It was nearly midnight when the letter was finished. She had managed to buy a larger envelope so she could include Andrew’s drawing without folding it more than once. After sealing and addressing it, she put it on her bedside table ready to post in the morning.
Eight
It had been July when she had waved goodbye to Jack, and now it was September. Hanna could hardly believe how quickly the time had gone. They had never been parted in their lives before, and she missed him so much that the ache was almost tangible at times. But he was happy – and so was she. They had finally been able to get away from the orphanage and into jobs they both enjoyed. That was all that mattered.
Although autumn was fast approaching it was quite warm, and Hanna smiled as she watched the twins kicking a ball around the lawn.
‘Come on!’ David dragged her out of the chair. ‘You can be the goalie.’
Laughing, she pretended to dive for the balls, allowing most of them past her. As always, she made sure each twin scored an equal amount of goals, though they did their best to confuse her, but by now she was very familiar with the differences in their characters and wasn’t easily fooled.
Rolling on the grass in an effort to catch another shot, Hanna heard the boys start to shout with delight. She came to her knees and saw them running to a man and woman who had just come into the garden, accompanied by their mother. She recognized Mrs Freeman immediately and scrambled to her feet, hastily brushing grass from her skirt. Rose Freeman was about six feet in height, but the man with her was even taller. They made a handsome, impressive couple.
The man lifted both twins without any trouble at all, and had them giggling with delight. Everyone was laughing and Hanna joined in.
‘Put those kids down, Bill,’ Rose said, smiling broadly.
‘Where’s Kate?’ Andrew asked the moment his feet touched the ground.
‘In school, where you will be soon.’
‘We can read already, Auntie Rose,’ Andrew told her proudly. ‘Hanna’s teaching us how.’
‘And we can tell the time,’ David said.
‘That’s very good.’ Rose turned to her husband. ‘Come and meet Hanna.’
He stepped forward and shook hands with her, and she had a job not to tremble with nerves, but managed to smile. He was very handsome, with a few grey hairs at the temple, and the kindest eyes she had ever looked into. There was an easy-going manner about him, but she sensed that hid a very strong character.
‘I’m pleased to meet you, sir.’
He smiled. ‘The pleasure is mine, Hanna. My wife has told me all about you. And the name is Bill.’
She couldn’t call him Bill!
‘Play football with us.’ The twins were too excited to stand still.
When Bill and Rose began chasing around the lawn with the twins, Jane Harcourt stood beside Hanna. ‘You don’t need to be afraid of them, my dear. Rose comes from the slums and had a dreadful childhood. But she was blessed with a brilliant mind and fought for a better life for herself and her family. Against all the odds she became a lawyer, and still fights any injustice she comes across. That’s why I went to her with your case. I knew she was the one person who would understand and do something about it.’
Rose came over to them and sat beside Hanna. ‘Take them all in for tea, Jane. I want to talk to Hanna.’
Hanna watched them leave the garden, and waited quietly to hear what Mrs Freeman had to tell her.
‘The situation at the orphanage has been dealt with. We carried out a thorough investigation, talking to many past and present members of staff and children. As a result of our findings several of the youngsters have been removed from unsuitable places and found other homes. They will be monitored to make sure they are treated well. I’m afraid the matron was taking money and letting the children go to the highest bidder. Her conduct will be taken further, but that need not concern you, Hanna; we have enough evidence to proceed without involving you.’
Hanna nodded. ‘Thank you. I’m pleased about that.’
Rose continued. ‘Your brother’s case should have been dealt with as soon as you reported it. Those responsible have been severely reprimanded and either sacked, or moved to another position. Mrs Buxton has been removed from the orphanage and is also facing further enquiries into her mishandling of the funds.’
‘She’s been stealing as well?’ Hanna gasped.
‘Let’s just say that she was not using the money wisely. I have personally chosen a replacement and things are already improving.’
‘It’s a great relief to know that other children will not suffer in the way Jack did.’
Rose gave a wry smile, sadness showing in her dark eyes. ‘I can’t say that for sure, but we will be keeping a sharp eye on things from now on, and Talbot has been blacklisted. He will never be allowed to take another child into his home.’
‘Thank you very much for all you’ve done, Mrs Freeman.’ Hanna sighed. ‘I felt so helpless and didn’t know what to do next, but my brother settled that for himself.’
‘I’d like to meet him sometime. He sounds as if he’s got a lot of courage. If you would like to visit the orphanage and see the changes taking place, you would be very welcome to do so.’
‘No.’ Hanna shook her head emphatically. ‘I have put that part of my life behind me and so has Jack. I have no wish to see the place again.’
‘I can understand how you feel.’ Rose stood up and looked down at Hanna. ‘It must have been hard for you to break away from the unsatisfactory life you found yourselves in, and I wish you both a happy and useful life ahead of you. Don’t be afraid to reach higher. Impossible is not a word you should accept. I never have.’
Nodding, Rose turned and walked towards the house, leaving that advice ringing in Hanna’s mind. She sat where she was for some time, deep in thought. With Jack’s announcement that he had joined the merchant navy their lives had changed dramatically overnight. She had been so concerned about her young brother that she hadn’t given a thought to her own future, but she ought to, because once the twins were old enough to go to school, Mrs Harcourt probably wouldn’t need her any more. What would she do then?
Hanna gazed into space for a while, and then shook her head impatiently. That wouldn’t be for a couple of years yet, and she would deal with it when the time came. If she did her job well, Mrs Harcourt would give her a good reference and she could get another job. No point trying to cross that bridge before she got to it. Mrs Freeman was obviously a determined person, and Hanna really didn’t think she was anything like her. But to have a goal to reach for was quite a good thing, and her aim was to make a good home for herself and Jack. However, she would take one piece of advice and tell herself that although she had set herself a difficult task, it was not impossible!
Smiling, she stood up and walked towards the house. There was writing paper in her room and she had so much to tell Jack.
An hour later, her letter finished, Hanna was on her way to the post box at the end of the road. Her brother would be so pleased to hear that something had been done about the orphanage and Talbot.
She had just put the letter in the box when she saw the constable striding towards her.
‘Hello, Hanna.’
She smiled brightly. ‘Lovely day, isn’t it?’
‘Ah, I guess from your happy face that you’ve heard from your brother and he’s enjoying his life at sea.’
‘Yes, he loves being on the ship, and I’ve just written to him with some good news.’ She began walking back to the house and he fell into step beside her. ‘Mrs Harcourt contacted a friend of hers and you’ll never guess what’s happened.’
‘I give up,’ he smiled. ‘You tell me.’
Hanna talked all the way along the road, telling him what Mrs Freeman had done. ‘Isn’t that wonderful!’
‘It certainly is,’ he said as they stopped by the gate. ‘You must be very relieved.’
She nodded, still smiling.
‘I think
you should celebrate. There’s a dance at the hall next to the cinema tomorrow evening. You told me you couldn’t come out with me until you knew your brother was all right. Well, now you know, so will you come out with me?’
It only took her a moment to decide. ‘I’d like that. Only I must warn you that I can’t dance.’
‘Don’t worry about that. I’ll teach you. See you tomorrow then. I’ll come round for you about seven.’
As she watched him walk away, she noted his easy stride, and decided that he was probably a good dancer. Her mind began to whirl at her impulsive decision. She had a little money put aside and would need a new frock for the evening. Nothing expensive, of course, but something pretty. It was time she had some fun, and she wouldn’t want to look a mess and let him down.
There was no sign of the twins as she made her way back to the garden, so the Freemans must still be here. The smile was still on her face as she sat down and sighed with relief. Jack was all right, the orphanage and Talbot had been dealt with, and she had a date! Her first ever date, and she was so happy!
‘There, you’re picking up the steps already,’ Alan told her as he guided her around the crowded dance floor. ‘You’ll be able to manage a foxtrot by the end of the evening. You follow well and have a good sense of timing.’
‘That’s only because you’re an excellent teacher,’ Hanna laughed, thoroughly enjoying herself. That morning she had bought a cotton frock in a delicate shade of lemon, which suited her dark colouring, and she didn’t feel out of place amongst all the other girls. When Alan had come for her he had immediately told her how pretty she looked, and that had boosted her confidence. He was very good at putting people at ease, she soon realized, seeing the relaxed way he talked to everyone he met.
The evening flew by and she did attempt a foxtrot, but soon decided that she would need more practice before she could glide around the floor like the other dancers.
‘Have you enjoyed yourself, Hanna?’ Alan asked when they reached the house.
‘I’ve had a lovely time. Thank you for asking me out and for showing me the dance steps.’
He smiled. ‘It was fun. Will you come out with me again?’
‘I’d like that.’
‘Good. I work shifts so it will be a couple of weeks before I get another Saturday off. Perhaps you’d like to go to the cinema then?’
‘That would be lovely. I haven’t seen a picture for ages. I used to take Jack to the children’s matinee when we could afford it, but that wasn’t often.’
‘There hasn’t been much fun in your lives, has there?’
‘Not much, but that’s all over now.’ She smiled up at Alan. ‘Thank you again for a fun evening.’
‘It was my pleasure, Hanna.’ He kissed her gently on the cheek. ‘I’ll come for you at six o’clock in two weeks’ time.’
‘I’ll look forward to it.’
Once back in the house she ran up the stairs and danced along the landing to her room. Mrs Harcourt and the boys were staying with Captain Harcourt’s mother for the weekend, and wouldn’t be back until teatime tomorrow. There would be no need to get up early in the morning. What a luxury – what fun!
Nine
How his life had changed. The years at the orphanage and the nightmare of being under Talbot’s control seemed like a distant dream. Jack felt as if he had stepped into another world. There was a comradeship among the men, almost like being part of a large family. Although he was new and young he had been accepted. The only concession they made to his youth was to take the time and trouble to explain things to him in detail so he understood exactly what he was being asked to do. It gave him a lovely comforting feeling.
They had made a brief stop to pick up the mail and he had two letters from Hanna on the table in front of him.
‘Tea, Jack?’ Frank asked as he walked into the mess carrying boxes of supplies.
‘Please, I’m gasping.’
‘You going to read your letter, lad, or just gaze at it?’ Bill took two mugs from Frank and put one of them in front of Jack, and then sat beside him.
Jack gave a nod of thanks. ‘I know she’s happy where she is, but I left a mess behind for her to sort out, and I’m afraid she might have had trouble with Talbot. He’s a nasty brute, and not the sort to let my disappearing go without a fight.’ He picked up a letter, weighing it in his hand. ‘And I don’t like the look of this one. It’s rather bulky.’
‘There’s only one way to find out. Go on, open them.’
‘You’re right.’ He slit open the thick letter first and frowned as he unfolded a child’s drawing. When he spread it out on the table all the men in the mess stopped what they were doing to have a look at it.
‘Your sister like drawing?’ one of the men asked.
‘No.’ He laughed, suddenly realizing what it was. ‘She’s looking after two young boys – twins – and one of them must have done this.’
‘Read what she says,’ Bill urged.
Jack unfolded the letter and began to read quickly, a smile spreading across his face, and he roared with laughter from time to time. He looked up, his face animated. ‘The picture is from one of the boys, Andrew, and she said he did it especially for me, so I’ve got to put it by my bunk.’
‘Ah, in that case you must.’ Bill picked up the picture and studied it carefully. ‘Do you know where this is, or did the boy make it up?’
‘That’s Richmond Park. Hanna used to take me there now and again as a treat.’
‘And I have a feeling you didn’t get many of those,’ Bill said seriously.
‘No, but we really enjoyed them when we did. My sister was very good like that. She tried hard to see I didn’t miss out on everything. My favourite time was when we went to the swimming pool.’ Jack gulped some of his tea. ‘I’ve always liked the water.’
‘We’ve noticed that by the way you spend your spare moments gazing at the sea.’ Bill pointed to the drawing. ‘Tell you what, lad, we’ll tack it up for you and I’ll take a photo so you can send it to the boy.’
‘Would you, Bill? That would be wonderful.’
‘Easy done, lad. Now, you’d better read your other letter.’
He slit this one open eagerly, and as he read his smile turned to a frown. ‘Oh, damn!’ he muttered. ‘I was afraid of this.’
‘What is it, lad?’
‘That blasted man has been causing trouble. I knew he would, but he went to the police about me! Can you believe that? A brute like that daring to take the police to question my sister!’ Jack was furious that Hanna had had to endure such an ordeal.
The men sitting around him said nothing as Jack continued to read. Slowly his frown eased and he sighed with relief. ‘Oh, it’s turned out all right – more than all right. Hanna’s got friends who are sticking up for her, and they’ve helped her to deal with him.’
‘That’s good news.’ Frank refilled their mugs. ‘Who’s been helping her?’
‘The woman she works for – Mrs Harcourt, and a friend of hers who is a lawyer and working at the council offices. Rose Freeman’s her name. She’s sorted out the orphanage and had Talbot blacklisted so he can never take another kid into his home.’
Bill tipped his head back and laughed. ‘If Rose Freeman is involved then you’ve got nothing to worry about.’
‘You know her?’
‘I only met her once, but my mother knew her when she worked for the council. That was a few years ago now, but I doubt she’s changed much. She’s the kind of woman once seen never forgotten. You and your sister won’t have any more trouble, lad.’
Intrigued, Jack asked, ‘What’s she like?’
‘Six feet tall, black hair, impressive and absolutely beautiful. She gets things done, and won’t tolerate injustice of any kind. Your sister’s employer did the right thing by going to her.’
‘That’s a relief to know.’ Jack nodded and put the letters back in their envelopes.
Bill picked up the drawing. ‘Let’s find a
place by your bunk for this.’
Life settled into a busy routine while at sea. Time, and even days of the week merged together, where the only view was the ever-changing sea. Jack loved it, recording every moment of his day as Hanna had suggested for her to read one day.
He sat at the table in the mess, hungry as usual. ‘What we got, Frank?’
‘Steak and kidney pudding.’
‘Lovely, my favourite. I’m ready for it.’
Frank laughed and dished up a generous helping. ‘You’re always hungry. There will be seconds, if you want it? Though why I ask such a daft question I don’t know.’
Bill joined them. ‘Your cooking’s done the lad a power of good, Frank. He was too scrawny when he joined us, but look at him now. He’s filled out nicely.’
Grinning, Jack continued to tuck into his meal. ‘I think I’ve grown taller as well. My trousers are a bit on the short side now. If Hanna was here she could alter them for me.’
‘All sailors can sew. We’ll teach you how to do things for yourself.’
‘You’re joking, Frank.’
‘No I’m not. How do you think we manage when we’re at sea for weeks?’
Everyone round the table was nodding, so Jack pulled a face. ‘In that case I’d better learn, I suppose. Can I have some more steak pudding, Frank?’
Jack was just wiping his plate clean for the second time when silence fell on the mess, everyone listening intently. ‘Why have we slowed down, Bill?’
‘Don’t know.’ He stood up and strode out.
Fifteen minutes later he was back. ‘Engine trouble, but the engineers think they can fix it. We’ll have to stop for a while so they can make repairs.’
‘What happens if they can’t fix it?’ Jack wanted to know.
A New Day Page 6
