‘We did confirm that some records were lost in a fire, and it is likely his information was one of them. The only general we found by that name was too old, so he might be a past relative of his.’
‘You are quite right.’ Alex sighed. ‘It’s frustrating, though.’
‘Meeting Sara Holdsworth again appears to have unsettled you.’ Bob grinned. ‘Are you attracted to her?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. I am too old for romance – and certainly not with a married woman.’
‘If you say so, but you are only forty. That isn’t too old and you are still a handsome man.’
Alex laughed and stood up. ‘I’m forty-two actually. Come on, you can buy me a drink.’
Chapter Eleven
The sound of someone running across the empty parade ground made Lester stop and turn. James was heading towards him, waving his arms about to catch his attention. What was the matter with his friend? He must be mad, running like that in the early August heat.
James skidded to a halt, and took several deep breaths. ‘Have you heard what’s happened?’
‘No, and you look as if you need a drink.’ He began walking towards the officers’ mess, but his friend caught his arm.
‘Will you stand still for a moment? This is important. Germany has declared war on France!’
‘Oh, damn! I was afraid of that after Archduke Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in late June. That set off a dangerous series of events: Austria–Hungary declared war on Serbia – the French socialist leader was then murdered in Paris and Germany invaded Luxembourg.’
James nodded grimly. ‘Looks as if we are heading for war too.’
‘I hope not. Let’s get that drink. I need one now.’
The noise from the officers’ bar hit them as soon as they opened the door. Everyone seemed to be talking at once, each giving their own opinions on what was going to happen now.
‘What do you want?’ James shouted.
‘A cup of tea.’
‘What? I know you never drink more than a small beer, but surely you want something stronger today?’
‘Tell them to make the tea strong.’ Lester turned and studied the men in the room. There was an air of excitement as they discussed the recent events; some appeared concerned and a few were silent as they wondered what the future would bring. If they did go to war, then his own future was going to be in disarray – again.
‘Lieutenant.’ The duty officer pushed his way over to him. ‘Would you play some soothing music, please, to try and calm everyone down?’
‘That’s a waste of time.’ James said as he handed his friend the tea. ‘No one will hear in this racket.’
‘It will help to settle my concerns.’ Lester drank his tea quickly and walked over to the piano.
The moment he began to play his whole attention was focused on the music and he became oblivious to his surroundings. Playing one of his sister’s favourites he reached out to her. ‘Are you listening? It looks as if we are going to have to take another detour, but remember that we will eventually get back on the right road. Whatever happens we are in this together. Nothing can change that.’
When the words – ‘together as always’, came into his mind, clearly and strongly, he knew she had picked up his thoughts, and he relaxed.
James sipped his second beer and nodded. It had only taken a few minutes for the noise to abate and the room settle down. When they had entered it had been chaos with everyone standing around talking at the top of their voices, now most were seated and talking quietly, while others were silent, listening to the music. His friend certainly had the ability to soothe with his music.
The duty officer nodded his approval as he noticed the difference. ‘I swear, Holdsworth has magic in his hands. It’s tragic to think we might have to send men like that onto the battlefield.’
‘He’s a good officer, sir,’ James pointed out. ‘Do you believe we are heading for war?’
‘I fear we are, but we will have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.’
The next day – 4th August – Germany invaded Belgium, and Britain declared war on Germany.
‘My father has already been recalled for duty,’ James said. ‘I expect your father has as well. They are going to need all the experienced soldiers they can get.’
‘No doubt.’ That was one piece of news that heartened Lester. If their father was recalled then it would be good for their mother as well as the general. With him out of the way most of the time, then harmony might descend on their home.
‘You’ll stay in the army now, won’t you?’ James looked hopefully at his friend. ‘I know you signed on for three years, but I’ve always had the feeling you might try to buy yourself out after a while.’
‘Did you?’
‘Yes. It’s obvious where your heart is, and it isn’t with the army. I was surprised and delighted when you joined up with me, but I believe it is because you have serious problems at home.’ James held up his hands and said quickly, ‘That is none of my business, and I’m not prying. I’m just pleased you are here. You haven’t answered my question, though.’
‘I always intended to stay for the three years, but now there will be no question about leaving until the war is over.’
‘That’s great, but I bet the war will be over in a year.’
‘Really? How do you know that?’
‘I heard some officers talking.’
‘Then I believe they are being overly optimistic.’
‘I expect you’re right. Nevertheless we are in it now and I’m glad we have been posted to the same camp. That was a bit of luck.’
‘I don’t think luck had anything to do with it,’ Lester remarked dryly. ‘I suspect your father had a hand in that.’
His friend grinned. ‘Well, I did tell him how much I hoped we could stay together.’
‘I’m pleased you did. I wonder what the girls will do now. They are both nurses and medical care will be needed.’
‘That has crossed my mind as well. Ruth certainly won’t stay on the sidelines. I expect she is already finding out if she can take an active role in caring for the injured. What do you think your sister will do?’
‘The same as your cousin, I expect, but all this is speculation. This war is only a few hours old so we will have to wait and see how things work out.’
James nodded. ‘We had better get along to this briefing and, hopefully, find out where we are being sent.’
‘I’ve applied to work at a military hospital, and Ruth has done the same,’ Lillia informed her mother.
‘Do you know where you will be sent?’ Sara tried to keep the sadness out of her voice. Both of her children would soon be involved in this war, and it was a worrying thought.
‘Not yet, but it could be outside London, and that means I might have to live away from home. I hope you don’t mind?’
‘Of course I mind, but you must do what you can. We all must.’
She smiled at her mother. ‘I knew you would feel like that, and that’s why I put in my request without discussing it with you first. There is a big recruitment going on – do you know if Father has been recalled for duty?’
‘He hasn’t said so, but I’ve hardly seen him for the past four weeks. He pops in for a couple of days and then is off again. Goodness knows where he goes or what he’s doing.’
‘Hmm. Well, if he hasn’t been approached then it is very strange. With his rank I would have thought he would have been one of the first to be contacted.’
A servant entered the room and handed Sara a calling card. Her face lit up with pleasure. ‘Please send him in.’
Alex strode in and greeted the two women. ‘Forgive my unannounced visit.’
‘You are welcome here at any time. Would you care for some refreshments?’
‘No, thank you. I am not able to stay long. I would like a word with your husband if he is at home.’
‘I’m sorry. He has been out all day and I have no idea when he will retur
n. Please sit down, and at least have a cup of tea with us – unless you would like something stronger?’
‘Tea will be fine, thank you.’ Alex settled in a chair and smiled at Lillia, still in her uniform. ‘Are you enjoying nursing?’
‘I like it very much.’ She poured tea and handed the cup to him. ‘I was just telling Mother that I will be going to work at a military hospital.’
‘That is excellent. You will be badly needed.’ He turned his attention back to Sara. ‘I have been moved from the academy and given the task of contacting ex-army officers. We have been unable to find General Holdsworth’s records. Can you tell me where he served and his regiment?’
‘He has never talked about his army career. All he said was that he moved around a lot and spent some time abroad.’
‘Do you know where?’
She shook her head. ‘I am sorry. He is not very communicative.’
‘Well, when he returns would you tell him I called and ask him to contact me here.’ He handed her an address.
‘I will do that.’ She took the paper and placed it on a small table.
‘Thank you for seeing me.’ He stood up. ‘If you will excuse me, I have another call to make.’
‘I am sorry your visit was fruitless.’
‘Not at all. It has been good to see you again. I would be interested to know which hospital you go to,’ he told Lillia. ‘Would you both be kind enough to write to me occasionally and let me know how you are getting on?’
‘It would be our pleasure,’ mother and daughter replied together.
He smiled, bowed slightly and left.
‘What a charming man he is,’ Lillia said the moment the front door closed. ‘I am surprised he asked us to write to him.’
‘These men have a grim task ahead of them, darling, and letters from home will be very important. He doesn’t have a wife or children who will write to him.’
‘Of course. I never thought of that.’ She pursed her lips. ‘I wonder why they can’t find Father’s army records.’
‘They must have an enormous amount to go through and they might have been lost or filed in the wrong place.’
‘Yes, it would be easy to misplace records.’
It was past midnight when Gilbert arrived back. ‘You are not usually up at this time of night,’ he remarked, heading straight for his study.
‘I have an urgent message for you.’ Sara nearly bumped into him when he stopped suddenly. ‘Brigadier Stansfield called today wanting to see you. They have been unable to find your army records, and he asked that you contact him at this address.’
He took the card she was holding out and tossed it onto the desk. ‘If they can’t find any records then how did they know about me?’
‘He was the head of the academy you sent Lester to, so your name would have been on the application, but he has now returned to active duty. There is a great need for experienced officers like you. Do contact him as a matter of urgency.’
Her husband muttered something under his breath and turned away. Surprised by his reaction, she remained standing while he seated himself behind his desk.
‘Was there anything else?’ he asked sharply.
‘No, but do get in touch with him. He called especially to see you.’
‘I’ll do what I have to! Now, leave me, I have things to do.’
Taking his reply to mean that he would contact the army, she retired. Much to her surprise she slept soundly and her daughter was already at breakfast when she came downstairs.
‘Good morning, Mother.’ Lillia hastily drank her tea. ‘Cook said Father left at six this morning. Perhaps he’s gone to see the brigadier. How did he take the news that the army was looking for him?’
‘Hard to tell, but he wasn’t overjoyed.’
She laughed. ‘That doesn’t surprise me. He has never talked about his army career, and that makes me think it wasn’t a happy experience. I expect he’ll find a way to avoid being recalled. He doesn’t look too healthy, so he could probably use that as a way out.’
‘I thought he would be eager to return to duty, but after seeing his reaction last night, I’m sure that isn’t so.’
‘Oh, look at the time!’ She kissed her mother. ‘I must rush.’
During the next four weeks Sara didn’t see her husband, although Adams informed her that he was in and out during the night. He never appeared at mealtimes, and she began to notice things missing from the house, including two landscapes which were particular favourites of hers. She was angry. The agreement they had made had lasted well, but he was obviously in financial trouble again. This could not be allowed to continue. If he was in serious difficulty then he must discuss it with her. She would not have her family home drained of sentimental items. She never entered his room, but that unspoken rule was about to be broken as she hurried up the stairs.
The door was locked so she knocked and called out to him, but there was no reply.
‘Can I be of help?’ Adams hurried up the last few steps to join her.
‘I am concerned that I haven’t seen my husband for a while. This door is locked. Do you have a spare key?’
He searched through the large bundle of keys he carried on a chain, found one and unlocked the door.
Sara walked in and looked around, but there was no sign of her husband. A quick inspection showed that all of his private possessions were there.
‘Is there a problem?’ Adams asked.
‘It seems not. When I found the door locked I feared my husband might have been taken ill and be in need of help. He doesn’t usually lock his door.’
‘Most unusual.’ Adams prowled the room, his eyes taking in every detail. ‘Everything appears to be as usual. Shall I lock the room again?’
‘Yes, please. Did he let you know where he was going and when he would be back?’
‘We haven’t seen him for some days. Cook is a light sleeper and told me she heard him arrive in the early hours of the morning, staying for a short time and then leaving again before dawn.’
‘I know at times his business does require him to work strange hours.’ She was puzzled by his recent behaviour, but kept that to herself. ‘If you see him before I do would you say that I would like to discuss something with him when he has a moment to spare?’
‘Certainly.’ Adams locked the door. ‘Is there anything else I can do for you, madam?’
‘No, thank you.’ She smiled and headed back down the stairs. Once in the sitting room she gazed out of the window. They had never been close as a husband and wife should be, but over the years she had become accustomed to his ways – but disappearing for so long wasn’t normal. What was he up to?
Chapter Twelve
December 1914
The letter was quite short, telling Alex that Lillia had left to help in one of the many auxiliary hospitals set up around the country, but it was Sara’s last remark that made him frown. She mentioned that her husband had been given his message the evening of his visit, and hoped he had contacted him as requested. He surged to his feet and called for Bob, who had been transferred with him to Aldershot.
The captain appeared immediately. ‘Sir?’
‘Have we received anything from General Holdsworth?’
‘No, and I still haven’t been able to find his file.’
‘Then I don’t think we are going to. I saw his wife weeks ago and she gave him the message the same day.’
‘Well, we can’t force him to return to service, but if we knew what his experience was he could, possibly, act in an advisory capacity. However, there is a real question mark hanging over this man.’
‘If he hadn’t sent his son to the academy we wouldn’t have known about him. I suppose he could be using a rank he isn’t entitled to. That wouldn’t be unusual, and if so, then that could account for his reluctance to meet any of us.’
‘That’s a possibility, but surely his wife would know?’
Alex shook his head. ‘I am certain she honestly believ
es him to be a general, but anyone can see it is not a close relationship. I’d love to find out more about him, but where do we start?’
‘I have already tried to get hold of his birth certificate while looking for more information, but without success. Do you think Mrs Holdsworth would let you see what papers she has?’
‘I would be uneasy asking her for such personal documents. The only way would be if she was to confide in me about her marriage, and that is most unlikely.’
Bob pursed his lips in thought. ‘Tell you what, leave it with me a while longer and I’ll continue to see if I can unearth anything about him.’
‘All right,’ he agreed reluctantly. ‘I don’t see what else we can do, and we have already wasted enough time on this matter.’
‘By the way, did you know that quite a few of the ex-academy boys have been transferred here?’ Bob said, changing the subject. ‘I’ve seen a few familiar faces around camp. They will be on their way to France soon, I expect.’
‘Is the Holdsworth boy here?’
‘I wouldn’t be surprised.’ Bob grinned. ‘If he is I hope they have tuned the piano.’
Alex was immediately on his feet. ‘I’ll see who I can find. They were a fine crowd of youngsters, and I hate to think what they are going to have to face in this war. They are little more than children still.’
He strode out of the office and was nearly at the officers’ mess when he heard his name called.
James hurried towards him, all smiles and saluted smartly. ‘Brigadier. Good to see you again.’
‘And you. How many of you are here?’
‘Six from our class and a few others have been sent elsewhere.’
‘Is Holdsworth here with you?’
‘Yes, we’ve managed to stay together and Lester’s off to see if he can find a piano.’ James laughed. ‘I told him he won’t be able to fit one in his kitbag when we’re on our way to France.’
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