The Uncertain Years (12 page)

‘That isn’t necessary,’ she protested. ‘We mustn’t be late back.’

‘They’ll wait, Rebecca. I’m not letting you drive my precious car until you’ve calmed down.’

She stopped suddenly and glared at him. ‘I’m perfectly calm.’

‘Don’t argue, Rebecca. We’re going to go in this cafe, sit quietly for a few moments while we enjoy something to eat and drink. And that’s an order.’

‘Typical officer,’ she muttered.

He ignored her remark, led her to a table by the window, and ordered a pot of tea and home-made cakes.

‘I don’t want anything to eat,’ she told him. ‘But you’re right, the tea would be welcome.’

‘You have whatever you want, but I’m hungry and
I’ve got a lot of lost weight to put back on.’ He reached across and caught hold of her hand. ‘This has been a shock to you, but you have a very brave and talented brother.’

‘Yes, I have.’ She smiled back at him, and saw the understanding in his eyes. ‘I’m sorry for snapping at you.’

‘Stop apologising, Rebecca. I understand how you must feel discovering your brother is doing dangerous things. But he’s a war correspondent, and he will be in all sorts of campaigns during this war – often in the front line with the troops. It’s something you will have to accept. The Ministry of Information will seize on a talent like his and use him to the utmost.’

‘I’ve always been proud of him.’ Her face lit up with a brilliant smile. ‘But now I’m fit to burst with pride.’

‘So you should be.’ David’s eyes took on a faraway look. ‘I remember that boy at Dunkirk urging me to get in the boat. It was bedlam and I was impressed with his calm demeanour then; I’m even more so now, and I’d like to meet him. Do you think you could arrange it for me?’

‘Of course, and I know he’d love to meet you as well. I’ll write to him tonight.’ She poured their tea and even helped herself to a slice of plain Madeira cake. ‘Did you enjoy the picture?’ she asked, feeling much more composed.

‘It was quite good.’

‘Hmm.’ She couldn’t help laughing. ‘I didn’t think you’d want to see something like
The Wizard of Oz
, but you just bought the tickets and marched in, so I didn’t bother to question it.’

‘I didn’t care what the picture was, and Judy Garland was very good in it. It was something that took me away from everything else. It was light-hearted nonsense and just what I needed. Along with your company, of course.’

‘That’s all right then.’ She poured him another cup of tea, and watched him devour a second slice of cake. He was certainly more relaxed, and it was lovely having this short time alone with him. It reminded her of the dinner they’d had together just before he’d left for France. ‘This is nice. I’m glad you insisted we come in here.’

He sat back and sighed deeply. ‘I’ve been unbearable to live with since returning home. The first few days I just revelled in the pleasure of finally being home, but that soon vanished, and I have been finding it hard to adjust, being disagreeable to the people around me, which they don’t deserve. This inactivity is driving me crazy and I need to get back to my regiment. I’ve persuaded the doctors to declare me fit, and I’ll be back in uniform by the end of the month.’

‘That’s wonderful; I’m so pleased for you.’ Her smile was bright, but she knew exactly what he was saying. Once back in uniform again the gulf between them would widen. A relationship between a colonel and a corporal was not acceptable in the army. ‘And I quite understand.’

‘I know you do, but we’re friends, Rebecca, and don’t you forget that. If I want to see you and talk to you, I shall do so, but I’ll try not to make things too difficult for you.’ He cast her a stern look. ‘And just because I’m home I don’t want you to stop visiting my family. They have become very fond of you.’

‘And I of them.’

He paid the bill and they left the cafe, both silent now, and as Becky drove back to the house she knew this brief interlude of relaxed friendship between them was over. After worrying about him for months, she must now remember that he was an officer, and treat him that way. But perhaps it was for the best, for she had become far too fond of him.

But he was alive, and well enough to return to duty, and she was grateful for that.

It would have to be enough.

There were half a dozen letters in front of him and Will wasn’t sure he should read those from his family. They were all regular cinema-goers and were bound to have seen the film by now. It was being shown everywhere, and the response had been excellent. A copy had been sent to the bomber crews and they had praised it highly. That meant more to him than anything else.

With a wry twist of his mouth he slit open the first letter and began to read. He was smiling with relief by the time he had finished it. There was only praise for his work; not one word about taking stupid risks. He’d had their love and support ever since he’d been born, and it was something he treasured. He went on to the one from his sister next, and what she told him had him fired up with enthusiasm. She had sent him the colonel’s address with an invitation to meet him, and that was something he would dearly love to do. The memory of that man wading
back to the beach was etched clearly in his mind. What a story that would make!

Will was already writing a reply saying he would call in three days’ time. If he could have the colonel’s permission to write his story, he could contact some of the other survivors of Dunkirk, and see how they were now. And he was curious about this man of whom his little sister was so fond.

Three days later Will was knocking on the door of the imposing house, and when a maid showed him into a side room and asked him to wait, he began to have concern for his sister. This was way out of their class, and she could be in for a lot of hurt.

After no more than a couple of minutes, Colonel Hammond strode into the room, in full uniform, and shook his hand.

The smile Will received was genuine. ‘I’m very pleased to meet you again. We’ll go into my study; we can talk there. But you’d better meet my parents first, or I’ll never be forgiven if I whisk you away without introducing you to them.’

A dog jumped on Will as soon as he stepped in the room, and a little girl rushed to grab it. ‘Stop it, Becky!’ she scolded. ‘You know we’ve told you to behave. This is Rebecca’s brother, and you must be kind to him.’

That was too much for Will – he burst out laughing. So this was the animal they had named after his sister. ‘I can see why you’ve given her that name. We were always telling my sister that when she was little.’

‘Hard to manage, was she?’ Mr Hammond asked, shaking Will’s hand with enthusiasm.

‘Very, but she’s grown out of it – almost. She’s still very good at speaking her mind, but my father says she was born with an abundance of common sense.’

‘That is obvious.’ David glared at the still boisterous animal, and said, ‘Sit!’

When the dog instantly obeyed, Will wasn’t surprised it recognised the voice of authority. This wasn’t someone man or beast disobeyed.

Mrs Hammond was laughing as she greeted Will. ‘And our son was born giving orders, so the army was the best place for him. We are delighted to meet you. Rebecca speaks of you often.’

‘Indeed she does, and thank you for the excellent letter Rebecca gave us. It was a comfort to know someone had seen David during the evacuation.’

‘Your delightful sister has been a tower of strength to us, William.’

‘My sister has a kind heart, Mrs Hammond. Even as a little girl she was always the first one there if one of us hurt ourselves. She cares, but too deeply I think sometimes. It’s easy for her to be hurt, but she hides it well.’

Sara tugged at his jacket to gain his attention. ‘Look what Rebecca gave me. Isn’t it lovely?’

Will bent down and looked at the bracelet he knew so well, and reached out with his left arm to stop the dog from pushing him over. Becky must indeed think a lot of these people to have given away one of her treasured possessions. ‘It looks lovely on you.’

The little girl smiled shyly. ‘I wear it all the time. What’s the matter with your arm?’

‘Sara!’

‘It’s all right, Colonel,’ Will said, holding out both of his arms so the girl could see the difference. ‘One is shorter and weaker than the other. I was born like that.’

‘Oh. My daddy was hurt in the war and I thought you had been too.’ She cast her father a worried glance. ‘Shouldn’t I have asked? William’s Rebecca’s brother so he must be nice, like her.’

‘William didn’t mind, sweetheart, but it isn’t polite to ask such questions of someone you’ve only just met.’

‘Oh, I’ll try to remember that, Daddy.’ She leant towards Will and whispered, ‘Sorry if I was rude. I didn’t mean to be.’

‘That’s all right. I didn’t mind at all,’ he whispered back, and then stood up, still smiling at Sara.

‘We’ll be in my study for a while,’ David told them.

‘Would you like tea sent in?’ his mother asked.

‘Tea or something stronger?’ David raised an eyebrow to Will in query.

‘Whatever you have will be fine.’

‘Right. Don’t bother with the tea, Mother.’

‘Don’t keep William all to yourself,’ Mr Hammond said. ‘We’d like to talk to him as well.’

‘Give us a couple of hours and we’ll be with you.’

Once settled in the study with a small glass of whisky in his hand, Will waited for the colonel to speak first. There were many questions he wanted to ask, but knew from experience not to rush in.

‘I want to thank you for getting some of my men to safety.’

‘I wish we could have taken you with us, sir. Did you manage to save the rest of your men?’

‘Most of them.’ David took a swallow of his drink. ‘Tell me about yourself, William.’

‘Call me Will, please.’ It only took him a few minutes to give a brief outline of his life, and explain that he had become a war correspondent in the hope of playing a useful role in the war.

‘I would say you’re already doing that.’ David refilled their glasses.

Will placed his on the desk, hoping he could leave it there. He wasn’t used to drinking whisky. ‘I’d like to do a follow-up story on some of the men who were rescued. Would you be willing to tell me what happened to you?’

‘I wasn’t rescued.’

‘No, you weren’t, but you eventually made it home. I’ve contacted several of the men who were in our boat, and they’ve been given permission to speak to me. It will be a written piece for the newspapers, but names will not be mentioned, and no photographs.’ Will paused briefly. From the expression on the colonel’s face he doubted he was going to learn this man’s story. He was disappointed, but kept on trying. ‘No one will know it was you, sir. But, hopefully, it will be an encouraging story for the people to read.’

He stopped then. It was now up to the man sitting with him to agree or refuse.

David gazed into space for a while as he considered
Will’s proposal. He stood up and paced to the window, looking out on the garden for a moment. Then he turned. ‘There will be things I can’t tell you. I must protect the people who helped me move across France. They put themselves in grave danger by helping me, and I’m not the only one.’

‘Understood. No names or details. We could simply say you made your way across France to safety.’ Will’s hopes rose. ‘I’ll show you a copy before it goes to press, and if there’s anything you don’t agree with, you can cross it out. You have my word that only what you, and your men, approve, will be published.’

David nodded. ‘On those terms I’ll tell you what I can.’

The notebook was already in Will’s hand, and for the next hour he listened to the most incredible story of one man’s determination not to be taken prisoner. How he wished he could print it all, but he’d given his promise, and wouldn’t dream of going back on that.

When David stopped talking, Will was almost breathless with excitement, and full of admiration for everyone who had been involved. He put the pad in his pocket, determined to keep this account in a safe place because one day, when the war was over, this could be told in full.

The colonel sat back. ‘When will you have the copy for me to read?’

‘I’ve got more interviews to do, but it will be ready in a week. I’ll bring it myself and we can go through it together.’

‘I shall expect you a week from today, then.’

‘I’ll be here.’ Will had warmed to this man now and felt he could speak freely. ‘My sister’s a nice girl, Colonel.’

He frowned. ‘I’m aware of that.’

‘What I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t like her to be hurt.’

‘I’m sure you wouldn’t, and neither would I. She is not a fool.’

Will felt contrite and gave a wry smile. ‘Sorry, sir, but I’ve always had the habit of looking out for her.’

‘Your sister is a sensible and determined girl, and is quite capable of looking after herself.’ David stood up, effectively ending this particular subject. ‘Time we joined the others.’

Resigned, Will followed him back into the lounge. The colonel was obviously not prepared to discuss his sister any further, and he was quite right. Will had no right to question this man’s motives in befriending Becky. She’d always had her head screwed on the right way, and would make her own decisions in life. And right or wrong, she would live with her choices, as they all had to.

The next week was hectic for Will. He had interviewed three men who had been in his boat, and two more who had had different experiences. He’d also spent an enjoyable day with Doug, the owner of the
Lucky Lara
, and was delighted to see it fully repaired. Determined to keep his promise, he worked long into the night to prepare the draft for the colonel to see.

Finally satisfied with it, he kept his appointment on time, and found David waiting for him. They went straight to his study.

It was an anxious wait as the article was read, then
read again. Will watched the pen in the colonel’s hand as it hovered over the pages, but he only used it twice.

Finally, the pages were handed back. ‘You’ve done an excellent job. I’ve only had to make a couple of minor changes.’

Much to Will’s pleasure he spoke the truth. One sentence had been crossed out completely, and one word had been changed. It made no difference to the flow of the piece. ‘Would you be happy for this to be published as it now stands, sir?’

‘Yes, go ahead.’

Will was on his feet, smiling with satisfaction as he shook hands with the colonel. ‘Thanks for your cooperation, sir. I’m grateful to have had the chance to meet you.’

‘My pleasure, Will. You take care, whatever you’re doing.’

‘I will,’ he said laughing. ‘My sister will never forgive me if I get careless. Now, I must get back to London. I’m on a tight deadline for this story.’

Once this assignment was finished, Will was eager to start the next one. He knew he would have to go where he was sent, but he could always make suggestions. Perhaps he could sail on a merchant ship, or one of the navy vessels. And he was very intrigued to know what Jim was up to. There was so much going on …

‘Thank God the winter’s over.’ Bob turned his face to the sea, feeling the breeze ruffle his hair. ‘That was the coldest I’ve ever felt.’

Reg nodded and lit another cigarette, feet apart to
steady himself against the motion of the ship. ‘Those winter convoys will stay in my memory forever. Bloody dangerous, and with no chance of surviving long in freezing water.’

‘No.’ Bob patted his pocket. ‘I’ve left my fags below. Have you got a spare one on you?’

‘Here, take the packet.’ Reg flicked his cigarette end into the sea. ‘I’m back on duty in five minutes.’

‘Thanks.’ Bob lit one and gazed out at the sea, thinking how pleasant this would be if it weren’t for the constant threat from U-boats.

He was enjoying a quiet few moments when he became aware of excited voices, and Reg tearing up to him.

‘We’ve just received some staggering news. Guess what that bloody fool Hitler has done now?’

‘Surrendered?’

‘No, you fool! Two days ago – the twenty-second of June – he invaded Russia!’

‘You’re not serious?’

Reg nodded vigorously. ‘It’s true. Let’s hope he’s had to take forces from Europe and given us a breather.’

‘I can’t believe he would do such a thing. He’s supposed to have had a treaty with them.’

‘Not worth the paper it was written on, evidently. That man has got to be stopped, Bob.’

‘He will be.’ Bob leant on the rail. ‘If only America would come into the war, but that’s unlikely. Public opinion there is against it, and truthfully, it must seem as if it’s all a long way away from them.’

Reg shrugged. ‘We’ll just have to carry on alone. We
haven’t done too badly up to now. At least he wasn’t able to mount an invasion against us.’

‘I’ve just had a terrible thought. We could end up on convoys to Russia. Now that would be really cold, but they’re going to need aid.’

‘I wish you wouldn’t get thoughts like that.’ Reg groaned, and rushed back to his duty.

And Bob was left with a lot to think about. This was another turn of the tide.

In advance of publication, Becky received a bulky letter from her brother. It was a copy of his follow-up on Dunkirk. The only remark he made was that no names had been mentioned, but he thought she would be interested in the article.

She knew immediately it was about David and some of his men who had been rescued by her brother and the owner of a little boat.

She was enthralled as she read. It was a wonderful piece of journalism, and she was more than impressed with Will’s growing talent. He seemed to get better with every report he made. It was hard to understand where his mastery of words had come from because no one else in the family had this ability.

Although she would have liked more details of David’s flight to freedom in France, she knew for security reasons that would not have been allowed. Nevertheless, she now had a much better idea of what he had gone through.

Carefully folding the article she put it safely in her
locker, not intending to show it to anyone. When the article appeared in the newspapers it would be in with all the other war stories, and it was doubtful if anyone would associate the account with David.

She knew who it was about, though, and it was something she would treasure.