‘Thanks to you!’ Pete led Alf over to the other men. ‘Hey, meet the man who saved my life in France. I was injured and he came out of the trenches, picked me up and carried me back. Damn bullets whizzing all around us, but he just kept running with me on his shoulders. That was what I would call courage.’
As the men gathered around, Alf gave an embarrassed smile. ‘More like stupidity.’
They all laughed, and Alf was immediately accepted as one of the crew. It was a wonderful feeling. These men were hailing him as a hero for saving Pete, but he knew that what his son had done for him was real courage. When the boy had walked away from him, it had given him the jolt he’d needed. But he was still only a kid, and he was desperately sad that his drinking had driven him away from everything and everyone he knew. Some day he hoped to show him that his sacrifice had not been in vain.
The hard physical labour through the day helped him to control the urge to drink, and he did the work of two men, never stopping. By the end of the day he was so tired that the chances of sleeping that night were good.
‘I owe you a drink, Alf,’ Pete said as he came over to him. ‘The Red Lion will be open now.’
Alf was so tempted to accept, but he knew that if he did he would soon be back to his old ways. He had found out the hard way that he wasn’t the kind of man who could have a couple of drinks and leave it at that. He decided to be honest. ‘Thanks, but I can’t. I’ve been drinking ever since I arrived back, and have only just managed to sober up. If I have only one drink I’ll be back to it again, and I’m not going to put myself through that agony again.’
‘That bad, was it?’
Alf nodded. ‘I started drinking to stop the nightmares even before I got back, but it got out of control. I don’t dare go near a pub again.’
Pete nodded, understanding. ‘How about us going across the road to the cafe? They serve a hearty pie and mash. The tea’s good and strong as well.’
‘Just what I need. I’m starving.’
After a filling meal, Alf made his way home, crossing the road every time he had to pass a pub. He was scared even to get a smell of beer. As he crossed from one side of the street to the other he couldn’t help a wry smile. He had never realized there were so many pubs in this area. It had felt good sitting in the cafe talking to Pete. They hadn’t mentioned the war, of course, and he’d enjoyed relaxing over a meal.
‘Mr Hunter!’ Ruth was running toward him, all smiles. ‘There’s someone waiting in our house to see you. A real toff, he is, but he’s got good news.’
‘What’s he want with me?’ he asked, looking down at her animated face.
‘You’ll see.’
The Coopers had put the man in the front room, and the children were entertaining him. As soon as Alf saw his bearing he knew he was an officer. ‘You wanted to see me, sir?’
‘I wasn’t sure if I had the right Hunter, but after talking with your friends, it seems that I have found you at last. My name is Russell—’
‘Rank, sir?’ Alf asked. He wanted to make sure he addressed this man in the right way.
‘Captain.’
Alf nodded. ‘What can I do for you, Captain Russell?’
‘I have news of your son, Robert.’
‘Sit down.’ Daisy came into the room and ushered the children out. ‘I’ll make you a pot of tea.’
When they were settled, the captain began to tell him about his first meeting with Bob, and when he’d finished, Alf was nodding his head, pride showing in his eyes. ‘That’s my boy! Thank God he’s all right! I thank you, Captain, for bringing me this good news.’ He hesitated. ‘I don’t suppose he would see me?’
‘He doesn’t know I’m here, Mr Hunter, and he’s still carrying a lot of hurt around with him. He’s settling in well, though, so perhaps in time . . .’
‘Of course.’ Alf couldn’t hide his disappointment; he was desperate to make things right between them, but it would have to wait. ‘At least I know he’s doing all right.’
‘You have a courageous son, Mr Hunter.’ A smile crossed Captain Russell’s face. ‘He wanted the job on my estate very much, but he didn’t hesitate to tell me that I shouldn’t drink so much, even though he was sure I would throw him out.’
‘But you didn’t.’
‘No, and I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since that first meeting with your son. To have this young boy telling me not to drink was a shock,’ he told them. ‘It was the expression of pain in his eyes that got to me.’
‘You had more sense than me, sir. He felt he had done all he could for me and had to leave. That brought me to my senses. It isn’t easy. Each day is a struggle, but I’ve got a job now, and I’m not going to throw that away by taking another drink.’
‘Neither am I.’
There was a tap on the door and Ruth looked in. ‘Mum said would you like some more tea, and a piece of cake? She’s just taken it out of the oven.’
‘That would be excellent. And perhaps you would all join us?’ Captain Russell suggested.
Ruth smiled. ‘Thank you, sir.’
‘The Coopers are a good family,’ the captain remarked.
‘The best neighbours a man could have. I wouldn’t have got through the sobering-up without them. Ruth and my boy have been friends since they were born. She adores him, and has always defended him when he’s been in trouble.’ Alf pursed his lips. ‘And that was quite often. He’s always been quick to anger, and outspoken, Captain, and some people don’t like that, but he has a good heart.’
The door opened and the entire Cooper family came in, all carrying something for their tea.
John made straight for the captain again. ‘Dad just told us Bob’s with you. Will you tell him to come back because I’ve got a new storybook and it’s ever so hard to read. Dad reads it to me, but he’s not as good as Bob.’
Everyone laughed.
‘Oh, thanks, John,’ Steve said, a broad smile on his face.
‘Bob’s always wanted to be a teacher,’ Ruth told the captain as she handed him a piece of freshly baked fruitcake.
‘Really? I didn’t know that. And what do you want to do?’
‘Er . . . well, I help with the children, but Bob thinks I ought to be a nurse.’
‘And what do you think about that idea?’
She became thoughtful for a moment, and then her smile lit up the room. ‘Well, Bob’s usually right, but I’m not sure.’
‘How old are you?’
‘Fourteen, sir, but I’ll soon be fifteen.’
‘Ah, you are a little young for training at the moment, but you should seriously think about what you want to do.’
Ruth sighed. ‘Mum said it’s hard for us to get decent jobs because we live in the slums, and people think we’re not worth employing. But we’re not daft, sir. Bob said we are as good as anyone else, and quite capable of doing something with our lives, if we only get the chance.’
‘He’s quite right.’ He found himself intrigued by this young girl.
‘He’s special, and very clever. What’s he doing at your place?’
‘Working with horses, and he’s learning to ride.’
‘Have you got a horse big enough for him?’ young Eddie exclaimed.
‘Just one.’ Captain Russell told them about Midnight, and had them all roaring with laughter.
Alf slapped his knee with delight. ‘Oh, this news has made me feel like a new man.’
They talked until the teapot was empty, and only crumbs of the cake left.
On his way out, Captain Russell stopped and asked Alf, ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’
‘You’ve already given me news of my son, and that’s all I needed. Just look after him for me.’
‘It will be my pleasure.’ The captain turned to Steve Cooper. ‘May I have a word with you outside?’
Steve nodded and followed him out.
‘Do you agree with the idea of your daughter training to become a nurse when she’s old enough?’
‘She’s ideally suited to the profession, but as she said, she’s not sure that’s what she wants to do.’
‘Hmm.’ The captain looked thoughtful. ‘I’d like to help her. Would you object if I tried to find her a suitable position somewhere? But it would almost certainly mean she would have to leave home.’
‘We only want what’s best for our children, Captain Russell, and we’d be grateful if you could do something for her. She hasn’t got much chance around here.’
He nodded. ‘Leave it with me and I’ll see what I can do. No promises, though.’
‘Understood. It was good of you to come and let us know Bob’s all right. It will help his father.’
‘I wish his son could see him now, but I fear that if he ever finds out I’ve been here he will never forgive me. If there is anything I can ever do for Mr Hunter will you let me know?’
‘He’s doing well now. But thanks. We keep an eye on him.’
‘Of course.’ The captain watched as a man walked by on crutches, and then he looked at Steve. ‘There’s still so much suffering from that bloody war. It makes a man feel helpless. What on earth can those of us who escaped relatively unscathed do?’
‘If we can help just one man – one family – then we are doing something,’ Steve said quietly.
‘You’re right, of course. It’s been a pleasure meeting you and your family, Mr Cooper.’ Captain Russell shook hands with him, and then walked up the road.
‘What did he want to talk to you about?’ Daisy asked as soon as her husband came in the scullery.
‘He was asking about Ruth.’ Steve smiled at his daughter. ‘He said he’d try to get you a good position somewhere. It would be worth considering, Ruthie, because he’s a wealthy man with good connections. He said he’d try – no promises though.’
Ruth smiled and nodded. ‘I expect he’ll forget all about it when he gets home, but I like him, he’s a real gent.’
‘I pegged him for an officer as soon as saw him,’ Alf said. ‘Bob’s done well to get in with him. It’s taken a load off my mind, I can tell you.’
They all agreed with that, and the kettle went on again to make a celebratory cup of tea.
‘Are you and Midnight friends yet?’
Bob glanced round, and then winked at Lilly who was standing next to her father. ‘We tolerate each other.’
‘Good enough. Saddle him up and come with us this morning.’
After standing the broom against the stable wall and dusting off his hands, Bob gave a soft whistle. Midnight answered and stamped his feet impatiently. ‘He gets excited when he thinks he might have a chance to throw me off.’
Captain Russell’s laugh was infectious. ‘Better not keep him waiting then. Sounds as if he’s about to break down the door.’
‘Sir.’ Bob strode over to the stall and disappeared inside.
‘Does he need any help?’ the captain asked Jim.
‘No, they’ll fight and struggle with each other, but Bob usually wins.’
‘Usually?’ he asked as a commotion broke out in the stall. ‘I’d put my money on Midnight.’
Jim grinned and nodded. ‘I think that animal actually likes him, but can’t resist trying to make things difficult for him. No wonder we got that animal at a reasonable price; no one else wanted him.’
‘Pack it up!’ Bob’s voice rose above the racket. ‘We’re going for a ride whether you like it or not. It’s no good you complaining.’
Then there was another sound, and Lilly tipped her head to one side, listening. ‘What’s he doing?’ she asked.
‘He’s singing to Midnight,’ Jim told her. ‘The daft animal loves it.’
The commotion stopped, and Bob soon appeared leading the horse towards them.
‘Good heavens!’ The captain was smiling with amusement. ‘That’s some trick. I’ve never seen Midnight look that docile.’
‘Oh, he’ll revert back as soon as I try to ride him.’ Bob rubbed the horse’s nose. ‘Won’t you? You crafty beast.’
Midnight lowered his head and gave Bob a hefty shove.
‘Better start singing again,’ Jim laughed. ‘I think he only plays up so you will serenade him.’
The other two horses were waiting in the yard, and the girl tugged at Bob’s hand. ‘Sing to my pony. She’d like it too.’
‘I’d better not while Midnight is here. He might get jealous.’
Lilly pulled a face as she studied the large animal. ‘That wouldn’t be good.’
‘It certainly wouldn’t.’ He lifted the little girl into the saddle, and then, after a bit of a tussle, managed to get astride Midnight.
As soon as Bob had gained some kind of control over the horse, they set off at a gentle canter. This was the first time Bob had seen the extent of the estate, and couldn’t believe that one family could own so much land. There were fields with cows and sheep grazing, pigs, chickens, ducks, and more fields with all manner of crops growing. And that wasn’t all – there were orchards, strawberry fields and rows of soft fruits too. ‘This is a glorious place,’ he said in awe, when they stopped for a moment.
‘It’s been in my family for generations,’ the captain told him. ‘And I love every acre of it.’
Bob nodded. ‘You are blessed, Captain Russell.’
‘I agree, but for a while after I came home I forgot that.’ He turned and smiled at Bob. ‘But then came along some cheeky sod and reminded me how lucky I was.’
Over the next couple of weeks this early morning ride around the estate became a regular thing, and Bob loved every moment of it. Then one morning, instead of the captain and his daughter arriving at the stables, the butler appeared, looking unusually flustered.
‘Bob, the master wants you at the house immediately.’ And then Green turned and hurried back.
In a couple of long strides Bob caught him up. ‘Is anything wrong?’
‘The mistress has gone into labour. Lillian’s nanny is busy with Mrs Russell and her tutor is not here today. You know how inquisitive she is, and they don’t want her getting in the way.’
The captain met him at the door. ‘Keep Lilly busy with her lessons today, will you? She’s already in the schoolroom at the top of the stairs – second door on the right. Show him, Green.’
The room was bright, with books lining one wall and more shelves piled with enough paper and pencils for a whole class of pupils. A magnificent globe of the world was next to a single desk, and the girl sitting there was spinning it with one finger.
When Lilly saw him she smiled. ‘Daddy said you would be my teacher today because everyone else is busy. I’m having a baby brother.’
‘It might be a sister,’ Bob said as he walked over to where a blackboard was standing on an easel.