Diamonds in the Dust

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘Get him off me! He ain’t a copper.’

  Reg tossed Stan a pair of handcuffs, and before the reporter, Mr Johnson, knew what was happening he was securely chained to a heavy chair.

  ‘What you doing?’ He was eyeing Stan with a great deal of distrust.

  ‘I’m making a citizen’s arrest. You got a cell free, Reg?’

  ‘You can’t do this. I haven’t done nothing!’

  Reg picked up the newspaper and waved it under the reporter’s nose. ‘How about cruelty to children for a start?’

  ‘What you mean …?’ His gaze rested on the youngsters. ‘Ah.’

  ‘We’d like to know where you got your information from.’ Dora spoke politely, her anger having drained away as she witnessed the scene in front of her. If she hadn’t been so upset, it would be hilarious.

  ‘I can’t reveal my source.’

  ‘Was it someone from here?’ Reg demanded.

  The reporter gave a snort of disgust. ‘None of you lot will give me the time of day.’

  ‘True. Friendly with someone at Bloomsbury, are you?’

  ‘I got friends,’ he answered defiantly. ‘But I don’t care what you do to me. I ain’t telling.’

  ‘There’s an invitation if ever I heard one. He doesn’t care what we do to him, Stan.’

  ‘Tempting. You’d better let me have him. I don’t want you getting into trouble for beating up a suspect.’

  ‘Suspect?’ The reporter tugged at the handcuffs. ‘I ain’t no suspect. I ain’t done nothing. I’m only doing my job! You got no right to hold me here.’

  Stan shook his head and tutted. ‘How did you ever become a reporter? Your English is atrocious.’

  ‘Makes you wonder how people like this get jobs.’ Reg made a show of searching for the key, and when he found it he tossed it from hand to hand. The reporter watched every move with fascination. ‘I might consider removing the handcuffs and letting you go with a caution if you apologise for the harm you’ve done.’

  ‘Why should I?’

  ‘Because you’ve just ruined our lives, Mr Johnson.’ Dora spoke quietly. ‘And made us accuse honourable men of being underhand. And we’re ashamed of that.’

  Taking hold of Lily’s hand and urging her brother forward, they walked out of the station without looking back.

  The next morning, armed with all the necessary papers, they went to see the solicitor. He told them that after the funeral expenses had been paid, there remained the sum of two hundred and ten pounds to be shared between the three of them. It seemed that their mother hadn’t used a bank, but had kept the money in a safe at the solicitors’. It was a large sum, but it meant nothing to them because of the way their mother may have come by it. On the other hand their mother had obviously intended they should have it, because it was in an envelope with their names written on it.

  ‘I suppose we could buy a house with it,’ Dora said without enthusiasm.

  ‘No, Dora!’ Lily was immediately agitated. ‘I don’t want to move. I like it where we are.’

  ‘Me too.’ She smiled at her sister and then glanced at Tom. ‘How do you feel?’

  ‘I like it where we are,’ Tom said, dismissing the idea. ‘Let’s put it in a bank. It’ll be security for Lily in the future. I don’t want any of it, Dora.’

  ‘Neither do I, and I agree that we keep it for Lily.’ Dora gave her brother an understanding glance, knowing he was feeling as she did. They would never be able to spend the money on themselves.

  Over the next few days they went out only to get necessary shopping, not wanting to meet reporters asking questions about their mother. It would be common knowledge by now, and they didn’t feel up to facing the pity they would see in people’s eyes.

  Stan didn’t come round, and Dora wasn’t surprised. They had behaved disgracefully towards him and Reg, and they must have hurt them. She doubted if the men would ever be able to forgive such distrust. They would probably never see them again.

  She sighed sadly, feeling very alone, but guessed that was how it would be from now on. All they could hope was that the scandal would soon die down, and then they might be able to make some kind of a life for themselves.

  Stan was spending more and more time at the station. His home didn’t seem so inviting now Dora and the children had moved away.

  The door opened with a crash and Reg erupted into the room, his face like thunder. ‘The bloody man’s gone! His father said he’s cleared out the safe at the factory and disappeared. He’s got enough money to go miles from here, even abroad if he wants to. Damn it! This proves he’s guilty. We should have held him on some charge or other. Now we’ve lost him!’

  Stan watched his brother-in-law rage, understanding how he felt, but knew that there was no way they could have held Grant. ‘There was no proof, Reg, you had to let him go. But you obviously made a good job of making him nervous,’ he said dryly.

  ‘Too good!’ Reg gave a wry smile, calming down. ‘All we can do now is keep looking. We might get lucky one day and find him.’

  ‘You never know.’ Stan knew as well as Reg that Grant was probably a long way from here by now, and the chances of catching him were slim. Not a satisfactory end to the disappearance of Mrs Bentley.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  The day of the funeral had arrived so quickly. It was a clear, sunny morning, but Dora was dreading it. It would be a poor turnout with only the three of them to say farewell to the mother they had loved but, on reflection, never really known. The coffin was going straight to the local church, St Mark’s, just around the corner. The service was at eleven o’clock and it would only take them fifteen minutes to walk there.

  ‘We’d better go.’ She straightened her hat, put on her gloves and made sure that her brother and sister were immaculate. They might be the only mourners, but that was no reason to turn up looking untidy. It was important to Dora that the funeral was a dignified affair. Their mother deserved that.

  Silently they walked to the church, carrying a single rose each to place on the coffin. Even Tom hadn’t complained about walking through the streets with a flower in his hand.

  ‘Oh look!’ Lily tugged at Dora’s hand. ‘There are lots of people there.’

  ‘I expect there’s another funeral or something.’ Then Dora’s steps faltered as she recognised the people waiting outside the church. Winnie was there with June, John, Ray, the doctor, Dobbs, Lizzie, and many of the regulars from the house. There were also two policemen in uniform. One was Reg, and the other Stan.

  Dora’s throat constricted as she gazed at them. The kindness of each one of them overwhelmed her. And Stan was back in the force. She was so proud of him, for he had fought hard to get fit enough to be able to put on his uniform again. She had seen little of him over the last week or so, and she felt guilty about that. It was entirely her fault. She knew he had been around the Wandsworth house, but she hadn’t wanted to see anyone.

  ‘Stan looks good in his uniform,’ Tom remarked. ‘What a difference in him from the man we first met.’

  ‘Yes, he’s made a remarkable recovery. I must congratulate him.’

  ‘Yes, you must, Dora.’ There was a reprimand in Tom’s voice, and she knew she deserved it. ‘Everyone we know’s turned up. They don’t give a damn about our past, and neither should we! Mum’s going to get a real good send-off.’

  ‘And they’ve all brought flowers.’ Lily was bouncing up and down, impatient to get over and see everyone. ‘Lots of lovely flowers.’

  Dora started to move forward, and then stopped again. ‘Oh dear, we should have laid on food at the house, but I thought we’d be the only ones attending. None of them knew Mum.’

  ‘They know us, though,’ Lily pointed out innocently. ‘They’ve come to be with us.’

  ‘Of course they have.’ All the shame and confusion Dora had been feeling melted away at that moment. Her sister was absolutely right. ‘We can scramble something together. We’ll ask them all back, Tom.’
>
  ‘We must. Lizzie will help us. Come on, Dora, let’s go and thank them all for coming.’

  It was only when they reached the church that Dora noticed Stan and Reg were standing either side of a couple she didn’t know.

  Reg stepped forward, turning to face the man and woman. ‘These are your daughter’s children.’ He turned back again. ‘Dora, Tom, Lily, this is Mr and Mrs Duval.’

  She was astounded that they had had the nerve to come, but this was not the time or place to tell them what she thought of them. She remained silent.

  Tom however was not so reticent. Clearly offended, he said abruptly, ‘You aren’t welcome here.’ Then he took hold of his sisters’ hands and led them into the church.

  It was a moving service, and with so many friends attending and singing the hymns, an emotional affair. Not one of them had known their mother, but they had come to support the three of them. She was in awe at the love being shown to them. It was almost too much for her, and she struggled to maintain her control. Lily was being very brave and she must do the same. Their mother would have expected it of them.

  They dropped their roses onto the coffin, and while the vicar led them in a final prayer, Dora glanced at their mother’s parents. They were stony-faced, and clearly surprised by the number of people attending the funeral. It was quite a sight. There were two policemen standing to attention as the coffin was lowered, several young men on crutches or using walking sticks, and many others paying their respects to the daughter they had turned out all those years ago. She hoped their consciences were troubling them. The expressions in their eyes told her they were, and Mrs Duval could hardly take her eyes off Lily. Dora almost felt sorry for them. One heartless act years ago had deprived them of three fine grandchildren.

  When it was all over, they went round thanking each person for coming, and inviting them all back to the house.

  As she moved towards the unwanted guests, Tom caught her arm. ‘You’re not inviting them back, are you?’

  ‘Yes, I am. It would be rude not to, and we’ve been brought up better than that. Do you realise they’re our grandparents?’

  ‘Hell, I never thought of that. But I don’t want anything to do with them.’

  ‘Neither do I, and once this is over we’ll never see them again.’ She walked over to them. ‘There will be refreshments back at the house if you would like to join us.’

  ‘Thank you, we’d like that.’ It was Mrs Duval who answered. Mr Duval couldn’t take his eyes off Tom.

  Finally he fixed his gaze on Dora. ‘Will he talk to me, do you think?’

  ‘I doubt it, sir, but I’ll ask him.’ She went over to her brother. ‘Mr Duval would like to talk to you, Tom.’

  He merely shook his head and went to stand with John and Ray.

  Stan was close by and Dora went over to him. ‘Congratulations, Stan, I’m so pleased you’re back in the force. I know it’s what you longed for.’

  He inclined his head. ‘One of the things I long for, Dora,’ he said quietly.

  She let the remark go. ‘Would you be kind enough to bring Mr and Mrs Duval back to the house?’

  ‘Of course.’

  She watched as he made his way over to them and ushered them towards his car. Turning, she bumped into Tom. ‘Oops!’

  ‘Sorry, Dora. I’ve just been talking to Dobbs and Lizzie. We don’t have to worry about refreshments. They’ve got it all laid on for us.’

  ‘That’s very kind of them.’ Dora blew out a breath of relief. ‘We haven’t got anything to worry about then, have we?’

  ‘Not a thing.’ Tom patted his sister’s hand. ‘Everything’s going to be all right from now on.’

  ‘Yes, it is.’ She smiled for the first time that day. ‘We’d better get back.’

  Lily was subdued as they walked back to the house, and Dora hoped she wasn’t going to upset her more by the decision she had made. ‘Sweetie, you know that man and woman are Mum’s parents?’

  The little girl nodded. ‘They didn’t look very nice.’

  ‘I expect they felt uncomfortable being with people they didn’t know.’

  ‘Hmm.’

  Dora continued. ‘You know the necklace we said you could have when you’re older? Well, it belongs to them, and I think we should give it back. I’m sorry, sweetie, but we shouldn’t keep it. It’s very valuable.’

  Lily thought about this for a moment, then said firmly, ‘I don’t want it if it’s theirs.’

  ‘Good girl.’ Dora stopped and gave her a hug. ‘You can give it to them if you like.’

  Lily nodded. If she was sad about giving up the necklace, she didn’t say so. Dora was very proud of her.

  Stan was waiting just inside the front door for them.

  ‘What have you done with them?’ Tom asked dryly.

  ‘Inflicted them on the doctor.’

  ‘Oh, poor man.’ Dora pulled a face. ‘We’ve got to pop upstairs first. Lily’s going to give them back the necklace.’

  ‘Good, that’s what I thought you’d do.’ He stooped down to Lily. ‘That’s very generous of you and deserves a reward.’ Removing a small black box from his pocket, he took out a rose pendant on a gold chain, with a small diamond in the centre of the flower. He placed it around the little girl’s neck. ‘There, not as sparkly as the other one, but it looks nice on you.’

  Lily rushed over to the hall mirror.

  ‘Is this for me?’

  ‘Yes, do you like it?’

  ‘Oh yes!’ She turned to her brother and sister. ‘This is much prettier, isn’t it?’

  ‘Much nicer, sweetie. Thank Stan properly.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She hurled herself at him, pulling him down so she could kiss his cheek. ‘I’ll wear it always.’ Then she grabbed hold of her brother. ‘Come on, let’s get the other one and give it back.’

  As they thundered up the stairs, Dora gazed at Stan, filled with gratitude. ‘That was very kind of you. I don’t know how to thank you.’

  ‘Just don’t shut me out of your life, my darling.’

  ‘I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted, Stan. I was so hurt and confused, and sure that everyone would turn against us once they knew the truth about Mum – even you – and that was insulting. Today has shown me how wrong I was. We’re surrounded by true friends.’

  ‘You know I want to be more than your friend.’ He took another box out of his pocket. ‘I’m afraid I can’t get down on one knee yet, but it would make my happiness complete if you’d marry me.’ He flicked open the box to reveal a solitaire diamond ring.

  ‘Oh, Stan!’ Dora’s eyes filled with tears. ‘I do love you so much, and I thought I’d lost you. Of course I’ll marry you. But you do realise that the three of us come as a package, don’t you?’

  ‘Of course, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.’ He smiled affectionately. ‘I’ll have a ready-made family. How lucky can a man get?’ Then he placed the ring on her finger and took her into his arms.

  The sound of clapping broke their embrace as Tom and Lily threw themselves at Dora and Stan, nearly knocking them off their feet.

  ‘I guess we’re all happy about this,’ Stan laughed. ‘I think it’s time we told our friends, don’t you?’

  Lily held tightly to Stan’s hand, with the velvet box clasped firmly in her other hand. ‘You come with us,’ she whispered as they walked into the other room.

  Stan nodded, serious once again. ‘I’m going to be a witness that the jewel’s been returned to them.’

  The four of them walked up to Mr and Mrs Duval, and Stan stood Lily in front of him, resting his hands on her shoulders.

  She held out the box. ‘This is yours. You can have it back.’

  Mr Duval took it, but his wife touched his arm and shook her head. ‘Let them keep it.’

  ‘We don’t want it.’ Lily held up the pendant she wore proudly around her neck. ‘I’ve got a much nicer one now. Stan gave it to me, and he gave Dora a diamond as well. He’s going to be my da
d, because he loves us!’

  There was a stunned silence in the room for a moment, and then it erupted as everyone swarmed round to congratulate them. The next few minutes were chaos as drinks were poured to toast the happy couple – or the happy foursome, as Tom and Lily were also included in the toasts.

  A sad day had turned into one of joy, and Dora was sure their mother would have been happy for them. Looking round she noticed that her mother’s parents had gone, and she was pleased they’d had the chance to meet them and return what was rightfully theirs. Who knew what the future held? They might even be able to forgive them one day.

  A beam of sunlight caught the ring on her finger, making it burst into a rainbow of many colours. Only a short time ago it seemed as if their lives had turned to dust, but their future had been diamond bright all the time.

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  About the Author

  BERYL MATTHEWS was born in London but now lives in a small village in Hampshire. As a young girl her ambition was to become a professional singer, but the need to earn a wage drove her into an office, where she worked her way up from tea girl to credit controller. She grew up in a family who loved reading, and books have always been an important part of her life. She had always weaved stories in her head, but never written them down. After retiring she joined a Writers’ Circle and began to see if she could fulfil the dream of becoming a published author. With her first book published at the age of seventy-one, she has since written sixteen novels.