opening and closing woke him. He opened his eyes to see Dora standing by his chair.

  ‘Are you all right, Stan? I knocked but you didn’t hear me.’

  Sitting up straight, he nodded. ‘Just a bit weary, that’s all. The doc’s a hard man when he needs to be.’

  ‘I was going to invite you to eat with us, but I’ll bring the dinner to you.’

  ‘Thank you.’ He glanced at the clock and gave a wry smile. ‘I’ve been asleep for three hours and I don’t think I can move just yet. Tell me how things are going at the house. Doc told me the workmen have moved in already.’

  ‘Yes, the general certainly didn’t waste any time. There are men all over the roof and others are tearing the kitchen apart. Our flat will soon be ready and we’re hoping to be able to move in sometime next week. You must come and see it as soon as you’re able to.’

  ‘That won’t be long now.’ He spoke with confidence, any hint of doubt banished from his tone.

  ‘That’s good. You rest now and I’ll come back with your dinner in half an hour.’

  ‘Thanks, Dora.’ He caught hold of her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed her gently. ‘I don’t know what I’d have done without your quiet support through this.’

  ‘That’s what friends do for each other.’ She smiled and hurried away.

  In fact it was Tom who arrived with the meal. ‘Dora told me I mustn’t stay because you’re tired. She said you’re to go straight to bed after dinner. We’ll collect the plates tomorrow.’

  ‘Thanks, Tom. I feel so useless at the moment. Dora never says anything to me, so how are you doing?’

  ‘All right. You mustn’t worry about us. Our big sister’s taking good care of us. Night, Stan.’

  He watched the boy leave, his heart heavy. They’d come to him for help and they had ended up helping him!

  After finishing his meal he dozed in the chair, not seeming to have enough energy to drag himself upstairs. It was midnight when Reg walked in, and Stan was immediately awake, eager to hear the news.

  ‘I saw your light on. I’ve only just arrived back.’ Reg tossed his bag onto a spare chair and removed an envelope from his pocket. ‘I’ve got a marriage certificate.’

  ‘Ah, good.’ Stan held out his hand. ‘Let’s see it then.’

  ‘You’re not going to like it.’

  When he read it dismay made him shake his head in denial. This couldn’t be right. ‘Divorce papers?’ he asked.

  ‘None, and his wife didn’t die until two years ago. Bentley never married Harriet, and that means—’

  ‘I know what it means,’ Stan snapped.

  Reg sighed, looking as distressed and exhausted as Stan. ‘I wish we’d left this alone, because what I’ve found out is going to blow that little family’s world apart. The fact that their parents weren’t married is only the beginning.’

  ‘There’s worse?’

  ‘I’m afraid so.’

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Can’t you sleep?’ Tom sat at the table, rubbing his eyes. ‘It’s past midnight, Dora.’

  ‘Is it? I hadn’t noticed, there’s so much to think about and plan. We’ll be able to move to the flat soon, and I’m wondering where the money’s coming from to pay for the furniture to be shifted. The rooms at Wandsworth are quite large so we’re going to need everything we have in this house. It could cost quite a bit.’

  ‘Why don’t we ask Dobbs if he knows someone who would do it for us cheaply? He’s got connections – hasn’t he?’

  ‘Of course,’ Dora said wearily. ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’

  ‘Because you’re too tired! You’ve got to stop worrying away the nights,’ he told her sternly. ‘Things are looking better for us. We’ve got somewhere decent to live – rent free – and you’ve got a full-time job with the doc. And look at all the friends we’ve made. W
e’re doing all right.’

  She nodded. ‘I know we have a lot to be thankful for.’ She gave her brother a tight smile. ‘But I still can’t help worrying.’

  ‘You must! I’m not a kid, Dora! Put more responsibility on me. I can take it! You’re not facing this alone. We’re in this together, remember.’

  ‘Oh, Tom.’ Dora’s eyes misted over. ‘What would I do without you?’

  ‘You’d manage well. You’re a lot stronger than you realise, Dora. Come on.’ He pulled her out of the chair. ‘Get some sleep and things will look brighter in the morning.’

  She didn’t protest; her brother was quite right. Sitting alone at night and brooding was not a sensible thing to do. She must try to be more positive – just like him. Things were working out well for them. It was unlikely that their mother would be found now. Too much time had gone by – nearly two months – so they must be through the worst of this nightmare. They needed to look to the future and leave the past behind them. It was hard though, and she knew there would be more sleepless nights. Perhaps she would be able to rest once they had moved. She hoped so, and earnestly prayed that things would get easier from now on.

  As soon as Dora arrived at the house the next day, she went straight to Dobbs and explained about the cost of moving. ‘Do you know anyone who’d do it at a reasonable price?’ she asked.

  He patted her shoulder. ‘Don’t you worry now, I’ll find you someone. You go and have a look at what the boys have done upstairs. They worked till it was dark. You’ll be surprised.’

  Surprised wasn’t the word! The transformation was astounding. Each room was clean and freshly painted – even the windows had been polished. She had foolishly been worrying all night when in fact she should have been counting her blessings. The young men had worked tirelessly to make this place habitable, and their kindness overwhelmed her as she wandered from room to room. When she reached Lily’s room, she stood in the doorway, speechless. It was in a delicate shade of pink. But it was the far wall that took her breath away, and the man completely absorbed in what he was doing. She must have gasped out loud, because he turned.