When the Music Stopped

by Matthews, Beryl

  ‘No denying that.’

  ‘He’s also a very clever man who knows how to handle people – that’s why he was at the academy. At this very moment he will be talking to people and dropping hints until they believe it was all their idea. Relax and let that leg heal properly. Orders to return to base will be arriving in the next few days.’

  Lester shook his head in disbelief. ‘It will be interesting to see if that happens.’

  ‘No doubt about it, my friend. It’s a certainty.’

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  ‘I’m sorry to have taken so long to come and see you, but I have been out of the country. The trip was worthwhile, though.’ Alex was shocked at how ill Sara looked, but it shouldn’t have surprised him. That business with her husband was disastrous enough, and now she was coping with the news that her son was missing. He wasted no time in putting her mind at rest. ‘I have good news. Your son is safe and, apart from an injury to his leg, he is fine.’

  She swayed with relief and he made her sit down. He opened the door to find Adams waiting, as he always was. ‘Could you please see that refreshments are brought in?’

  ‘At once, sir. Is madam all right?’

  ‘She will be in a little while. I have just brought her the good news that her son is safe.’

  ‘Oh, that’s a relief, sir.’ Adams beamed. ‘I’ll see to the refreshments. Nice strong tea needed, then.’

  ‘Absolutely right.’

  ‘Tell me how you know,’ she asked eagerly when he returned. ‘I have not had official notification yet.’

  ‘I delivered a plane to France, and while I was there I went to see Ruth and Lillia, and they told me that two dishevelled, exhausted pilots had hobbled in the day before. It was James and Lester. They both have injuries, but not serious, and they will make full recoveries. They were shot down over enemy territory and had a long hike to get back. But they made it in spite of their injuries, and are now recovering in the field hospital.’

  ‘Oh, thank God.’ Her head bowed in relief, and then she smiled. ‘And he found his way to his twin sister. Isn’t that just a miracle?’

  ‘It is, indeed, and both the girls are well. They are overworked, of course, but seem to be coping extremely well with the pressures they are under. Lillia said she has written to you.’

  ‘Did they tell you what happened to them?’

  ‘I suspect I received only a brief outline of the story, but I’ll tell you what I know.’ He paused while the refreshments were wheeled in, and then continued. When he’d finished, he smiled and said, ‘I wanted to bring a bottle of champagne with me, but I was so delighted to see the boys I quite forgot to get one.’

  ‘We must celebrate with something more than tea.’ She rang for Adams, who was still just outside the door.

  ‘Wonderful news, madam. We are all so thrilled.’

  ‘We want to celebrate. Do we have any champagne in the cellar?’

  ‘Two bottles. We have been saving them for the end of the war, but perhaps this is the right time to crack open one of them?’

  ‘Get the two, and give one to the staff. I am sure they would like to drink to my son’s survival.’

  ‘Thank you, madam. They will appreciate that.’

  Later that evening, when Sara was in a relaxed mood, Alex asked how things were after the trial.

  ‘Not too bad. I manage to keep busy at the hospital.’

  ‘What about friends? Do you entertain or visit them?’

  She pursed her lips. ‘When scandal hits, you soon find out who your friends are. My past acquaintances soon crossed me off their visiting list, but I really don’t mind. They can say what they like, but I know it was an arranged marriage, in name only, though even the name was false. I am glad my parents did not live to see this. They thought to save my reputation and that of the Kirkby family; instead it has done the opposite.’

  ‘What happened to you in the past is of no consequence to those who know you. It is the woman you are now that I admire, and that goes for everyone who met you at the Andersons’ Christmas party.’

  ‘That has been made obvious by the kind letters I have received from them. The Andersons have invited me to stay with them; your father has called on me several times, and your mother sent me a charming letter. I count them as true friends and you as my most supportive friend.’

  Alex poured the champagne Adams had just brought in and lifted his glass. ‘Let us drink to true friends, and the safe return of all those we love.’

  He was pleased he had been able to bring her such welcome news about her son. It was clear that apart from her work at the hospital she was leading a lonely life at this time. It was what he had feared would happen. ‘My father will be returning to our home in Cornwall next week and would be delighted if you would stay with them for a while. The countryside is beautiful and a change would be relaxing for you.’

  ‘Your mother has very kindly already extended that invitation to me, but I must stay here. Will they now send Lester home as he is wounded?’

  ‘I doubt that,’ he told her gently. ‘His injury is not severe and both boys are determined to return to flying as soon as they are well enough.’

  She couldn’t hide her disappointment. ‘I miss my children so much. When am I going to see them again? I have nearly lost both of them. They’ve been lucky, but what if their luck runs out? I am so frightened for them.’

  ‘They’ve both had narrow escapes, and for their survival we can be thankful, but we must believe that they will come through this war unscathed. They do say that lightning never strikes twice, and if that is true they will return to take up their musical careers. You’ve always believed that is their destiny, so continue to hold on to that belief.’

  ‘I can always count on sound, comforting advice from you. What have I ever done to deserve such a friend?’ she told him.

  ‘Where shall I start?’ he joked, making her laugh. ‘That’s better; you are lovely when you smile. Promise me you will remain positive and keep smiling.’

  ‘I will try.’

  ‘Good.’ He stood up. ‘I must take my leave. I don’t know when I will be able to come again, but do consider the invites you have received. A change could help to ease the loneliness you are feeling with the children away.’

  ‘I’m sure it would, and thank you for bringing me such good news.’

  He kissed her on the cheek and walked out to the car. While driving back to Hendon he thought about the visit, and one thing was now absolutely clear: he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, if that was possible. What timing, he thought grimly. They were in the middle of a war, and her life was in disarray. There was no way he could let her know how he felt. All she needed at this time was a friend, and that was what he must be. After what she had been through, anything else would just be an added complication to her, and she still had to sort out the mess of that arranged marriage. He must wait for the right time, and exercise the patience he was noted for. Once the war was over they could all sort out their lives, but one thing he was becoming impatient about was his application to return to his regiment. The first one had been rejected, stating that he was doing vital work instructing new pilots. He had immediately put in another application and was still waiting for a decision. If that also was denied he would keep on until they damned well got fed up with his requests and agreed.

  ‘We want you to transfer to the RFC permanently.’

  ‘No, sir.’ Alex bristled. He wasn’t going to let them do that. ‘I agreed to train pilots for six months. That time is up and I want to return to my regiment.’

  ‘You can’t do that; they are in France.’

  ‘Why can’t I, sir?’

  ‘Because you’re a pilot, man, and a damned fine one from all I’ve heard.’

  ‘I can fly planes, but I am a soldier first and foremost. That has been my life from the age of eighteen.’

  The general sat back and glared at the stubborn brigadier standing in front of him.
‘I can order you to transfer to the RFC.’

  ‘If you do that, then for the first time in my career I will disobey an order, sir.’

  ‘Will you, indeed? Then you could well face a court martial and dismissal from the army. What would you do then?’

  ‘Join the navy, sir.’

  General Trent burst out laughing. ‘My God, I do believe you would. All right, you can rejoin your regiment, but don’t go and get yourself killed. Good officers are badly needed out there.’

  ‘Wouldn’t dream of it, sir.’ Alex couldn’t help smiling as his application was stamped with approval. He had enjoyed his time as an instructor, but he wanted to do more than that, be more involved, and that desire had made him put in this application.

  General Trent stood up and handed over the papers. ‘I think you’re mad to do this. Do you really know what you are letting yourself in for?’

  ‘I am well aware of the conditions and risks, sir.’

  ‘No doubt, but I still think this is foolhardy and the waste of a good instructor. However, I can see you are determined, so now that’s dealt with you can buy me a drink, Alex. Wish I could come with you, but they think I’m too old. Absolute nonsense.’

  He nodded agreement. That was something he’d half expected to be raised in his case.

  ‘I know what you’re thinking.’ The general gave him a sideways glance. ‘Your age is just a number on the paper. Look at you; you’re tall, lean, strong and disgustingly fit, looking ten years younger than you are. How do you do it?’

  ‘I run every day and swim at least twice a week.’

  ‘Humph. You forgot to mention that you play all kinds of sport, as well.’

  ‘When I can.’

  ‘Don’t know where you get the energy from. Mine’s a double whisky,’ he told Alex as they entered the officers’ mess.

  The boys were delighted to be back at their airfield, and pleased they had at least been able to spend a little time with the girls and that had been a treat. However, Lester had been grounded because his injury needed more time to heal, and then the weather had closed in and they hadn’t been able to fly for some weeks. The moment it cleared, Lester had the frustrating time of watching his friends leave without him.

  ‘Hey, have you heard?’ James rushed up to his friend waving a letter. ‘Alex is back with his regiment. I knew he wouldn’t be able to sit on the sidelines for much longer.’

  ‘His outfit is here in France, isn’t it?’

  James nodded. ‘We’ll have to waggle our wings when we fly over the battlegrounds. If he’s down there he will know it’s us because he taught us that trick.’

  ‘When they let me fly again.’ Lester rubbed his leg. ‘This has healed now and is only a little stiff, but not bad enough to stop me flying.’

  ‘You’re seeing the medic tomorrow and they will probably pass you as fit for active service again.’

  ‘Hope so. I don’t like seeing you all take off every day without me, and waiting anxiously to see if you all come back. You haven’t got anyone to watch your tail.’

  ‘I miss you, but I’m all right. I’ve got the others with me. Don’t you trust me?’

  ‘Not when a certain enemy plane is around.’

  James grinned. ‘Haven’t seen him for a while, but you needn’t worry because I’m sure you’ll be with us after tomorrow. I’ve also had a letter from the girls, did you?’

  ‘Yes.’ Lester smiled then. ‘It was wonderful to see them. What luck to be taken to their hospital.’

  ‘Yes, worth the struggle we had to get there. I didn’t expect to get a medal, though.’

  ‘Nor me, but they seemed to consider we’d done something that warranted recognition, and you did bring back those photographs they wanted.’

  ‘True.’ James sat down, his expression worried. ‘I wish we could get you a piano. You haven’t touched one for a long time, and I know how much it means to you.’

  Lester tried not to think about that; it was almost like a physical pain to be separated from his music, and he knew his sister was suffering in the same way. They both felt as if half of them were missing without it, but this war and all its brutality had to take priority. ‘I’ll make up for the lost years when I get back home again. The professor will enjoy knocking me back into shape.’

  ‘And I’ll hear your sister sing again,’ James sighed. ‘I hate to think of you both stuck here with your talent going to waste.’

  ‘Hey, what brought on this miserable tone of voice? Everyone is being asked to make sacrifices.’

  ‘Oh, it’s just another year gone, and who knows what this one will bring.’

  ‘The end of the war – hopefully.’ Lester stood up, flexed his leg and smiled at his grim friend. ‘Let’s go to town this evening. You need cheering up.’

  ‘Good idea. We could ask if any of the restaurants have a piano we could buy and bring back here.’

  ‘Will you stop that?’

  ‘All right.’ He held up his hands in surrender. ‘I won’t mention it again. We’ll have to make do with the wireless, that’s if we can get any music out of it, of course.’

  ‘Oh, heavens. Cheer up or you’ll have us both crying in our beer.’

  His friend grinned, the sombre mood wiped away. ‘The first one is on you.’

  The next day Lester was declared fit to fly again and as it was a clear day he took to the air with the rest of the squadron. His one desire was to see the end of this long war and the suffering it was causing. They were all finding it harder and harder to cope, as he saw with James last night. It was unusual for his friend to be so down in spirit, and he knew it was happening to him as well.

  Once airborne, he took a deep breath of pleasure. He had never lost that feeling of joy as he climbed into the sky. It was a clear, cold day, and he counted himself lucky to be up here and not on the ground, where he would certainly be if the brigadier hadn’t given them the chance to fly. His thoughts went out to the man he had great affection and respect for. He was down there somewhere now, and he prayed for his safety, and all the other little dots below him.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Autumn, 1918

  Alex cast his mind back to the previous year, 1917. What a year it had been. It seemed as if the whole world was in turmoil. There had been the revolution in Russia and Tsar Nicholas II had abdicated and America had joined the war. Then there had been terrible, costly battles here. The loss of so many young lives was appalling, and still it went on. Surely 1918 must bring an end to the fighting.

  The sound of planes brought him out of his reverie, and he watched as they swooped in to attack the enemy positions.

  ‘That’s a welcome sight, sir.’

  ‘It certainly is. We need all the help we can get, Corporal.’

  ‘I wouldn’t argue with that. Ah, look, they are breaking off and two are coming this way. Hope they know we’re not the enemy.’

  ‘Don’t worry; they won’t have any ammunition left.’

  They swept in low and waggled their wings as they passed, making Alex laugh out loud, and wave frantically. ‘Good flying, boys!’

  ‘I’ve never seen any of them do that before. Why do you think they flew over us like that, sir?’

  ‘They were looking for me. I taught them that little manoeuvre as a greeting.’

  The soldier looked at his officer in amazement. ‘Can you fly, then, sir?’

  He nodded, still smiling broadly. ‘I was assigned as a temporary instructor to the RFC, and I know those two.’

  ‘Well, they’re welcome here at any time. We might be able to have something to eat in peace for a while now. That attack must have shaken the enemy up a bit. Can I get you something, sir?’

  ‘No, thanks, Corporal. I’ll come along in a while.’

  When he was alone again, Alex remained where he was, deep in thought. The boys didn’t know where he was, so they must be doing that flying past wherever they went in the hope he would see them. It had certainly brighte
ned his day, and he felt quite proud to have had a hand in their training. They were doing the job with skill and courage, and even their crash hadn’t dampened their joy of flying. He must write and tell Sara that he had seen them.

  ‘Alex was there. Did you see him waving?’

  ‘I saw lots of soldiers waving to us,’ Lester told his friend. ‘How can you be sure one of them was the brigadier?’

  ‘He was standing away from the crowd. I’m positive it was him. I’d know him anywhere, even from the air. I’ll write and ask him.’

  ‘Talking of writing, have you heard from Ruth lately? I haven’t had a letter from her for some time.’

  ‘I received one yesterday.’ James gave him a speculative look. ‘You haven’t upset her, have you?’

  ‘Of course I haven’t.’

  ‘In that case you’ll probably receive a letter soon. Try turning on the charm next time you write.’

  ‘How on earth can I do that in a letter?’

  ‘You could let her know how you feel about her. Girls like to hear those things.’

  Lester’s look was incredulous. ‘You’re an expert in these things, are you?’

  ‘Not really, but I’m doing my best. I think your sister is starting to become fond of me, and I can’t wait for the war to end so I can shower her with specials gifts. What kind of jewellery does she like?’

  ‘Emeralds.’

  ‘Of course, they will match her eyes. The first thing I’ll buy her is a platinum and emerald necklace. I know a good jeweller and he will make it for me.’

  ‘That will cost a fortune,’ Lester pointed out.

  ‘I can afford it. I’m rich.’

  ‘Are you?’ He’d known his friend came from a good family, but he’d never considered that he might have a personal fortune.

  James shrugged. ‘My dear old grandfather liked me.’

  ‘And he was wealthy?’

  ‘Very. I don’t talk about it in case it attracts the wrong kind of people, but I know you and Lillia wouldn’t let something like that influence you. Come on, we’ve finished flying for the day, so let’s get out of here for a while.’