Battles Lost and Won (30 page)

It took three attempts before he was back in the wheelchair, but he had managed it without their help. Mopping his brow he smiled in acknowledgement of the applause.

Bending down so no one else could hear, Bob said, ‘That’s victory number one, but don’t you dare try that when I’m not here. I’ll tell you when I think you are expert enough to use the hoist on your own.’

‘I won’t, sir!’ he said smartly, and burst out laughing, flushed with success.

Later that evening when everyone was in bed, Alf gave Bob the book he had been keeping for him. ‘It isn’t pretty reading, son, but I think it will explain a lot of things.’

‘I’m sure it will.’ He was still sleeping on the floor in the same room as Steve. ‘I’ll read it before going to sleep tonight.’

‘You know I can’t believe the difference in Steve. Yesterday he seemed to have given up, but now the fight is back in him.’ Alf gave his son a questioning look. ‘Just what did you do to him today?’

Bob shrugged. ‘I shook him up a bit.’

‘And that’s all you’re going to say?’

‘For the moment.’

‘Hmm.’

Bob read well into the night, unable to put the book down. War on the front line came to life, giving him a much clearer understanding of why so many men were still suffering nightmares and other problems. But when he read the final chapter he couldn’t stop the tears of remorse running down his face. Why hadn’t his mum told him? He would have understood then.

Without giving the time of night a thought he left the house, jumped the fence, and went to Alf’s room. He shook him awake.

‘Eh? What?’ Alf sat up, startled. ‘What’s happened? Is Steve all right?’

‘He’s fast asleep.’ Bob sat on the edge of the bed. ‘You knew Mum was dying.’

‘She told me as soon as I arrived home, knowing it wouldn’t be long, you see. I had been longing to get home and back to normal life, and all my hopes were ripped away in a moment. I was already struggling and that tipped me over the edge. I couldn’t handle it, and to my shame, I lost control.’

‘You should have told me.’

‘Your mum didn’t want you to know. She had seen a doctor and knew there was no hope of her recovering, so she thought it best not to tell you. I didn’t agree, but she was firm and wouldn’t hear of it, making me promise not to say a word about it to you. It was hard watching your love for me turn to hate, but I’d promised and I couldn’t go back on my word.’

He now understood the pain Alf must have been going through, and the difficult position he had been put in. ‘I wouldn’t have left the way I did if I had known.’

‘No, son, you did the right thing. I would probably still be drinking if you had stayed. It has all worked out for the best. Don’t hold on to regrets. All the misunderstandings between us have been cleared away, and that’s all that matters now.’

‘You’re right. What’s done is done.’ Bob stood up, squeezed his shoulder, and said, ‘Night, Dad, sleep well.’

‘Hello, Dave.’ Ruth smiled as the young man stopped by her stall. ‘How’s your arm?’

‘Feeling good, thank you. I couldn’t move it at all, but now I can lift it about six inches. Bob’s massaging is making a difference.’

‘I can’t imagine him being a masseur. It’s not the sort of thing I would ever have expected him to do.’

‘Oh, he’s more than a masseur. The training he’s been receiving is in physiotherapy. You couldn’t have anyone better to look after your dad. Someone my dad knows is in a home for the badly injured – not where Bob worked, but he was able to find out a few things for us.’ Dave gave her a speculative look. ‘Don’t underestimate him.’ Dave grinned. ‘But I didn’t come here to sing Bob’s praises. Would you come out with me, Ruth? We could go to the pictures, or dancing, whatever you fancy.’

Taken by surprise, she hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. She liked him, so why not? It was time she started to go out on dates, just like all the other girls. ‘I don’t mind what we do. When?’

‘Wonderful!’ He beamed with pleasure. ‘I can’t make it tonight because I’m bringing a mate round to see Bob, but tomorrow would be fine. If that’s all right with you I’ll come for you at seven o’clock?’

‘I’ll be ready.’

‘Nice boy, Dave Wilson,’ Mrs Law remarked, watching him disappear into the crowd. ‘His dad made sure he had a decent education. There’s money in junk, so the family’s not short of a bob or two. The lad made it to sergeant in the army as well. You could do quite nicely for yourself there, Ruth.’

She burst out laughing. ‘I haven’t even been out with him yet, and I’m far too busy to get serious about anyone, Mrs Law.’

‘How many times have I told you to call me Hannah?’

‘Sorry, I keep forgetting, Hannah. And here’s Alf coming to see you.’ Ruth hid the smile as Hannah patted her hair into place. This Saturday afternoon visit was becoming a regular thing, and she couldn’t help wondering if there was a romance blossoming between them. If there was then she was pleased. Hannah had lost her husband during the war, and Alf had been through a lot, so they both deserved a bit of happiness.

‘Ruthie.’ John suddenly appeared, ducking through the crowds and pulling Sally behind him. ‘Mum told us to bring you a sandwich, and could you get a loaf of bread, please. And can we help you? We won’t be a nuisance.’

‘Of course you can both stay.’ She smiled as her young brother and sister took up positions by the stall, smiling at the people walking by and urging them to come and see what they had for sale. They really enjoyed doing this.

‘Hello, Mr Hunter.’ Both of the kids waved to him on the next stall. ‘Bob isn’t taking Dad out today because he’s tired after all the excitement yesterday.’

‘Is he all right?’ Alf frowned, concerned. He had come to the market straight from the docks, and was wondering if he should have gone home first.

‘Oh, yes.’ John nodded. ‘He’s been talking to Bob, but they wouldn’t let us hear.’

‘They’ve got secrets,’ Sally told them, ‘and I heard Dad say “you must be joking” and they both laughed.’

John nodded, pursing his lips. ‘They’re up to something, Mr Hunter. Do you know what it is?’

‘I’ve no idea.’

John looked hopefully at his big sister. ‘Dad’s much happier. Do you think he’s getting better?’

‘They haven’t said anything to me, but whatever they did yesterday has certainly cheered Dad up. Do you know where they went?’ she asked Alf.

‘Not a clue, but I know Bob didn’t like the way he was acting, and wanted to cheer him up. He’s certainly done that.’

Customers came to the stall, putting an end to their conversation, and for the rest of the day they were quite busy. In fact when it came time to pack up, she was able to send the children to get the bread and also some sausages for a treat.

‘How did you get on with Dave’s friend last night?’ Steve asked Bob.

‘His leg is a mess, I’m afraid, but I’ll see what I can do for him. I’ve given him some gentle exercises to try, and I’ll see him again next week.’

‘You go on like this and they will be queuing up outside the door to see you.’

‘I don’t mind helping.’ He shrugged and changed the subject. ‘Are you up to an outing today?’

‘You’re not thinking of the horse-riding you mentioned yesterday, are you?’

Bob grinned. ‘It’s a lovely day for a ride in the country.’

‘Is it going to do me any good?’ Steve asked, looking rather doubtful.

‘We won’t know until we try, but it will be fun, anyway.’

‘I’m not sure I agree with your idea of fun, but let’s give it a try.’

‘Good, we’ll catch the nine thirty train. I’ve already let the captain know that we’re coming.’

‘Ah.’ Steve’s mouth twitched in amusement. ‘So I really didn’t have a choice?’

‘None at all.’

Jim was waiting at the station with a brand-new car, and when both men admired it, he told them that the captain only got it yesterday.

‘And he’s letting you drive it?’ Steve asked. ‘That’s very trusting of him.’

‘He insisted, saying it would give you a smoother ride than the old horse and buggy. Come on, in you get.’

As they drove away Steve watched the passing scenery, sadness almost swamping him. ‘Last time I came here I walked from the station.’

‘Wait until you’ve ridden a horse a few times, Mr Cooper, and you might be able to do it again.’

‘I hope so, Jim.’

Captain Russell was waiting for them in the stable yard, with Lilly at his side, as usual.

She ran to meet them, all smiles. ‘Daddy said I can ride with you if I behave myself. I will, I will!’

‘Lovely.’ Bob swept her off her feet, making her squeal in delight.

‘I’ve got a sister now, but she’s too little to ride yet, and Robert doesn’t like horses. How can you not like horses?’ she asked, looking thoroughly puzzled. She stopped chattering and went up to Steve in the wheelchair. ‘Hello. We’ve got a lovely quiet horse for you.’

‘You remember Ruth’s father, don’t you, Lilly?’ And when his daughter nodded, Ben shook hands with Steve. ‘It’s good to see you looking so well.’

‘Thanks, but I’m not sure about getting on a horse. Bob seems to think it will help me.’

‘You’ll be all right,’ Lilly told him seriously. ‘We won’t let you fall off.’

‘I’m very glad to hear that.’ Steve cast an apprehensive look at the horses being led into the yard. ‘I hope you’re not going to try and put me on that big black one. He’s got an evil look in his eyes.’

‘No, he’s mine.’ Bob whistled, sending Midnight stamping with excitement, making him difficult for the groom to control.

‘He’ll be calm when Bob gets on him,’ Lilly giggled. ‘The chestnut is yours. She’s very docile.’ She ran to her own pony and mounted with ease.

Captain Russell then mounted his own horse and held on to Cherry. A block was placed the other side for Bob to stand on as he put Steve in the saddle. Jim and the captain held him securely while Bob jumped on Midnight’s back then took his place beside Steve, who was gripping the saddle fiercely.

With Lilly leading the way they walked out of the yard and into the open fields of the estate.

They walked the horses for about half an hour, and as Steve began to relax, Bob nodded to the captain and they slowly released their hold on him. He was beginning to enjoy being out in the fresh air and lovely countryside, and didn’t even notice they weren’t holding him in the saddle any more. Bob was elated. Steve was balancing well, and this was a very encouraging sign.

They stopped on a rise to admire the view and Midnight began to prance, impatient at the slow pace.

‘Take him for a gallop, Bob, or he’ll be nothing but trouble for the rest of our ride. We’ll wait here for you.’

Seeing that Steve was quite happy, he let Midnight have his head. As he raced across the fields he felt a peace he had never known before, and for the first time in his life he knew where he was going and what he was going to do. The dream of becoming a teacher had been a childish desire to do something useful. It wouldn’t have been right for him, but the kind of work he had stumbled into
was
right for him. As soon as Steve could manage without him he would return to the home and continue his training. He would also see William Jackson again, but just to improve his education, not so he could become a teacher.

Laughing with a sudden feeling of freedom, he turned Midnight, and they sped at full gallop back to the others.

‘Where have you two been all day?’ Daisy asked the moment they arrived home. ‘It’s six o’clock, and I was getting worried.’

‘Sorry, darling.’ Steve pulled her down so he could kiss her. ‘I’ve been horse riding! Can you believe that? And I stayed on all by myself. Didn’t I, Bob?’

‘No trouble at all. Next time we’ll have you trotting.’

Steve couldn’t stop smiling. ‘Captain Russell and his wife have had another daughter. Lilly insisted we have a look at her, then they insisted we stay for lunch.’

The kids were all staring wide-eyed as he told them, in great detail, about their day.

‘You’ve been to Kent?’ Daisy asked when she could finally get a word in.

‘Yes, Bob said it was the captain’s idea that I should try riding.’ It was only then Steve realized that someone was missing. ‘Where’s Ruth?’

‘She’s making herself all posh.’ Eddie’s face showed his disgust. ‘She’s going out with Dave.’

‘Ah, so he finally got around to asking her.’

‘You know about this, Bob?’ Steve’s smile had faded.

‘He told me he wanted to take her out, but don’t worry, I told him that if he didn’t behave himself he’d have me to deal with.’

Daisy laughed. ‘In that case he won’t do anything to upset Bob. And don’t look so worried, darling, it’s about time our daughter began to take an interest in boys.’

‘I suppose you’re right. I still keep thinking of her as a little girl.’

‘How long before supper, Daisy?’ Bob asked.

‘An hour.’

‘Right, that’s just time to give you a massage, Steve, or you’ll be stiff from the riding.’

It was eleven o’clock! Bob prowled over to the window, gazing out as he listened to Steve’s steady breathing. His day had tired him out, but it had been good to see him laughing and enjoying himself again.

Ah, there she was. If they’d been much later he would have had a word with Dave. Spinning away from the window, he swore under his breath. What on earth did he think he was doing? He wasn’t Ruth’s father, and she wasn’t a child who needed looking out for any more. She didn’t want or need his protection now. She was grown up. There was no doubt about that!

With Christmas less then three months away, Ruth was receiving more and more requests for gowns. Once the quality of the clothes on her stall had been recognized, her reputation as a dressmaker had been spreading, and she was now making clothes for more of the middle-class. In fact she was working all hours to keep up, but she didn’t dare turn anything down. Demand would drop after the festive season, and she was determined to earn as much as she could. Eddie was now working behind the counter at the grocer’s, and the small increase in wages was welcome. Mum was much better and helping with the sewing as much as she could, but her main concern was still her husband. They had all, reluctantly, accepted that he would probably never walk again, and that meant he wouldn’t be able to work again either.