Diamonds in the Dust

by Beryl Matthews

  Dora eyed it all with amusement. She couldn’t imagine why Dobbs collected all this stuff. ‘I think my next job will be to have a bonfire in the garden,’ she remarked in her normal voice.

  ‘No you won’t!’ Dobbs said indignantly, glancing round at the men crowding his room. ‘We’ll have to watch her. She’ll have this place so tidy we won’t be able to find a thing.’

  ‘There wasn’t anything wrong with your hearing that time, was there?’ she remarked.

  ‘Eh?’

  ‘Don’t you take any notice of him, Dora,’ John smirked. ‘Dobbs only hears what he wants to hear.’

  The corners of Dobbs’ mouth turned up, but he was serious when he spoke to Dora again. ‘You leave these things alone, my girl. I can help quite a few people. These young blokes ain’t the only ones who need help. Many around here don’t have two farthings to rub together.’

  Pete touched her arm and spoke softly. ‘The old boy does a lot of good on the quiet.’

  ‘I didn’t know that. Thank you for telling me.’ Dora smiled at Dobbs. Now she knew why she had seen him slipping out from time to time with parcels in his hand. ‘I promise not to touch anything in your room.’

  ‘Hmm,’ was his only comment as he handed round the tea, and biscuits he kept in a tin.

  Dora turned her attention back to the men. ‘Perhaps one of you can help me. I’d like to know where I can find Alan Harrington. Do any of you know him?’

  ‘The captain … he comes here. Decent bloke – for an officer. What do you want him for?’ Charlie asked.

  ‘A friend of mine would like to see him. He thinks he might be someone he knows.’

  ‘And what’s this friend’s name?’ The voice came from the doorway.

  ‘Alan! I was hoping I’d see you. His name’s Stan Crawford.’

  Alan went absolutely still, then murmured, ‘Crawford? Is he alive?’

  Dora nodded. ‘He’s the man I told you about on Sunday.’

  ‘Dear Lord! I thought Crawford was dead. I want to see him, Dora. I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for his courage. I believe you said he was your neighbour?’

  ‘Yes, that’s right.’

  ‘Would you give me his address? I must see him.’

  ‘Of course, but if you’ve got the time you can come with me when I finish here. I told him about you and he wants to see you as well.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Doc’s here!’ Dobbs announced. It was the signal for them all to go and meet Dr Burridge.

  The rest of the afternoon was hectic. Dora did her best to encourage the men as they struggled to master artificial limbs. They accepted her help without question, expressing their appreciation from time to time. She ran errands, prepared snacks to keep them all going, and loved every minute. Nothing she had ever done before had given her so much satisfaction. When the doctor remarked that she should have been a nurse, she knew he was right. She shouldn’t have allowed her mother to talk her out of taking up the profession. They could surely have made arrangements for Tom and Lily when she wasn’t around. But it was no use regretting it now.

  During a brief lull, Dora decided that she wanted to stay here for as long as she was needed. It would be a struggle to manage, but there was always the pawnshop. She would have to talk it over with Tom first, though.

  ‘The front door looks … er … bright.’ Dr Burridge had finally stopped working, and this was the first time he’d mentioned Dora’s handiwork with a paintbrush.

  ‘Don’t look so amused, sir. It’s the colour you left for me.’

  He grinned, looking almost boyish. ‘So it is. The man in the hardware shop down the road donated it. I suspect he couldn’t sell it.’

  ‘Most likely,’ Dora said thoughtfully. ‘Do you think he’s got more he can’t sell? The shiny front door has made the rest of the place look shabby.’

  ‘I’ll ask. Now, go home, my dear, and thank you for today. You’re a real asset to have around the place.’

  ‘I’ve enjoyed every minute,’ she told him truthfully. ‘Goodnight, sir. I’ll be here tomorrow.’

  ‘Goodnight, Dora.’

  She watched him walk down the path and out of the gate, heading, no doubt, for the hospital. She couldn’t help wondering if he ever stopped working.

  ‘All finished for the day?’ Alan stood beside her.

  ‘Yes, Dobbs told me he always locks up for the night.’

  Alan hesitated. ‘Perhaps you’d better give me Crawford’s address, and I’ll make my own way there.’

  ‘Are you feeling too tired to go now?’

  ‘I’m fine, but I’ll slow you down, and you might be in a hurry.’

  ‘Tom brings Lily home from school and looks after her until I get back. It won’t matter if I’m a bit late.’

  It suddenly dawned on her what he was doing, and she was offended. ‘You think I’ll be ashamed to be seen with you! Do you really think I’m that kind of a person?’

  ‘I’m sure you’re not, and I apologise if I’ve insulted you.’ Alan tipped his head to one side, studying her intently. ‘But a lot of people can’t seem to deal with the injuries so many of us have received.’

  ‘Well, I’m not one of them!’ She placed her hand on his arm. ‘Let’s have no more of this nonsense, Captain. I’m taking you to see Stan.’

  ‘Yes, nurse.’

  They talked about all manner of things on the journey, but the subject of the war was never mentioned. When they arrived in Kilburn, Alan insisted on buying a bottle of whisky for Stan so they could have a drink together.

  The front door was open. Dora knocked and called, ‘Stan, it’s me, Dora.’

  ‘Come in. I’m in the kitchen,’ he answered.

  ‘I’ve brought someone to see you.’

  Stan was already standing, having heard the sound of crutches on the tiled floor of the passage.

  The two men stared at each other, and Dora saw a mixture of relief, pain and pleasure in their eyes as they examined each other.

  Suddenly, Stan smiled widely. ‘Captain! My God, I was sure you were dead. It’s wonderful to see you again.’

  ‘I thought the same about you. I owe you a drink.’

  Dora could see that they needed to be alone so they could talk freely. ‘Before you start on the bottle Alan has in his pocket, you needn’t bother about food. I’ll bring you something when it’s ready.’

  ‘Thanks Dora, we’d appreciate that.’ Stan placed his hand on Alan’s shoulder. ‘Come into the front room, Captain. We’ll get comfortable and start on that whisky.’

  ‘That’s a splendid idea – and the name’s Alan.’

  Dora didn’t wait to hear any more and left at once, not wanting to be in the way of their reunion.

  Tom and Lily were already home when she arrived, and they bombarded her with questions about her day.

  ‘Sounds good.’ Tom nodded with satisfaction.

  Lily was giggling about the front door, and Dora was overcome with a feeling of wonder that they were all managing to carry on so normally. But deep in her mind was the fear that this wouldn’t last. Their mother was missing, and the terrible mess was bound to blow up in their faces. When that happened, she was going to have to be even stronger …

  ‘Did you see Alan?’ Tom’s voice broke through her troubled thoughts.

  Dora smiled and told them that Alan was with Stan. ‘Isn’t it wonderful! They do know each other.’

  ‘Can we go and see them?’ Lily was already heading for the door.

  ‘Not yet, sweetie.’ Dora called her back. ‘They’ve got a lot to talk about, but we’ll cook a meal and take it round to them. You can see them long enough to say hello, and then we must leave.’

  ‘All right.’ Lily came and sat down again, her little face serious. ‘I liked Alan. He’s almost as nice as Stan.’

  ‘They’re both brave men,’ Tom declared. ‘And I’m glad the doctor’s trying to help some of the men. You must stay there if you want to, Dora. We�
�ll manage somehow.’

  ‘I would like to keep working at the house, but we’ll have to see how things go, Tom. Now, have we got enough food to feed two extra?’

  ‘Should be able to manage it if we put the meat in a pie. You’re good at pastry, Dora.’

  They all set to work on the meal. When it was ready they popped theirs into the oven to keep warm, and hurried to Stan’s.

  Dora went straight to the kitchen and laid the table, listening to Lily’s excited chatter and Tom’s deeper tones. It seemed as if his voice was beginning to break already. He was certainly growing up fast, and he was such a tremendous support. Dora didn’t know what she would do without him. Their lives had been thrown into confusion, but Tom was proving to be steady and dependable.

  ‘Food’s on the table,’ she announced, walking into the front room. ‘Don’t let it get cold. Now, we must get back to ours or it will be baked to a crisp in the oven. Don’t worry about the plates, Stan. I’ll collect them in the morning.’

  Dora ushered her reluctant brother and sister out and said over her shoulder, ‘If either of you need anything, you know where we are.’

  Chapter Fifteen

  ‘Shall I collect the plates from Stan?’ Tom asked.

  ‘No, that’s all right. I’ll do it or you’ll be late for school.’ Dora chewed her lip anxiously as she looked at Lily’s unhappy face. ‘What is it, sweetie?’

  Lily shook her head, refusing to speak. They hadn’t had a word out of her since she’d woken up.

  ‘Talk to us, sweetie.’ Dora stooped down beside Lily’s chair. ‘We can’t help if we don’t know what’s wrong, can we?’

  Tom leant against the sink, arms folded and a deep frown on his young face. ‘Talk to Dora,’ he said gruffly.

  ‘I dreamt of Mum last night.’ Her eyes were swimming with tears. ‘She was laughing and happy – so were we. I want it to be like that again.’

  ‘We all do.’ As Dora said those words it felt as if something snapped inside her. She could try to pretend all she liked that this wasn’t happening – but it was! Their mother was missing, probably dead, but until they knew for certain, their lives were in confusion. They tried to deal with each day as best they could, but it was hard to make decisions. They didn’t know which way to turn. And she worried so about her brother and sister …

  The carefully erected dam burst. Gathering Lily into her arms, she gave way and the tears came in torrents, heartbroken sobs racking her body. She collapsed on the floor.

  Tom was horrified and very frightened. This couldn’t be happening! Their big sister was strong, someone they could rely on. But it was too much for her. They had put too much on her.

  Feeling completely helpless, Tom did the only thing he could think of. He ran to Stan’s, banging on the front door frantically.

  When it was wrenched open, he literally fell into the hall, nearly knocking Stan off his feet. ‘Please help!’ he gasped. ‘It’s Dora – please help!’

  Without a word, Stan grabbed his stick and shoved Tom out the door, hurrying as fast as he could. They heard Lily screaming before they reached the house.

  Stan ran.

  Tom had never moved so fast in his life. He burst into the kitchen and swept Lily off the floor, where she had been leaning over Dora and hitting her to try and make her wake up. Her screams were deafening. ‘Stop that!’ he demanded.

  Stan was there then, and examining the unconscious girl. He pulled her up, sat her on a chair and pushed her head onto her knees. When she groaned, he sat her upright again. ‘Tom, get me a glass of water.’

  There was no way Tom could put Lily down because she was holding on with all her might, absolutely terrified. He managed to get the water using only one hand and gave it to Stan.

  Dora had her eyes open now, but they were unfocused, unaware of what was going on around her.

  Lily began fighting Tom, trying to get to her sister, screaming again, ‘Dora!’ over and over.

  ‘Stop it!’ Tom shouted at his little sister. It was something they had never done, and the shock silenced Lily. He kissed her cheek by way of saying sorry and said softly, ‘Stan’s looking after her. He knows what to do.’

  ‘Drink this.’ Stan held the glass to Dora’s lips. When she took a sip, he urged, ‘Again.’

  She obeyed by taking two large gulps, then Stan put the glass on the table and began to rub some life back into her hands. ‘Come on, Dora, take deep breaths. Come back to us.’

  ‘Do we need a doctor?’ Tom could feel his heart crashing against his ribs. Nothing must happen to Dora! They loved her. She was holding them together. They’d never manage without her. They’d be put in a home! ‘Stan, do we need to get a doctor?’

  ‘No, Tom.’ It was Dora who spoke. ‘I’m sorry. Just give me a minute or two. I’ll be all right soon.’

  ‘On your feet.’ Stan pulled her out of the chair and led her to the front room. Then he eased her onto the settee, sat beside her and supported her in his arms.

  She rested her head on his shoulder. ‘I’m so tired of pretending I’m all right.’

  ‘I know.’ Stan stroked her hair away from her eyes. ‘It gets too much at times, doesn’t it?’

  She nodded. ‘And you know all about that, don’t you?’

  ‘Only too well.’

  Suddenly Dora tried to sit up, alarmed. ‘Lily, is she all right?’

  ‘Shush, she’s with Tom. I think they’re making a pot of tea.’ Stan made her relax again. ‘Stop worrying about other people for a moment. Think of yourself for a change. I suspect that’s something you seldom do, and that’s why this has been building up. You can’t protect Tom and Lily from this. They’ve got to face up to it in their own way. You can’t do it for them, Dora, as much as I know you want to.’

  Tom came in with a tray of tea, Lily beside him, drained of all colour. As soon as she saw Dora, she ran and climbed on the settee wrapping her arms around her. Tom knelt in front and grasped one of his big sister’s hands. ‘Hell, Dora, you frightened us.’

  They remained like that, giving Dora time to recover. After a couple of minutes, she said, ‘I could do with that tea now, Tom.’

  ‘Of course.’ He scrambled to his feet.

  Dora sat up straight and bowed her head. ‘I’m so ashamed. I’m sorry.’

  ‘You haven’t got anything to be sorry about.’ Tom gave her a cup of tea. ‘You’re struggling to see we live like we used to. That isn’t right. We’ve been selfish by telling you we want to stay in this house when we know it isn’t going to be possible. We can’t go on leaving it all to Dora, Lily. She’s trying to support the three of us and the strain’s too much. We’ve got to help more.’

  Lily nodded, looking thoroughly confused.

  ‘I’ll get a job after school.’ Tom finished pouring tea for the rest of them. ‘And we’ll move to a cheaper place if we have to. All right, Lily?’

  ‘Yes,’ she whispered, too upset to protest.

  ‘I don’t want you working, Tom.’ Dora had recovered enough to make decisions, but she still held tightly to Stan’s hand, grateful for his calm support.

  ‘Maybe so, but we don’t have a choice.’ Tom lifted his head in determination. ‘We’re getting through our money at a fast rate. I’m not daft, I know what a mess we’re in.’

  Dora nodded miserably. What Tom said was correct. ‘I’ll start looking for a permanent job immediately.’

  ‘No, you won’t!’ Tom had had enough of this. It was time someone thought about Dora. She’d worked as a housemaid because their mum hadn’t let her do the thing she wanted to. Then in the evenings she had looked after him and Lily, never complaining. What kind of a life had she had? ‘I saw how happy you were when you told us about the doctor, and I know you really want to work at that house. So you stay!’

  ‘We’ll see how it goes, Tom.’

  Lily had snuggled close to her sister and was gazing up at her. ‘Are you all right now, Dora?’

  She bent her head an
d kissed Lily’s cheek. ‘Much better now, Lily. I’m sorry I frightened you.’

  ‘Stan took care of you. I was glad Tom fetched him.’

  ‘Yes, that was kind of him.’ Dora turned to Stan who had remained with his arm supporting her. ‘Thank you very much. I’m sorry we’ve been such a nuisance to you, but we’re grateful for your help.’

  ‘Don’t keep apologising.’ Stan removed his arm and moved away from her slightly. ‘I’m here if you need me for anything.’

  ‘Thanks, Stan.’ Tom was relaxing now he could see his big sister was all right again. That had scared him, and made him realise that he must shoulder more responsibility from now on. After all, he would be thirteen in two months’ time, and a lot of boys were out working by then. Their mother had always insisted that schooling was the most important thing. But she damned well wasn’t here now!

  Lily scrambled off the settee, went to Stan and pulled his hand until he leant forward. Then she planted a smacking kiss on his cheek. ‘Thank you for helping Dora. We’ll look after her better, won’t we, Tom?’

  ‘We will. Now, do you feel well enough to go to school, or do you want to stay at home with Dora?’

  ‘I’m not staying home,’ Dora protested. The colour was coming back to her face. ‘You must both go to school.’

  When Dora began to stand up, Stan stopped her. ‘You ought to stay at home today and rest.’

  ‘No, I need to be busy, and I’m fine now, really.’

  ‘All right, but promise me you’ll come home if you feel ill again.’

  ‘I promise, but it won’t happen again. It was just a moment of weakness.’

  When Stan nodded and stood up, Tom was there with the stick Stan had dropped in the kitchen, and walked with him to the front door.

  ‘Find her, Stan.’ Tom was furious. ‘Find our mother, and if it turns out that she’s abandoned us, I’ll kill her, I swear!’

  Stan rested his hand on the boy’s shoulder, the youngster now seeming so grown up. ‘I understand. But after what I’ve seen this morning, I’ll bloody well do the job for you!’

  It took Stan at least an hour before he could even consider going to see Reg at the station. He was physically weakened by his efforts to get Dora off the floor. Seeing her like that had shaken him, which was surprising when he recalled the terrible things he had witnessed in the war.