‘It’s a possibility, and there are a couple of old barns as well.’ Peter was on his feet again. ‘We must go and check at once. I’ll get my car because it’s quite a walk.’
The barns were the nearest, but, apart from the birds nesting in the beams, there wasn’t any sign of life there. They drove next to the two cottages.
They were on a neglected part of the estate which had been allowed to grow wild, but the cottages were sturdy, built of stone, and there was a fast-running stream at the back of the properties. Vicki felt her heart rate quicken as she gazed at the location. If she had found something like this when she had been homeless, it would have seemed like paradise to her.
The first one they went in was completely empty, but the next one gave them all a shock. It was clean and sparsely furnished, with crockery and pans in the kitchen, along with a small camping stove for cooking.
‘Well done, Vicki,’ Harry told her as he began to examine some papers he’d found. ‘This is interesting.’
‘What is it?’ Peter asked, coming over to have a look.
‘School work being marked for young pupils. Is there a school nearby, Peter?’
‘There’s a school for six- to eight-year-olds in the next village, but it’s at least a four-mile walk from here.’
‘Well, if it is Bill and he is working there, then he could have bought himself a bicycle.’
Peter walked to the door and scanned the surrounding area. ‘There’s no sign of anyone, but whoever is living here could come back at any minute. We’ll wait.’
‘No, we should leave now,’ Harry told him firmly. ‘And put everything back exactly as we found it.’
‘Why?’ Peter demanded. ‘If it’s Will living here, then I want to see him!’
‘I know you do, and so does Vicki, but if this man is still suffering from memory loss, as we believe, then our being here could make him run again. He is, after all, trespassing.’ Harry looked at the two anxious faces staring at him. ‘Whoever is here has made the place habitable and has a job. He has made a life for himself. If we barge in and start telling him who he really is, we could do a lot of harm. I’m asking you both to leave this to me.’
‘I suppose you’re right.’ Peter sighed in frustration. ‘What do you think, Vicki?’
‘I’m desperate to find Bill, but Harry knows what he’s doing. Hard as it is, I’m prepared to leave it to him.’
‘Are you both agreed?’ Harry asked. They nodded and he ushered them out of the cottage. ‘Let’s get out of here before we are seen.’ They left the area quickly.
While driving back, Peter wanted to know, ‘What are you going to do, Harry?’
‘I’ll go and pay the school a visit tomorrow. I know what Bill looks like, but he’s never seen me before. If it is him, I’ll talk to him, teacher to teacher, and that will seem quite natural to him. I’ll decide what to do after I’ve found out if he really doesn’t know who he is, or if, for some reason, he has cut himself off from everyone by choice.’
‘No.’ Peter was shaking his head. ‘He would never do that! We grew up together and I know him. He would never hurt his family like this.’
‘That terrible war has changed many men. Have you considered that the boy you’ve known all your life doesn’t exist any more?’
‘I won’t accept that. What was he like when you met him, Vicki?’
‘Calm, understanding, caring, but also strong. Apart from telling me his first name, he didn’t say a word about himself. Not to me or the people he met regularly in the cafe.’
‘You are right about him being strong, but that strength was never used in a cruel way. And it’s interesting you said he was calm. Nothing ever seemed to disturb him. Whatever problems faced him, he met them head on and dealt with them without fuss or anger.’
‘That’s good to know, because if this is your friend, then it could be easier to help him. Providing he wants our help, of course.’
‘Even if he doesn’t, and it turns out he has his own reasons for staying away from his home, I still want to see him, Harry.’
‘So do I,’ Peter said.
‘I’ll do what I can, but he has a right to live his life as he pleases and we must respect that. Now, I want a solemn promise from both of you that you will not go anywhere near him until I’ve had a chance to talk with him.’
Peter and Vicki glanced at each other, and then nodded in agreement.
‘I know this is hard for you, but be patient. I’ll let you know as soon as I have any news.’
That evening, after Harry had taken Vicki and the Howards to the station in the small bus he had bought for the school, he sat at the kitchen table with Pearl and Edward.
‘Do you think they will keep their promise not to approach Bill?’ Pearl asked.
‘Vicki has gone home, and I believe I’ve managed to convince Peter that it would be better for Bill if he leaves this to me.’
‘You are being very cautious, Harry. What are you worried about?’
‘It’s just a feeling I have. Something is telling me we mustn’t suddenly barge into this man’s life. The war has been over for a long time now and yet he’s still living rough. Is he hiding from something, Edward?’
‘Maybe he’s just hiding from himself.’
‘If that is the case, then we must be careful. Vicki has never once said he had any injuries. When she talks about him, the impression I get is that he was fit, healthy and strong.’
‘That’s true,’ Pearl agreed. ‘So, what’s your plan?’
‘First, I’ve got to make sure it is Vicki’s stranger, and to do that I will go to the junior school we think he might be working at. If it isn’t him, I will walk away, tell Peter and leave him to decide what to do about someone making use of the cottage on his parents’ estate. If it is him, then I’ll see if I can talk to him. I am, after all, looking for another teacher.’
‘Ah, that’s a good idea,’ Edward nodded in approval. ‘It will appear quite natural for you to ask personal questions.’
Harry stood up. ‘I’ll do the rounds and make sure the boys are all asleep, and then turn in myself. You are on duty tonight, Edward?’
‘I am. And while you’re thinking of more staff, Harry, we need a matron, or someone with nursing skills to look after the boys’ medical needs. We have two more youngsters arriving at the end of next week.’
‘I’ve already thought of that, so while I’m in the village tomorrow I’ll have a word with the local doctor. He might be able to recommend someone. And what do you think about a permanent night manager?’
‘Now that is a good idea!’ Edward grinned. ‘An ex-soldier would please Charles, and John and I will get a bit more sleep.’
‘Leave it with me. Looks as if I will have a busy day tomorrow.’
The children were just arriving at the village school when Harry got there. He had parked the bus on the outskirts of the village and walked the rest of the way. He mingled with the parents standing outside and waving to their children as they scampered into the playground to meet their friends. There was only one teacher outside and that was a woman. Harry was just debating whether to go and have a word with her when a tall man came out of the door and blew a whistle. As the children rushed into the school, he watched the man give a slow smile of amusement, then follow them inside.
There was no mistaking him. It was definitely Bill!
Harry stood there, unable to believe they had finally found him. Oh, everything had pointed to the possibility that this would be him; even so, Harry had doubted Vicki’s memory of someone she had met so briefly. But she had never wavered in her conviction that the man everyone said had died in the war was alive.
He took a deep breath. He had really thought he would come here today, see someone and then walk away to tell Vicki and Peter that it wasn’t the man they were looking for. Or had he just hoped that would be the case? He was very fond of Vicki, and he didn’t want her to be hurt. She’d had enough to deal with in her life
, and he felt protective towards her. He had hoped that another disappointment would persuade her to stop searching. But her persistence had paid off, and Bill had looked healthy, without a sign of anything wrong with him.
Deep in thought, he walked towards the few shops he’d passed on his way here. He couldn’t go and talk to Bill in the middle of classes, so he would have to wait until the lunch break. Meanwhile, they needed a matron, and he would see if he could find a doctor for advice.
The assistant at the greengrocer’s shop pointed him in the right direction. The doctor was seeing patients, and Harry waited until the last one had left.
Dr Saunders was happy to talk to him, showing a great interest in the school. ‘I’ve heard about this and I’m very pleased to meet you. How can I help?’
‘I’m looking for someone with nursing skills to look after the children. It will be a permanent position, and they would have to live in. We have good accommodation for staff. Do you know anyone who would be interested?’
‘There is someone I know would like the job. Elsie Adams was a ward sister. Since her retirement, she has been living with her daughter’s family. The arrangement isn’t working out, and I know she would like to move, but she doesn’t know where to go. Although retired, she is a fit and sturdy woman.’
‘She sounds ideal. I’d like to talk to her today, if possible. Could you give me her home address?’
‘I’ll do better than that.’ He stood up and opened the surgery door. ‘Betty, would you pop round and ask Mrs Adams if she would come and see me, please?’
While they waited, the doctor asked a lot of questions about the school and the pupils they were taking, and Harry told him how it had all come about.
‘This is something badly needed. I come across cases of abuse from time to time, and it is distressing not to be able to do more. I would very much like to visit your school, if I may?’
‘We would be pleased to show you around and let you meet the children.’
‘Thank you. Would this evening be convenient?’ he asked eagerly.
‘Any time that suits you.’ Harry studied the man in front of him. He was around fifty, of average height and with hair just greying at the temples. He was friendly, with a ready smile. Harry liked him. ‘I’m sure you have a very busy practice, but would it be possible to engage you as our doctor so we could call on you if needed?’
‘I would be delighted and honoured to help. I will give you my home address as well as the surgery. Please call me at any time, day or night.’
They were shaking hands, both well pleased with the agreement, when the door opened and Mrs Adams looked in.
‘You wanted me, Dr Saunders?’
‘Yes, come in, Elsie. This gentleman wants to talk to you. I have a call to make so I’ll leave you to it.’ He smiled at Harry. ‘I’ll see you this evening, then.’
Elsie Adams was just as the doctor had described and looked very suitable for the job. He told her what he was looking for and asked her if she would be interested in the position.
‘Oh, sir, I would love to look after the boys. It would be the answer to my problems at home. Living with my daughter isn’t a good idea. I’m used to working, and, to be honest, I miss it dreadfully.’
‘Then the job is yours. When can you move in?’
‘At once, sir.’
Harry smiled at her enthusiasm. ‘Dr Saunders is coming to see us this evening, so why don’t you come with him? You should see what you’re letting yourself in for before making a final decision.’
‘I’ll certainly come this evening, sir, but I can tell you now that I’ll accept the position.’
‘Well, if you are sure, then we will move you in tomorrow. Will that suit you?’
‘Absolutely, sir.’
‘Good, and my name is Harry. We only use Christian names at the school.’
‘Then I’m Elsie.’
‘We will be delighted and relieved to have you with us, Elsie.’ Harry stood up. ‘I have one more task to do today, so please excuse me. We will look forward to seeing you this evening.’
Harry walked towards the school, pleased that it had been so easy to find someone suitable – and not only that, but a doctor willing to be on call when needed. That was a good morning’s work, he acknowledged, as he strode along.
Now he had to talk to Bill.
Twenty-Four
When Harry reached the junior school, the children were just streaming out of the door for their break. A teacher was in charge of the youngsters, but it wasn’t Bill, so Harry went in and found the headmaster’s room. The door was open and a middle-aged man was sitting behind a large desk covered in papers.
Harry rapped on the door and waited for the man to look up. ‘My apologies for disturbing you, sir, but could you spare me a moment of your time?’
The man nodded. ‘Come in and sit down. It’s time I took a break. Are you by any chance the man who is setting up a school for abused children?’
Harry was taken aback. ‘I am, but how did you know?’
‘There has been a lot of talk amongst those of us in education, and you have been described to me in great detail. How can I help you?’
‘As you have probably already heard,’ Harry said drily, ‘our school is growing quickly, and so is our need for qualified teachers. When I passed this morning, I saw a tall man ushering the children into the school. He seemed just the age and type I am looking for, but I expect he is a valuable member of your staff and I wouldn’t approach him without your permission.’
‘I would expect no less from a man of your excellent reputation. You must be talking about Bill. He’s a fine man, a first-class teacher, and the children like him. I wish I could keep him, but that isn’t possible. He is standing in for our permanent teacher who has had a long illness. He is fit again and we are expecting him back next week.’
‘Ah, so he could be looking for work. What is his full name?’
‘William Dale.’
Harry started. Dale! He was using the name of his parents’ house. Now, why would he do that?
The headmaster stood up. ‘If you’d like to have a word with him, he’ll be in the staff room. I’ll show you the way.’
‘Thank you. I would indeed like to meet him.’ Harry smiled. ‘Looks as if I might have come just at the right time. If I can add another teacher to my staff, then I’ll have done very well today.’
The man Harry and Vicki had searched for was alone in the room and stood up as soon as they entered.
‘Bill, this gentleman would like to have a word with you. Take your time. I’ll look after your class if necessary.’ The headmaster shook hands with Harry. ‘A great pleasure to have met you, and I wish you every success with your school.’
‘Thank you.’ As soon as he had left, Harry turned his attention to the tall man standing in front of him, and found himself looking into a pair of stunning green eyes. They were so much brighter than the portrait they had seen of him, and he could understand why Vicki remembered him so clearly. It was then he noticed the scar just showing an inch or so from his hairline. A head injury!
‘Would you like a cup of tea? I’ve just made a fresh pot.’
‘That would be welcome.’ Harry sat down, watching every move Bill made to see if there were any other injuries evident. ‘I’ve had a busy morning.’
‘Why do you want to see me?’ Bill handed Harry a cup of tea and then sat opposite him.
‘The headmaster told me you might be looking for a job soon. I have opened a school for children who have suffered neglect or abuse, and we need another teacher. The children who come to us are troubled and need a great deal of care and understanding. The work is very rewarding, but not always easy. Would you be interested in taking on such a challenge?’
Bill sat slightly forward, his expressive eyes alive with interest. ‘I would welcome the chance to do something so necessary.’
‘That’s good. The headmaster has given me a glowing report of your teac
hing abilities, but I would like to know where you studied, and any past experience you’ve had. Another reference would be helpful.’
Bill sat back, his expression closed. ‘Then you have wasted your time, sir. I cannot supply you with the information you require.’
‘And why is that?’
After a long pause, Bill clearly came to a decision. ‘No one here knows what I am about to tell you, so I must ask that you keep this to yourself.’
‘You can rest assured that whatever you tell me in confidence will go no further.’
‘I cannot tell you about my past because I can’t remember. I believe I was injured during the war.’ His hand went up to the scar. ‘This goes right across my head.’
‘You’ve lost your memory. I understand.’ There was no doubt in Harry’s mind that this man was telling the truth. He’d seen the disappointment on Bill’s face when he thought the chance of the job had slipped away.
‘I have glimpses, but they never last long and I can’t seem to retain them, and I’m never sure if they are real memories or my mind playing tricks.’
‘Have you seen doctors?’
Bill lifted his hands in a frustrated gesture. ‘I suppose I have.’
Harry had the urge to reach out with comfort, to tell this man who he was and give him back his life and the people who loved him. But he’d had enough experience with troubled children to know it was the last thing he must do. His respect for the man sitting opposite him grew and grew. He must have a strong character to have carried this burden for so long. It was evident that he had hidden his disability in order to have some kind of a normal life, and Harry was determined to help him.
‘How soon will you be able to join us?’
Caution and then hope flooded his expression. ‘You would still offer me the job without references, without details of my education?’
‘I don’t need them. From your accent it is clear you have had an excellent education. A private one, I would say. And although you carry the frustration of loss of memory, you are dealing with it calmly and sensibly. It shows a man of sound character, and that is enough for me.’
Two Strangers Page 19