There was no doubt he was a man used to being obeyed, and having nothing to lose by staying, Bob sat on the edge of the nearest chair.
The captain studied Bob carefully for some uncomfortable minutes, and then said, ‘You owe me an explanation. I want to know how you come to know about men who drink too much.’
‘That’s my business, sir.’ Bob started to get up again, but was waved back into his seat.
‘You have insulted me in my own home, young man, and you will tell me why.’
‘All right!’ Furious that this softly spoken man had brought the pain and anguish he felt to the surface again, the words poured out. It had been bottled up inside him, and now released, he told the captain of every bitter struggle and argument as he’d watched his mother’s health deteriorate with such tragic results.
There was silence in the room when he stopped talking, and wracked with emotion he stood up and turned his back, regretting his outburst. He’d told this man far too much. What had happened was nothing to do with him or anyone else.
‘So you left your father alone.’
Bob spun back. ‘I tried! I begged, pleaded and reasoned with him, but it was useless. He wouldn’t listen.’
‘So you ran away.’
That stung! ‘Yes, I ran away. What else could I do? And I’d be obliged if you would keep this to yourself, sir. It’s my business and that’s the way I want to keep it.’
Captain Russell made no comment, but picked up a bell from his desk and rang it. When the butler arrived, he said, ‘Have Mr Hunter taken round to the stables. Jim’s expecting him. And ask Cook to bring me a tray of tea and some toast, please.’
‘At once, sir.’
Bob followed the butler without looking back at the man behind the desk. He couldn’t believe he’d been given the job after the way he’d spoken to the captain.
As he closed the door behind him he heard the sound of breaking glass.
Seven
The stables were large, housing twelve fine-looking horses. They were nothing like the hacks he’d seen at home pulling the rag-and-bone carts, and he fell in love with them immediately. He was put to work mucking out the stables, and after digging ditches for months this was sheer pleasure. He threw himself into the work with enthusiasm. The men and boys working there were a lively bunch, and Bob soon found himself laughing again – something he hadn’t done for some time. He had been able to stay with Mrs Trent and, much to his relief, he hadn’t seen the captain again. Ten days after the interview he still cringed with embarrassment. Captain Russell had as good as called him a coward for leaving his father, and he had the uncomfortable feeling that he might be right.
Putting such vexing thoughts out of his mind, he settled in to his work. Four of the horses were racing stock and Bob was proud that he was now allowed to saddle them up ready for their daily workout. He loved seeing them in full gallop, and wished he could be a jockey – but of course, he was far too big.
One beautiful morning while he was busy helping get the horses ready he felt a tug on his trouser leg, and a childish voice asking, ‘Are you the cheeky sod who told my daddy not to drink?’
Startled, he looked down at a small girl gazing at him with a pair of bright blue eyes. Her hair was in blonde pigtails.
‘Lillian!’ Captain Russell strode up to them. ‘You know you mustn’t swear!’
‘But that’s what you said, Daddy. I heard you.’
‘You mustn’t repeat what you hear.’ He stooped down in front of his daughter. ‘And little girls don’t swear.’
‘Why?’
‘It isn’t ladylike.’
She looked thoughtful. ‘If the new baby’s a boy will he be able to swear?’
‘Not until he’s a man.’ Her father pushed a strand of escaping hair away from her face. ‘Now, apologize to Robert.’
Bob had been watching father and daughter with amusement, while closely studying the captain. He was sure he was sober and there wasn’t the slightest smell of alcohol on him.
The little girl tugged at his trouser leg again to gain his attention. ‘You didn’t mind what I said to you, did you?’
‘Lillian!’
She pulled a face, never taking her eyes off Bob. ‘Daddy always calls me Lillian when he’s cross with me, but you can call me Lilly, like everyone else.’
‘Thank you, Lilly. And you can call me Bob.’
She turned and grinned at her father. ‘I like him. He’s ever so tall, isn’t he?’
‘Yes, darling,’ her father sighed. ‘Now, what did I ask you to do?’
‘Um . . . Oh yes.’ She tugged at Bob again. ‘Bend down. I getting a stiff neck looking up at you.’
Stifling a laugh, Bob stooped down to her level.
Lilly became serious as she whispered in his ear, ‘Daddy smashed his glass in the fireplace and he hasn’t had a drink since. Mummy said that’s very good.’
‘It certainly is.’
‘Lillian, stop whispering and let me hear you apologize.’
‘I’m sorry I said a naughty word to you,’ she said clearly.
‘I accept your apology, Lilly, but you must remember what your father told you. You’ll shock all the ladies if you’re not careful.’
There was a clatter of horses as two grooms arrived with a large black stallion and a small white pony, already saddled.
Lilly’s father lifted her on to the pony, and then mounted his own horse. He turned to Bob. ‘Can you ride?’
‘No, sir.’
‘Jim, teach Bob to ride, and put him on Midnight.’
The head groom couldn’t hide his surprise. ‘Perhaps something more docile would be better, sir? Midnight is rather fractious for a beginner.’
There was a gleam of devilment in Captain Russell’s eyes. ‘Then they should suit each other very well. And he’s the only animal strong enough to take someone of his size.’
Bob watched father and daughter as they left the yard, returning Lilly’s wave.
‘You’ve made a conquest with the daughter, but I’m not sure about the father.’ Jim shook his head. ‘It’s good to see the master more like his old self, but I can’t put you on Midnight. That animal will have the time of his life unseating you.’
‘You haven’t got a choice, Jim. That man has decided to get his own back on me.’
‘So it seems.’ Jim studied the tall boy in front of him carefully. ‘Just what did happen at your interview?’
‘We had words.’ Bob shrugged and changed the subject. ‘How old is the girl?’
‘She’s just turned seven, and another one is due soon. That’s why we haven’t seen much of his wife lately. She’s had a worrying time since the captain returned. He was in quite a state, but it looks as if he’s over that now. Thank goodness. He’s a fine man, and his wife is a gracious lady.’ Jim grinned. ‘We’re all hoping the baby will be a boy this time.’
‘That would be good.’ Bob rubbed his hands together in anticipation. ‘When do I get my first lesson? I wouldn’t like to deprive Midnight, or the master, of their fun.’
‘Did you enjoy your ride?’ Emma held out her hand to her husband.
‘Very much.’ Benjamin Russell kissed his wife’s cheek. ‘Lilly is quite an accomplished rider already. How are you feeling, my dear?’
‘I’m fine. The doctor said all is well and the baby should be born within the next month.’ She gave her husband a relieved smile. ‘You are looking much better, Ben.’
He nodded and sat down. ‘That young lad made me see what I was doing to myself – and you. I’m sorry, my dear.’
‘You were troubled, but I knew you were strong enough to come through it.’
‘Maybe I would have eventually come to my senses, but young Robert Hunter gave me quite a lecture on the evils of drink.’ Ben gave a grimace. ‘When I saw the pain in those stormy grey eyes as he told me about his father, it almost tore me apart. Poor little devil.’
‘Not so little,’ Emma remarked.
‘True, and that’s why I’ve told Jim to teach him to ride – on Midnight.’
‘You haven’t! Oh, Ben, that’s wicked of you. That animal enjoys being hard to manage.’
They were both laughing at the thought, and Ben sat back, relaxed and happy for the first time since the war. ‘He’s the tallest animal in the stables, and that boy tops six feet already. He’ll cope with Midnight.’
‘I just hope you’re right.’ Emma gave him a speculative look. ‘You have faith in him?’
‘I do, but I’m also concerned about him.’ Ben was suddenly serious. ‘He’s full of anger, and although he would deny it, I believe he’s also feeling guilty about leaving his father. There was such anguish in his voice when he said, “What else could I do?”’
‘It sounds as if he’s as much a casualty of the war as those of you who fought in it.’
‘You’re quite right. So many men have returned damaged, mentally and physically, and it’s their families who are bearing the burden as their loved ones try to adjust.’ Ben stood up and began to pace the room. ‘I was too lost in my own nightmare to realize that there are hundreds – thousands – of men suffering the aftermath of the war like Bob’s father. I would like to do something to help. But what?’
‘It’s an enormous problem, darling, and there is little one man can do on his own.’
‘You’re right, of course, but if I could give support to a few . . .’ Ben sat down again, deep in thought for a while, and then he rang the bell. When the butler arrived, he said, ‘Ask Jim to come and see me, Green.’
‘At once, sir.’
Jim arrived within ten minutes, flustered, but with a grin on his face.
‘How are the riding lessons going?’ Ben asked, immediately guessing what was causing his groom so much amusement.
Jim shook his head, still smiling. ‘You had to see it to believe it, sir. Midnight had him off twice and then galloped around the field kicking his legs in delight. Bob dusted himself down, stalked over to the animal, and stood right in front of him with his hands on his hips. Then he said, “All right, you’ve had your fun, but now it’s time to get something straight. As far as you are concerned I’m the boss! I know I’m inexperienced, but you’re going to have to let me stay on you long enough to learn how to ride. Is that clear?”’
‘And what did Midnight say?’ Ben kept a straight face with difficulty. He could just imagine the scene as the large animal and tall boy faced each other.
‘Well sir, you’ll never believe it, but after that he behaved himself. That boy’s got a way with animals.’
‘So it seems. Do you know where his home in London is?’
‘Not exactly. I did ask him once but all he said was that he lived near the docks. He obviously didn’t want to talk about it, so I dropped the subject.’
‘Has he ever mentioned his family?’
Jim shook his head. ‘He doesn’t talk about himself. I got the impression that he doesn’t want anything to do with his past. But he’s a good, honest boy, sir, I’m sure of that, or I wouldn’t have recommended him to you.’
Ben nodded. ‘Thank you, Jim. Keep up with the lessons.’
‘Yes, sir.’
When the head groom had left, Emma said, ‘If you’re thinking of tracking down the boy’s father, then you’ll have an almost impossible task. The London docks cover a large area.’
‘And it’s densely populated. But his father was in the Army, and I might be able to trace him that way. I think I’ll pay a visit to General Hampton. He might be able to help.’
‘And what do you intend to do if you manage to find him?’
‘That depends on what I find.’
Emma looked concerned. ‘Robert Hunter won’t thank you for interfering in his life, Ben.’
‘Then we’ll have to keep this to ourselves. Excuse me while I go and change for lunch, my dear.’
After Ben had left the room, Lilly came rushing in. ‘We had a lovely ride today, Mummy. Daddy’s happy again, isn’t he?’
‘Yes, sweetheart.’ Emma smoothed her daughter’s hair into place. It never would stay where it should. ‘He’s going to be all right now.’
‘Is that because he isn’t drinking now?’
‘Yes, and now your daddy will be able to go riding with you often.’
‘Oh, goody! I’ll go and see how Bob’s getting on with his riding lessons.’ Giving a giggle she tore out of the room.
Emma laid her head back and sighed with relief. It had been a worrying time, but it looked as if her husband had come through his troubles. The trauma was still there under the surface, but at last he was coming to terms with it, and was in control again. She could relax and await the birth of their child.
Eight
Everything seemed so bright and clear. Alfred Hunter took a deep breath and savoured the smells, noise and general bustle of the docks. Such ordinary, everyday sounds were like the sweetest music to him. He had been living in a fog, trying not to remember the terrible things he’d seen and done during the war, but no amount of drink had been able to chase the images away. They were still there, and he now knew that it was something he would have to learn to live with. His friend Steve was managing to do that, and he’d had his ship blown out from under him at Jutland. It must have been terrible to see his shipmates dying in the sea.
But that was all over now, and he had to pull his life together. He owed it to Helen, who had understood and sacrificed what little strength she had left to support him in his misery. It had taken his son to bring him to his senses. How he wished Bob were here to see the change in him . . .
‘Hello, Alf.’ The man in charge of the hiring nodded as Alf reached the front of the queue of men looking for work at the docks. ‘Good to see you. But I can’t give you your old job as charge hand back, I’m afraid.’
‘I’ll do anything, Fred. I’ve still got plenty of muscle, and I’m not fussy.’
‘Right.’ Fred consulted his papers. ‘You can join Harry Jones’ team. They’re about to unload that ship just docking. The job is permanent.’
‘Thanks.’ Alf took off, elated. There were loads of men looking for work and he had only expected temporary employment, but it was good to know he wouldn’t have to queue every day to see what was going.
As he approached the group of men waiting to start on the ship as soon as she was docked, one turned round and smiled with pleasure.
‘Alf?!’ The man rushed towards him. ‘It’s good to see you. I tried to find you after they patched me up, but it was bloody chaos out there, and I didn’t know your surname.’
They clasped hands. ‘Pete! I didn’t know if you had survived. It’s wonderful to see you looking so fit.’
‘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 fou
nd 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?’
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