Diamonds in the Dust

by Beryl Matthews

  There was great excitement at the house and Dora forced away the sadness. She had expected tears from Lily, but the little girl couldn’t wait to move into her room with the beautiful painting on the wall. Tom also seemed to have no regrets.

  ‘We’ve done the right thing,’ he told her, knowing her well enough to read the expression on her face. ‘We couldn’t have stayed in that house, and we’ve been very lucky to be able to come here. Let’s try and put the past behind us, Dora.’

  ‘I know.’ She squeezed his arm. ‘I’ll be all right once we’ve sorted everything out.’ She watched the activity, amazed that so many people wanted to help them. The house was full of willing helpers, insisting on doing something regardless of any disability they had. Smiling at her brother, she said, ‘It seems that in this dreadful time for us we’ve been showered with many blessings.’

  ‘We certainly have.’ He hefted a dining chair onto his shoulders, looking very mature for his age. ‘Do you realise what isolated lives we lived when Mum was with us?’

  ‘I never thought about it at the time, but I can see it now. I thought Mum didn’t make friends with neighbours because she was working too hard. But it wasn’t that, was it? We know now she had secrets, and she hid them well, even from us.’

  Tom grimaced. ‘I’d dearly love to know what she was up to, but perhaps it’s best we don’t.’

  ‘You might be right. Don’t carry that, Lily!’ Dora rushed to her little sister who was tottering along clutching a large vase. ‘It’s too heavy. You’ll drop it!’

  ‘Don’t just stand there, Dora,’ Alan chided playfully. ‘We need you upstairs to tell us where to put the furniture.’

  ‘Oops, sorry.’ She ran up the stairs, taking the vase with her. The flat was in utter chaos. ‘Where do we start?’ she gasped.

  Alan appeared beside her, shook his head and shouted, ‘Sergeant!’

  ‘You called, sir.’ Stan walked into the room.

  ‘Get some men to sort out this bloody mess. Dora will tell you where everything goes. There are enough men milling around.’

  ‘Yes, sir!’ Stan came smartly to attention and saluted.

  Dora’s earlier gloom was now a thing of the past, and she laughed. ‘The general should have come as well and made it a military operation.’

  ‘We’ve got our orders.’ A deep rumbling chuckle came from Stan. ‘The captain’s more than capable of taking over the operation. Now, where do you want that table just coming through the door?’

  With Alan now directing things from downstairs and Stan upstairs doing the same, the chaos was soon transformed into a smooth operation. In no time at all the flat began to look like home.

  As soon as she could get into the kitchen, Dora grabbed her brother and sister. ‘Help me make tea and sandwiches. They must all be gasping by now.’

  Their lounge was a large room, but it was packed when they took in the refreshments. The tea had just been handed round when the door burst open and the general strode in.

  ‘You timed that well, father,’ Alan said dryly.

  ‘Didn’t I.’ The impressive man actually smiled as he relieved his son of his cup. He winked at Lily, making her giggle.

  Dora quickly poured Alan another cup of tea, and Lily held out a plate of sandwiches. ‘Would you like a sandwich?’ she asked politely.

  ‘Hmm, what are they?’

  ‘Cheese.’ She giggled again. For some odd reason, the general always made her act like this. ‘They’re good. I made them myself.’

  ‘Ah, in that case I’ll have one. Cheese is my favourite.’

  At that moment Dr Burridge also arrived, making Tom leap up and mutter, ‘I’d better make another pot.’

  The general shook the doctor’s hand. ‘We must put our plans into action now the house is ready.’ He glanced at Dora. ‘Most of the organisation in the early days will fall upon your shoulders, my dear. But Mrs Chandler will soon be able to take over everything to do with the food, and with Dobbs, they should be able to run the place quite efficiently. That’s a good man you’ve got there, Doctor, and we must pay him a wage.’

  Dora watched the surprise on Dobbs’ face, and saw his mouth twitch at the corners. He heard that all right, she thought with amusement.

  ‘I agree.’ The doctor turned to face the men in the room. ‘Gentlemen, I have to take Dora away from you now. Can you manage without her for a while?’

  ‘We’ve got a captain and a sergeant to keep us in order,’ John remarked, making the room erupt into laughter.

  Knowing she could leave everything in their capable hands, Dora followed the doctor down to his office, listening to the laughter coming from her new home. It could only be a happy place after such a lovely beginning. At the start of this nightmare she had been afraid that her brother and sister would be taken from her and placed in someone else’s care. But that hadn’t happened, and she suspected that was due to Stan and his family. She hadn’t asked – hadn’t wanted to know. All that mattered was that they were still together, and she was feeling quite light-headed with hope for the future.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  It was a week before Dora could give any thought to the party. Lily’s continual requests finally wore her down, and they had settled on the coming Saturday afternoon, leaving her only two days to make the arrangements. Thank goodness she had Dobbs and Lizzie, who had said over and over that they would be happy to help. Her little sister was so looking forward to it, and she had been very good, attending the new school without protest, although it meant making new friends. Tom had also taken to his school without uttering one complaint, but then she had never expected him to complain. If he didn’t like something, he would keep quiet and sort it out in his own way. Dora was well aware that this was a great upheaval for both of them, but they appeared to be settling down well and she was immensely relieved about that. It had worried her that it had been necessary to put them through this move. She had been almost running from one job to another and hadn’t thought about visiting the solicitors as planned. But it didn’t matter. It would most likely be a waste of time, anyway.

  On the day of the party Dora had been at the hospital all morning, and their guests would be arriving at three o’clock. With only two hours to spare she hurried home.

  ‘Ah, there you are.’ Dobbs met her at the door. ‘Everything’s ready. Lizzie’s made a fine job of the food. Wonderful cook, that woman is.’

  ‘What?’ All was ready? She was sure she hadn’t heard that properly.

  He smirked. ‘That’s my word. Come with me.’

  She followed him along the passage to the back room, gasping in amazement when she saw the long table against the wall. It was loaded with all kinds of food, and there was a barrel of beer right in the middle. Tom and Lily were standing with Lizzie, proud grins on their faces.

  ‘Where did all this come from?’ She had given Lizzie what money she had, but it would never have bought this sumptuous feast!

  ‘Auntie Winnie and June have been here.’ Lily dragged her sister over to the table, telling her who had donated certain items of food. ‘The beer came from Uncle Reg and Stan. And John’s going to play the piano for us.’

  ‘I didn’t know he could play.’ Dora glanced at her brother for confirmation.

  ‘Says he’s out of practice, but he’ll knock out a tune for us.’

  ‘Well I never!’ was all she could say.

  Dobbs urged them towards the door. ‘Now I think you should all go upstairs and make yourselves look pretty.’

  Tom raised his hands in horror. ‘I’ll have a job to make myself look pretty!’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Oh, he’s gone deaf again, Lily.’ Tom shook his head in mock dismay, but his eyes were glinting with laughter. ‘Come on urchin, let’s see if you still fit into your party frock.’

  Dora took one last look around, wondering how this party had got so out of hand. She had intended it to be a small affair, but it had gathered momentum. Heavens ab
ove! She didn’t even know how many were coming.

  ‘Stop fretting, girl.’ Dobbs pushed her towards the door. ‘This was the doc’s idea. He’s asked all the men to come and bring their families with them. He said it was time everyone learnt to laugh again. This was his family home, so he’s delighted it’s come to life again, and helping a few people as well. You make sure you come down here with a smile on your face. Me and Lizzie are here to see everything goes smoothly.’

  ‘I will, and I’m sorry if I seem such a worrier. Thank you both for all you’ve done. I’m sure the party will be a great success.’

  ‘There’s no need to apologise.’ Lizzie gave her an understanding smile. ‘You’re having a hard time, what with your mother missing and the responsibility for those two youngsters of yours weighing heavy on your shoulders. I don’t suppose you give a thought to yourself.’

  ‘I am the eldest, and they depend on me,’ she pointed out.

  ‘True, but you’ve got to ease up on yourself and remember you’re surrounded by people who love and admire you. If there’s anything you can’t handle, you can come to any of us for help. And Stan would walk through hell for you. Now off you go and get ready.’

  Dora had much to ponder as she walked upstairs.

  ‘Look! It’s too small,’ Lily wailed as soon as she appeared. ‘It’s the only good frock I’ve got.’

  ‘Let me see.’ Dora knelt in front of her sister. ‘Hmm, you’ve grown, but there’s plenty of material in the side seams and the hem. I can soon let it out for you, sweetie.’

  ‘Can you?’ Her face brightened at once.

  ‘Of course. Take it off and bring me the workbasket.’

  An hour later, after much snipping, unpicking, sewing and pressing, the frock slipped easily over Lily’s head.

  She stood in front of a mirror, turning this way and that as she inspected the finished garment. ‘You are clever, Dora!’ She threw her arms around her big sister. ‘It looks lovely. Can I wear my necklace?’

  ‘I don’t see why not. It is a party, isn’t it?’

  ‘Goody.’ Lily beamed at her brother as he walked into the kitchen, freshly washed and wearing a clean shirt. ‘Dora’s made my frock fit, and she said I can wear my necklace.’

  ‘So I see. You’re going to dazzle everyone in the room.’ Tom frowned at Dora. ‘You’d better hurry. We mustn’t be late.’

  ‘Goodness!’ Dora scrambled to her feet. ‘Get the necklace for Lily.’

  ‘I’ll see to it, you hurry.’

  ‘Thanks.’ She dashed to her bedroom with only half an hour to get ready.

  ‘Isn’t Reg home yet?’ Stan asked when he went to collect Winnie and June.

  ‘No, but I expect he’ll come straight to the party when he’s off duty. You know how it is, Stan.’ His sister gazed at him with affection and said softly, ‘I didn’t think I’d ever see you like this again, looking fit and moving without pain. You’re a handsome devil, in a tough sort of way.’

  ‘Thanks – I think. Is June ready? We’d better get going.’

  ‘Here I am.’ June danced into the room wearing a pale lemon frock. ‘This is new, Uncle Stan. Do you like it?’

  ‘Very pretty, and so are you.’

  She smiled, delighted with the compliment. ‘Will there be lots of people at the party?’

  ‘I think so, but you know quite a few of them will be ex-soldiers wounded in the war, don’t you?’

  She nodded. ‘Mummy told me all about that, and I promise not to stare. I never stared at you when you couldn’t walk, did I, Uncle Stan?’

  ‘No, you’re a good girl.’ He took hold of her hand. ‘Let’s go, shall we?’

  The Bentleys were standing just inside the room to greet the guests as they arrived, and it made Stan’s temperature rise when he saw the little girl was wearing the necklace. They had no idea of its value, and he hoped no one else in the room could tell that it was real diamonds. There were at least twenty people there and it was good to see the young men with their families. The general had just arrived with his son and the doctor. John was playing the piano as background music, and Dobbs was even wearing a tie, making this a very special occasion indeed!

  Dora looked lovely, if a bit flushed as if she had been hurrying, in a frock of pale blue. He wanted to get her to himself, but she was too busy at the moment. He would have to be patient and choose his time.

  ‘Have a drink, Stan.’ Tom handed him a glass of beer. ‘Is Reg coming?’

  ‘He’ll be here if he can, but he’s been delayed.’

  At that moment the doctor called order. ‘Welcome, we’re pleased you could all come to this little gathering. We have much to celebrate. Thanks to the generosity of General Harrington, the house is now in a fit state for us to extend our activities.’

  There was a round of applause, which the general took with good grace.

  ‘I am personally delighted that Dora and her family are now living in the flat upstairs. We wish them much happiness in their new home. And we are also here to congratulate Stan on making a good recovery. Entirely due to his own courage and determination.’ The doctor smiled at Stan. ‘Well done, my boy.’

  Stan smiled, embarrassed at having attention drawn to him like this. ‘You’ve got that wrong, sir. My recovery is entirely due to your skill as a surgeon.’

  ‘Raise your glasses to the doc,’ John called. ‘Without him some of us would still be in wheelchairs.’

  There was a heartfelt round of applause for the man who cared enough to give unstintingly of his time and skill. He held up his hands for quiet. ‘It’s my pleasure to work with so many fine young men. Now, I suggest we tuck into this splendid food.’

  Stan was about to go over to Dora when he saw her smile at someone who had just arrived. He turned and saw a young man. He was tall, even taller than Stan’s six foot one. His left arm was missing; there was a patch over his left eye and his face was badly scarred.

  ‘Ray!’ The yelp of delight came from Lily as she hurled herself at him. ‘Thank you for my picture, it’s beautiful. Did you get my letter?’

  ‘I did, and John told me about the party, so I just had to come.’

  Ah, he must be the artist, Stan thought. He stood back and watched the crowd gather round, welcoming him with genuine pleasure.

  ‘Stan, come and meet Ray.’ Dora urged him forward.

  After the introduction, Stan stayed with Ray, and he liked him at once. He spoke with a soft, musical voice, and there was a gentleness about him. It wasn’t surprising that he was such a talented artist. One tragedy of the war was that men like this had been sent to the trenches, and the lives even of many who came back had been shattered in one way or another. Right from a young child Stan had been tough, and when faced with the horror of war, he had fought with grim determination. But for someone as sensitive as Ray it must have been nothing short of purgatory.

  John abandoned the piano and joined them, bringing a tray with three pints of beer.

  Dora also arrived with a plate of sandwiches. ‘How are you getting on at home, Ray?’

  ‘All right, thanks to all of you. You gave me the confidence to face my family and friends. I’ve been working hard and finished a couple of paintings. A local gallery is taking an interest in my work. They put them on show and even sold one.’

  ‘That’s wonderful! One day when you’re famous I’ll be able to say we have an original of yours on our wall.’

  He laughed at the compliment. ‘Would you mind if I took photographs of it? I’ve brought a camera with me.’

  ‘That’s a lovely idea. Tom, Lily,’ she called. ‘Take Ray upstairs so he can take a picture of the angel.’

  Lily bounced with pleasure. ‘Can June come too?’

  ‘Of course she can.’

  Stan watched them leave, and when John went back to the piano he was finally alone with Dora. ‘Tom’s been telling me about his garden. Will you show me?’

  She nodded. ‘He’s very proud of it.’

/>   The afternoon was warm with a slight breeze to stir the air, and although all the doors and windows were open, it was pleasant to walk outside. There was a high wall around the entire garden, making it into an oasis of calm in busy Wandsworth.

  ‘He has been working hard.’ Stan surveyed the freshly dug-over plot. ‘What’s he going to grow?’

  ‘Everything. By next year he reckons we won’t need to buy another vegetable in the shops.’ There was laughter in her eyes as she looked up at him.

  ‘It’s good he’s found an interest. This is a lovely spot.’

  ‘Yes, it is.’ She was serious once again. ‘We’ve been very lucky. I know you didn’t want us to move, but it was the right thing to do. That house was too expensive for us, and it held a lot of memories. We’re happier away from it.’

  ‘You were quite right to come here. I was being selfish, not wanting to lose you.’ He reached out and turned her to face him, then lowered his head and kissed her on the lips. Standing up straight again, he said, ‘I want you to know I love you, Dora. And have done from the moment we met.’

  When she went to speak he placed fingers on her lips to stop her. ‘Don’t say anything, let me finish. Now I can move around again I want to be able to take you out, spend some time on our own so you can get to know me better. And I hope, in time, that you’ll love me enough to marry me.’

  ‘Oh, Stan, I do already love you, but it wouldn’t work between us. I could never leave Tom and Lily. I’ll have to stay unmarried until they’re grown up.’

  ‘My darling girl, I wouldn’t dream of separating you from them. Where you go, they go, I know that, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.’ He stopped her again before she could speak. ‘I’m not asking for a decision now, just remember I love you – all of you – and no matter what happens I want us to be together. Will you remember that? It’s important, my dear.’

  ‘I’ll remember.’ She smiled shyly. ‘And I look forward to getting to know you better.’

  Stan breathed an enormous inward sigh of relief as they walked back to the house. He’d told her clearly how he felt. All he could hope was that when the truth came out she would turn to him, and not away.