When the Music Stopped

by Matthews, Beryl

  Her earlier optimism seemed to dissolve as she considered the impact this was going to have on her children, and she was clearly distressed. Alex sat beside her and took hold of her tightly clenched hands. ‘Now you listen to me, Sara, you have no need to feel shame. You have brought into the world two fine children, and sacrificed your own happiness to see they had every chance of a normal life. I have come to know the twins well, and you are underestimating them if you believe that this tragic affair is going to make them recoil in horror. It doesn’t matter a damn who their father is; they have a mother they love and who loves them. Society’s condemnation will not bother them at all. No doubt they will be shocked, but I don’t believe it will make any difference to their lives. They are involved in this war and are experiencing unimaginable things, and something like this will just be brushed aside by them. So stop feeling sorry for them – or yourself.’

  ‘Yes, Brigadier,’ she answered with a shaky smile.

  His father laughed. ‘You have your orders, Sara. Let’s ask the officer if there is any way he can get your youngsters home soon?’

  ‘I wish I had enough authority to order that, but it’s not possible.’

  ‘I wouldn’t want them to travel on a ship at this time after nearly losing my daughter in that way. I can only hope they don’t hear about this until they are safely home.’ She smiled at the men. ‘I thank you both for your kindness and understanding. It has been a great comfort to have your support.’

  ‘It was the least we could do for you,’ Charles stood up. ‘My son will not be around all the time, of course, but I’ll be here. You won’t have to face this alone; we shall see to that.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Her voice was husky with emotion. ‘That seems a very inadequate way to express my gratitude.’

  ‘I will come as often as possible,’ Alex told her as he stood up. ‘Please write and let me know how you are coping.’

  ‘I will.’

  They took their leave and Sara watched the door close. Unable to control her feelings a moment longer she covered her face with her hands and wept. She cried for the years of deception, for allowing that criminal to drain her family wealth, for her beloved children who would now carry the stigma of being illegitimate, and lastly she cried for herself – for the wasted years in an unhappy marriage. Her parents had been horrified when they had discovered that their unmarried daughter was pregnant, and they had panicked. If they could see the result of their hasty actions they would be ashamed at what they had done.

  ‘I must get back to Hendon.’ Alex checked his watch. ‘That was good of you to offer to stand by Sara. Things could get nasty for her, and I wish I could be here for her as well.’

  ‘Don’t worry, my boy, you have an important job to do, so you can leave this to me. I’ll see she’s all right, but I don’t feel you need to worry. I suspect that her concern is only for her children. I don’t think she cares if society snubs her.’

  Alex nodded in agreement. ‘She has already done everything she could to protect them, and now her only worry seems to be how this will touch their lives.’

  ‘I’m afraid so, but however bad things have been for her she gave those children a stable, happy upbringing. That was quite an achievement in the circumstances. And there’s another blessing.’

  ‘Is there?’

  ‘Of course. She told us that Barber made all the arrangements for the wedding, so there’s a very good chance that the marriage wasn’t legitimate. If it is then she is free and young enough to start a new life, and one that must be happier than the years spent with that rogue.’

  ‘That’s true,’ he agreed. ‘She will need to get that looked into.’

  ‘Our lawyer will do that for her. I’ll pop round there tomorrow and take her to see him. The sooner she disassociates herself from Barber, the better. Now stop worrying and get back to training more pilots. We need them.’

  ‘What the hell do you think you were doing today?’ Lester stormed over to his friend the moment they landed. ‘You nearly got yourself killed – again.’

  ‘I couldn’t resist it. That was the Red Baron. He was impossible to catch, though.’ He gave his usual cheery grin. ‘Thanks for your help. I don’t know where those other two came from.’

  ‘No, you weren’t paying attention and were too intent on that red plane. Don’t do that again. I want both of us to survive this war, but we won’t do that if you start acting like a fool and being reckless.’

  James studied his friend with interest. ‘I say, I’ve never seen you so angry before.’

  ‘Of course I’m angry. Here I am trying to look out for my future brother-in-law and he’s willing to throw his life away for a little glory.’

  ‘A little glory?’ James was now laughing. ‘Come on, my friend, we need to get that devil out of the skies.’

  ‘I know.’ Lester gave a wry smile, his anger draining away as he listened to James’s laughter. ‘But don’t go after him on your own next time.’

  ‘Promise. Let’s get a drink, I’m gasping.’ As they walked along James did a little jig. ‘You called me your future brother-in-law. Does that mean you give me permission to marry your sister?’

  ‘Of course I do. That’s if she’ll have you.’

  ‘She won’t be able to resist me.’

  They were both laughing as they walked into the mess.

  Four weeks later the weather was too bad for flying and Lester found his friend in the mess. ‘Hey, is that an English newspaper you’ve got there?’

  ‘One of the other chaps received it in a parcel from home and gave it to me when he’d finished with it.’

  ‘Let’s have a look,’ he asked eagerly, reaching out for it.

  James whipped it away from him. ‘You can’t have all of it.’

  ‘Oh, come on. I’ll give it back to you.’

  His friend removed one page, folded it and tucked it into his pocket, and then he handed over the rest.

  ‘Why do you want that page? What’s on it?’

  ‘There’s a puzzle on there I want to do; there’s nothing else of interest.’

  ‘All right.’ Lester settled back to enjoy reading news from home. An English newspaper was a rare treat.

  James let out a slow, silent breath of relief. He hadn’t read all of the report, but enough to know it was about his friend’s family – and it wasn’t good. If any more English papers arrived he would have to get to them first. Lester mustn’t start worrying about home; he needed all his wits about him when they flew. He also hoped there weren’t any English newspapers where Lillia was. His heart ached for both of them, but whatever had happened in the past, or recently, he didn’t give a damn about. They were still his friends and always would be, and his love for Lillia would not be destroyed by any scandal. He would make her happy one day, of that he was determined.

  As a beam of sunshine filtered through the window, an officer came over to them. ‘The weather is clearing and will soon be good enough to take photographs of enemy lines. Your plane will be ready any minute now.’

  The boys jumped to their feet. ‘Where to, sir?’

  ‘Messines Ridge.’

  ‘You take the pictures,’ Lester said, ‘because you’re better with a camera than I am.’

  ‘Wonder if the Red Baron will come to visit us?’

  ‘If he does we are getting out of there as fast as possible. We can’t shoot him down with a camera.’

  ‘That’s true,’ James agreed. ‘At least I know he won’t catch us with you at the controls.’

  ‘Hope you’re right.’

  They collected the instructions, maps and equipment and hurried out to the waiting plane.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Much to Sara’s relief the courtroom wasn’t even full, and as far as she could see the case had only attracted mild interest from two reporters. The newspapers were full of what was happening in the war. In peacetime this trial would probably have been front-page news, but she hoped it would be t
ucked away on about the third page. Even so, the reports so far had still been damaging. Gilbert’s list of aliases was now public knowledge, including the account of how he had posed as General Holdsworth, the husband of Sara Kirkby for some twenty years while carrying out his criminal activities. This perfect role had allowed him to remain at large for so many years, and it was humiliating that she had been duped by him. She’d had her doubts about his breeding, of course, but he was the man her father had chosen, so he must be respectable, she had reasoned. Right from the start he had threatened to tell the children they were illegitimate if she didn’t obey him, and she couldn’t risk their young lives being thrown into confusion. The press had pestered her for her story, but she had refused to say a word. Let them think what they liked, it didn’t matter to her. Charles had tried hard to keep her off the witness stand, but to no avail. The prosecution had insisted that her testimony was crucial. She had given her answers without attempting to hide anything. Now they waited.

  ‘It will soon be over, and once sentence is passed the press will lose interest.’

  ‘That will be a relief.’ She smiled at the two men, one either side of her. Charles and Alex had supported her right through the ordeal, and her gratitude knew no bounds. She didn’t know how she would have managed without them. When it was apparent that she would have to take the stand, Charles had explained what would happen, going through everything, and that had helped calm her fears.

  ‘Here we go.’ Alex helped her to her feet as the judge entered.

  When Gilbert was sentenced to life in prison she saw him sway with shock. He turned his head to look at her and when she saw the anguish on his face, she felt sorry for him, which was unbelievable after what he had done to her. There were still doubts about the legality of the marriage, but she thanked God the marriage had not been consummated. At least she was spared that shame. What a fool the man had been. He had schemed his way in to a life of ease and position, but he still hadn’t been able to give up his criminal activities.

  Once outside the two men protected her from reporters and quickly led her to a waiting car. She closed her eyes as they drove away. It was over!

  ‘He got off lightly,’ Alex said. ‘They could have hung him for treason.’

  ‘Unfortunately the evidence for that wasn’t solid enough, but the judge gave him the maximum sentence he could.’

  The door of the house opened before they even reached it, and Adams smiled with relief. ‘Refreshments will be with you immediately, madam, and Cook has made you your favourite fruit cake.’

  ‘That is kind of her.’ She smiled at the butler as he helped her out of her coat. ‘Please thank her, and you can tell the staff that he received a life sentence. I’ll talk to you all when I have rested.’

  He beamed at the two men. ‘Would you like something stronger than tea, sirs?’

  ‘No, thank you.’ Alex returned the faithful servant’s smile. ‘Tea will be very welcome.’

  ‘They have all been so kind,’ Sara said when they were in the sitting room and the refreshments had been served. ‘I did wonder if some would leave once the scandal hit us, but not one did. In fact, they have done their best to show their support by spoiling me. They said they can’t wait for the war to end and the children to come home to fill the house with music again. I pray that day is soon.’

  After enjoying the tea and large slices of the special cake, Charles had to leave. That left Alex and Sara to relax after the turmoil of the last few weeks. It was a relief to spend some quiet time with the man she felt so at ease with. His strong, but gentle manner had carried her through the ordeal.

  ‘This really is excellent cake.’ He helped himself to another slice from the stand. ‘I must thank your cook.’

  ‘She will be delighted, and thrilled to see so much of it has been eaten. I’ll take you to see her before you leave.’

  ‘Do you think she will give me the recipe for my mother?’

  ‘That is a closely guarded secret.’ She surprised herself by laughing. It was an age since she had felt so free.

  ‘That’s better. When you laugh you are more like the enchanting woman I first met.’

  ‘My goodness, it seems a lifetime since I was flattered so graciously.’

  ‘Then it is long overdue.’

  ‘Are you flirting with me, Brigadier?’

  ‘I do believe I am. After all, you are beautiful, intelligent and I must step in quickly before there is a queue outside your door. I must ask Adams to tell them that you are not at home.’ He paused. ‘How am I doing?’

  She burst in to laughter. ‘Alex Stansfield, you are allowing your imagination to run riot.’

  ‘We shall see.’ He sat back, satisfied he had made her put some of the trauma behind her at last. ‘May I ask a personal question?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘I know that man continually wanted money from you, so do you need any help financially? I would be happy to be of assistance, if necessary.’

  ‘That is generous of you, but you have done enough. I still have sufficient funds to run the house and pay my staff, and that is all I need at the moment. Once the children are home I will have to see what is needed so they can pursue their musical careers. I do still have some items of value that I kept out of that man’s way.’

  ‘I understand, but remember, I am here if you need any help at all.’

  ‘I appreciate your kind offer, but I am sure we shall be able to manage.’

  He realised she had too much pride to ask for financial help and changed the subject. ‘Are you still doing volunteer work at the hospital?’

  ‘Yes, I’m pleased to say. I thought they might dispense with my services once they knew about the trial, but the matron was adamant that I was welcome to continue. She declared, very forcibly, that I was not a victim and must stop thinking of myself as one.’

  ‘And she is right. Put it behind you now and start again. You have the chance to make a new life for yourself. Take it.’

  ‘I intend to, and shall start this very moment. I have decided that if the marriage was legal then I shall sue for divorce straight away. Everyone has been so kind through this terrible time.’

  ‘Of course they have, and you have much to be proud of in the way you have handled the whole situation.’

  She smiled and stood up. ‘Come along, and I will introduce you to Cook before all this flattery goes to my head.’

  Their laughter reached the servants as they made their way to the kitchen. They looked at each other and nodded, pleased to hear laughter in the house again.

  ‘Messines Ridge again.’ Lester handed the camera to James. ‘The weather is better today and you should be able to get clearer pictures.’

  ‘I’ll do my best. Wonder why we keep getting this job?’

  ‘Because we keep coming back, I expect.’

  ‘Ah, and I thought it might be for my superb photography skills,’ James joked.

  ‘That too.’ Lester walked round checking the plane before they took off. ‘I’ll try and get you closer this time.’

  ‘Good idea. If I can get some really good pictures they might let us get back to the fighting again. There are still far too many enemy planes flying around up there.’

  They were soon airborne and James kept a sharp look out for enemy planes, but they had a clear run to their target.

  ‘Ready?’ Lester shouted, and when his friend replied he dived, levelling off and flying as low as he dared.

  All hell broke loose as guns began firing at them, but he held his course to allow James to get his photos, until his friend yelled, ‘Get out of here!’

  He banked and climbed as fast as he could and there was a thump and the fuselage beside him shattered. Something felt wrong with his leg as he fought to control the crippled plane in a desperate effort to reach safer territory.

  ‘Are you all right?’ James yelled.

  Lester lifted his hand, unable to speak, and continued the struggle, but it was no
use. The plane was too badly damaged and a crash was inevitable. He spotted a field near a large group of trees. If they survived the crash they were going to need cover, for they were still over enemy territory.

  The next thing he was aware of he was being dragged from the wreckage by James.

  ‘Can you stand? We’ve got to get away from here at once. They’ll have seen us come down and will soon come looking for us.’

  ‘Set the plane on fire,’ Lester gasped. ‘That might delay them for a while if they think we are still in it.’

  It was soon a roaring blaze, and hanging on to his friend they made it to the woods. They kept going until they were a good way in and found a gully to hide them.

  ‘Let’s have a look at that leg. We’ve got to stop the bleeding.’

  ‘You’re hurt as well.’ His friend’s sleeve was torn and covered in blood. ‘I’m sorry. I tried to keep the plane flying.’

  ‘Don’t apologise.’ He ripped Lester’s trouser leg to reveal a deep nasty gash. ‘Is it broken as well?’

  ‘Don’t think so.’ He turned his head away from the mess his leg was in and saw something on the ground. ‘Why are you dragging that camera around with you? It’s probably damaged and won’t be any use.’

  ‘I wasn’t going to leave it behind. I got some good pictures and if I can get them back they will be useful. There, press on that until the bleeding stops. Does it hurt?’

  He gave his friend a disbelieving look and grimaced. ‘Don’t ask daft questions. Of course it hurts. How is your arm?’

  ‘Just a scratch,’ he said, stripping off his shirt and tearing it in to strips for bandages. He bound Lester’s wound first and then his own, which was more than a scratch. He surveyed his handiwork and nodded. ‘Not bad, but what we need are a couple of nurses.’

  That brought Lester’s attention to his sister, and it was something he had been trying to block from his thought from the moment the shell had struck the plane. He didn’t want her to pick up on any pain.