Angel on my Shoulder

by Carl Leckey

  I suggest dubiously. She answers thoughtfully. “In a way yes but we shall refer to it as a Haven. I know you don’t approve of this type of establishment after your own experience in an orphanage.

  I would sooner consider it a halfway house until we find families willing to adopt the kids. I can assure you it will be run in a quite different way than the usual orphanage I guarantee that.” Hazel says. “It sounds quite a good idea to me Adam, what choice did they have? Louise I am willing to stay with you for a while until we get these kids back to health. I have no urgency to get to England. Some of the kids look really out of sorts I bet they are covered in nits and fleas for a start? I nursed in a children’s hospital before the war I have plenty of experience of childhood deseases and ailments. All I need is food and somewhere to lay my head.” Louise instantly accepts her offer. “We should be on our way folks.”

  I stand up and ask Louise a question. “Just one thing before we set off. Louise, I have been considering the future myself. How would it be if I leave Pompey Lill with you for a while? You can use it to run the kids about in take people to the rail station and transport goods to market. It should bring in an income to help with the kids it will certainly break the monopoly of the Marquis?” She hugs me. “Thanks Adam the charabanc will make such a difference.” Even Marie gives me a hug and a kiss.

  Slightly embarrassed by their reaction to my offer I mumble. “Ok let’s get on our way round the kids up.” We refuel at Amiens then head for the convent for the overnight stop. This has been worrying me, what do we do with the kids at night? Although I needn’t have worried they are taken inside as soon as we arrive leaving me to spend another night on my own. This time I sleep in the back of the truck as it begins to rain.

  Morning arrives it is still raining I get the primus, cook my breakfast and brew up under the trucks welcome canopy.

  By the time I have finished and had a wash and shave the rain had stopped. I check the truck and charabanc and am ready to go there is still no sign of my passengers I begin to get impatient. I consider ringing the bell on the gate but reject the idea as I might be invited in and wouldn’t know what to expect. Another half hour passes I make up my mind to ring the bell when the gate opens and the kids stream out. They are washed brushed still shoeless but clothed in an odd assortment of replacement clothes. They are very well behaved walking in a single line they climb aboard Pompey Lill. The three women emerge Hazel has a small girl clinging to her hand her hair is equally as red as Hazels. I congratulate them on the change in the children’s appearance. Louise says. “Believe me it has not been easy I think some of these kids have never had a bath before. The nuns made up the clothes good aren’t they?” She laughs. They burnt all their old rags the poor kids were alive with lice. Unfortunately we couldn’t do anything about the shoes.”

  Hazel introduces the child as Daisy. “We don’t know her real name neither do the other kids. She either can’t or won’t tell me. When I found her she was picking Daises hence her name.” The girl hides shyly behind her skirt. Hazel requests. “Adam is it all right if Daisy rides with us in the truck? She has taken to me and she doesn’t mix very well with the other kids. We reckon she is the youngest of them.” I reply. “Of course she can, let’s get going we are running late today.” As soon as we get rolling with Hazel alongside me and Daisy on her knee the child begins to talk none stop in a very excited voice. I believe I am becoming more conversant in French but do not understand a word she is saying. Hazel answers her in French which the child appears to understand. She does not however reply in the same language. “What is she on about? “ I enquire. Hazel laughs. “She is speaking Walloon, it is a Belgian dialect I wonder what her story is? Why was she found in France wandering around the town alone? This is what Louise informed me.” I reveal some facts I have learned about the good Father. “Don’t worry as soon as we get home I know where we shall take her. Louise assures the village Priest Father Peter will understand the child. Evidently he served with Belgians in a mission station in Africa he was also in Haiti for a while.” Hazel thinks for a moment then tells me. “I think they speak French in Haiti don’t they. Louise tells me Father Peter is very clever. I can’t wait to meet the Priest. “I bet you will like him.” I add. “He is not the usual kind of Priest believe me?” Another lunch stop and another overnight at the same convent we stayed at on the outward journey. When we set off next morning we visit a market in a small town to replenish our stores. The kids are consuming our sparse rations at such an alarming rate we are finding it hard to keep up with them. I do believe they are looking much healthier than when we set out even though it has only been a couple of days.

  Little Daisy certainly is, Hazel constantly arranges and brushes the child’s hair she grooms Daisy until she looks a picture it’s wonderful to see them together. When we are purchasing stores in the market the trader says something that makes Hazel blush. When I press her to translate she admits the man said her husband, meaning me, is a very lucky man to have such beautiful wife and daughter. I must watch myself I find myself becoming very attracted to this lovely lady. We are on the final leg of the journey now although it is not my true home I feel a stir of excitement as we approach the village. First stop is the church where Sister Marie locates Father Peter and the doctor. She explains when she reappears he is addressing a group of village women on the benefits of inoculation against childhood illnesses. Louise instructs the children to be quite and we all tiptoe inside and take seats in the rear pews. The lecture finishes Louise goes to the front of the church and has a word with the Priest and the Doctor. Father Peter approaches us almost at a run with his arms wide open in a welcoming gesture he greets us as a group warmly. He then individually introduces himself to the kids and has a word with each of them in turn. The Doctor meanwhile is talking to Sister Marie and Hazel. I feel a mite excluded so I wander around looking at the statues and icons adorning the walls I am still nervous being inside a church.

  The statue of Christ on the crucifix holds terrible memories for me. When we were considered naughty by the nuns in the orphanage we were made to kneel on dried peas in front of a similar statue often in a semi dark chapel. I remember being absolutely terrified when this happened to me. Every sound I witnessed and the shadows cast by the flickering candles was said to be the devil sent to punish me for my sins. I recall wetting myself with terror transfixed to the spot when a cat came into the chapel and its eyes glowed in the candle light. I was punished again for daring to commit that terrible sin in the presence of the Virgin Mary.

  Is it any wonder I have no time for religion? Although I have to admit this parish and the Priest Father Peter appears to be a different kettle of fish.

  When I look back towards the kids they are encircled by the village women a hubbub of voices surrounds the group. Father Peter seeks me out and shakes my hand while congratulating me on my helping to save the children. It has been decided Louise will take them to the farm where the Doctor will examine them before they sort out the sleeping and catering arrangements. The village women have agreed to donate food bedding and clothing to the kids particularly shoes. I agree to collect the items in the truck if someone will point me in the direction of the various houses. The makeshift orphanage is off to a good start and Father Peter is to be my guide. He whispers. “The good Ladies will contribute a little more if they think they are impressing their Priest.” The goods collected I head the truck to the farm.

  As they are being unloaded I come across the packet of papers I discovered earlier in Metz. There is not time to look through them so I drop the packet into the tool box behind the driving seat. Inside the farm house the place is a scene of frantic activity. Most of Louise relatives I met previously are in attendance. Rooms long unused have been cleaned and mattresses laid on floors ready for the kids. The kitchen under the control of Aunt Edith is in full flow preparing food in vast quantities. She wanders through the steam and willing assistants with a happy smile on her face. Unc
le Marcel although crippled with arthritis organises the distribution of bedding and the allocation of rooms he appears in his element. It looks to me as if the project is welcomed by Louise’s family. Father Peter and I sit drinking coffee watching the conversion of the once nearly empty house into a living happy dwelling. I wander through the house deftly avoiding women and tired but excited kids as they hurry about their tasks and explore their rambling new home. The Doctor and Sister Marie have a large tin bath filled to the brim bathing the newly arrived kids and examining them for health problems.

  Hazel is sorting clothes and fitting them on to the bathed kids.

  Daisy as usual is hanging onto her skirts. The child is already addressing Hazel as Mamma much to our amusement and although she won’t admit it Hazels pride. There appears nothing for me to do so I sit outside in the afternoon sun having a smoke when Father Peter joins me. He opens the conversation by thanking me regarding the contribution of Pompey Lill. “Adam, Louise has told me about the charabanc it is very generous of you and Sister Marie has started to speak again, it is a miracle indeed. The bus will make such a difference to the village and Marie is able to begin teaching again. The arrival of the kids is another miracle just what we needed, new blood introduced into the village. And you have recovered your truck? On the whole it has been a very successful trip I think?” “I have to agree Father, although it was a little bit hair raising at times, that is the first time I have been so close to a weapon fired in anger. Louise is a marvellous girl. I wonder why she has not been snapped up by a young man before now?” “There is a reason it is not for me to tell you why.” He answers thoughtfully. Suddenly he smiles puts his hand on my shoulder and says. “Now I have some good news for you Adam. Between us we have arranged for your wedding this weekend.” “But the banns Father, aren’t I supposed to wait three weeks?” I protest but have no idea why. He puts his hand up to quell my protests. “It has to be done this weekend we will sort out the appropriate paper work leave that to us. We have just learned the Marquise will be away from the chateau from Saturday this week until the following Monday. He is the guest of the Archbishop of Amiens.” “Huh!” I snort with derision. “Typical!” The Priest smiles and nods his agreement with my sentiments.

  “On this occasion we are using the privileges of the rich and powerful for our own ends. The coach driver, the Marquise spy that normally brings Denise and her Sister to church will be taking the Marquise. Her cousin will be bringing them to church instead. You will have a quite ceremony in my fellow Priests church in the other village where we originally planned. Then you must take your bride away immediately after. I am sorry we won’t be able to have celebrations but maybe that will come at a later date. The priority is to get you legally married and out of the district and his powers before he returns do you agree?” I am overcome and answer. “Yes of course Father Peter I agree.” On my way back to the farm I call in at the café cum post office and write a letter to Alec informing him of my news regarding the truck and Pompey Lill and of course my imminent wedding. I estimate we will be back on the Sunday sometime. The rest of the week passes in a blur until Saturday arrives. The truck is none stop fetching and carrying around the village.

  It seems having the vehicles has opened flood gates. The kids begin attending school either run there by me or Louise. I teach her to drive the truck and we alternate between the two vehicles.

  Louise in turn is teaching Hazel to drive Pompey Lill she is picking up the ability very quickly. A couple of the kids are suffering from vitamin deficiency and worms. They have to be taken to the hospital for treatment in the nearest town. At supper on Saturday night we have the final planning meeting. I am to proceed to the neighbouring village Sunday morning with all my belongings and some of the relatives in the truck. Louise will bring Denise and Yvette in Pompey Lill for the morning service. After the ceremony I am to set off immediately for Le Havre accompanied by my wife. It all seems a very sound easy plan what can go wrong?” But this is France I am inexperienced in these matters. I know until the plan is complete and we are safely in Le Havre I will worry, worry, worry.

  CHAPTER 8

  Louise’s story

  All the visitors have left the farm, the kids are bedded down. The Old Folks have also retired. Hazel is upstairs in a small room adjacent to the kids she has selected as her own settling down her adopted daughter Daisy. Louise and I sit in front of the fire relaxing after a hectic day we are having a couple of glasses of wine. Suddenly she says. “Adam you have no idea what it means to me to have the use of the charabanc. I am determined to break that evil Marquise’s grip on the village and the people in this area. I hate him so much it hurts.”

  What she says and the manner she says it shocks me. I reply. “This is not like you Louise. I have not seen this side of your nature before, you are normally kindness and understanding. You sound very bitter when you refer to the Marquise. I know he controls almost everything around here but you are free of him and soon we shall be getting Denise away also.” She sits without responding gazing into the flames. In the light of the oil lamp I detect tears running down her cheeks. “Louise what is the matter, why are you so upset?” I go over and kneel by her and take her hands. We remain like this for a while as I console her. She releases my hands and wipes her face with a lace kerchief. “I’m just being silly take no notice.” Louise changes the subject with a sniff I return to my seat. “Did you notice me talking to the man with the moustache and sideburns earlier on?” “Yes. As a matter of fact I did, nobody introduced me and I have never seen him before who is he?” She explains. “He is another cousin of mine a lawyer from Amiens. He doesn’t come here very often but I have written to him. He was in the district on other business so he called in. The reason I contacted him was regarding the guardianship of Denise and my other sister Yvette. He believes I may contest my Grandfather’s decision to make the Marquise their guardian. As I am over twenty one I should be considered as their legal guardian not him.” I reply very confused. “Well that’s good news surely; shouldn’t you be happy instead of sad? I will be Denise’s husband anyway after tomorrow you will only have to worry about Yvette.” “I wasn’t crying so much about that Adam, I was remembering what that evil person did to me.”

  “Louise do you want to tell me what’s troubling you, I am a good listener? I hate to see you so unhappy. I thought everything was going well. You have the kids and they have been welcomed by your family and the rest of the villagers.” She replies hesitantly at first but her story quickly pours out as if she needs to confess to me.

  “I hate to remember the past but you need to know why I am so bitter and why I want my sisters away from his influence.

  It was when I was eighteen he was in his thirties he had just returned from Paris and had inherited the estate on the death of his Father.

  At first he was very nice to me I was flattered by his attention. Grandfather thought I would better myself and encouraged me to be familiar with him. How naive I was. I dreamed of being the Marquise wife with all the privileges that go with it. My family would be secure and we would want for nothing. What a fool I was. It was after my birthday party he persuaded me to make love with promises of marriage. I can’t believe I fell for his charm. After he deflowered me he cut me dead, you see he had had his way with me? I went back to being just another servant as he blatantly pursued other women. Grandfather blamed me he said I had led the Marquise on. He insisted I should not have submitted until I had the ring on my finger. In his eyes nobility were honourable and would not behave in such a manner.” Louise pauses as if assessing her Grandfathers response to her situation. She continues. “I believe now he took this attitude because he could not imagine how we would survive in the outside world away from the estate. He knew nothing else you see? He was born on the estate so were all his forebears. Listen to me making excuses for a weak man. He should have horsewhipped the swine instead of condoning what he did to his Granddaughter.” I give her another hug sh
e continues. “Then I discovered I was with child I approached the swine and pleaded with him to accept that the child was his own. Instead of being sympathetic he called me a wonton whore and alleged I was free with my favours to all and sundry. Who could I turn to? My Mother and Father were dead. Grandfather had just about disowned me so I went to the Priest. He was Father Peter’s predecessor I pleaded for his help. He knew about the affair and treated me as if I was a fallen woman. I found out later he was also in the Marquise pocket. He went through a charade of getting to the truth. One of the stable hands swore on the bible he had used me often and so had other males he knew. The humiliation I suffered was unbearable. When I couldn’t stand it any longer I made up my mind to end my life. God forgive me. I did it by leaping in front of a speeding carriage. I didn’t even get that right. I lost the baby and made a recovery with hardly a scratch. My cousin the Doctor nursed me back to health and I never went back to the Marquise. The stable hand was rewarded with the best house on the estate and employment as the Marquise driver and spy. My reputation was ruined none of the young men would have anything to do with me after the scandal.” I hold her hands and assure her. “Look Louise you are a lovely talented young woman if I had not been in love with your sister I would have been honoured to court you. Don’t give up somewhere out there is a man just for you.” She shakes her head in disbelief. I try to reassure her. “Come on Louise please don’t despair. Now you have Pompey Lill you are able to travel away from here and meet other people. I have a feeling another life is just around the corner waiting for you.”