‘If I come back, he will be upset again.’
‘I expect he will.’ Angie almost stamped her foot in exasperation. ‘But this has to be sorted out, so let’s face this together. My God, you are both alike, aren’t you? Stubborn as hell when you get an idea lodged in your heads.’
A glean of amusement flickered in his eyes as he watched her fuming. ‘I shall take that as a compliment, shall I?’
‘Men!’ The corners of her mouth turned up and she held out her hand. ‘For some bizarre reason this boy of ours has got the wrong end of the stick. Let’s all have lunch together and see if we can find out where he got this daft idea from.’
Dieter’s long fingers curled around her hand. ‘What is this – wrong end of the stick?’
‘It means believing something that isn’t true. Come on.’
They walked back to the farmhouse, hand in hand.
25
Dieter’s heart was pounding badly, not only for the disaster he had caused by insisting that Danny be told, but with despair. They had been getting along so well, and now he had alienated his son from him. He was going to have to start all over again to win his love and confidence. What a terrible mistake he had made. Angie had been right; he should have listened to her! In his eagerness to become a part of his son’s life, he had ruined everything.
However, there was one gleam of hope. By her impassioned outburst, Angie had shown that she accepted him. Her words – ‘this boy of ours’ – had echoed through him like the strains of a beautiful concerto. Her calm, controlled exterior held a fiery centre, just like her hair when the sun shone on it. She was very different from her cousin. Jane had been gentle through and through, and had come as a balm to him at that anxious time. As much as he had been capable of then, he had loved her, and he wished he’d had the sense to stay with her. He would always regret that. This was another shadow in his life, and he wondered when he would see enough sunshine to sweep them away.
John was waiting for them in the kitchen with two glasses in his hands. ‘Here, drink this. The two of you look as if you could do with a stiff brandy.’
‘Thank you.’ Dieter downed his in one gulp, shuddering slightly as it burnt its way into his stomach. It reminded him of the brandy he had been given after his plane had been shot down. He would never forget that bizarre moment in someone’s garden. Hostility had been expected, but instead he’d found tolerance and even kindness.
‘How’s Danny?’ Angie only sipped her drink.
‘He’s all right, so stop worrying.’
‘Have you any idea what he was talking about, John?’ Angie took another sip and grimaced. ‘Hell, this is awful.’
‘Give it to Dieter.’ John laughed at her expression of distaste. ‘He doesn’t think it’s too terrible. And no, I haven’t any idea what the lad was on about, but, if I were you, I wouldn’t mention it again today. Hetty tried while you were outside, but he clammed up tight.’
‘I might be able to get him to talk when I put him to bed.’ She glanced hesitantly at Dieter. ‘Do you agree we leave it until then?’
He nodded. ‘I am not about to go against your advice again.’
Hetty came into the kitchen. ‘He’s playing again. Give me a hand with the lunch, Angie.’
‘Let’s get out of their way.’ John smiled. ‘Come into the front room, Dieter, and I’ll refill your glass.’
He followed John and stood in the doorway, gazing at the child playing with his toys, and it felt as if someone had squeezed his heart. Then he saw the old truck next to the new car he had made and his worry lifted a little. Perhaps there was hope; Danny hadn’t abandoned his gift.
At that moment he made a decision. He would leave Angie to talk to Danny, but he would see Strachan, if he could, and have this out with him.
‘Dieter?’ John held up a bottle.
‘No, thanks, Mr Sawyer.’ He walked up to him and spoke softly. ‘Do you know if Colonel Strachan is still in this country?’
‘Yes, he’s here until the New Year. Staying with his parents in Wiltshire, I believe.’
‘Do you have his address? I would like to see him before he returns to Germany.’
John took a sheet of paper out of the sideboard, scribbled the address and gave it to Dieter. ‘I know what you’re thinking, but there’s no way Bob would have told Danny that he was his father. The little lad has got this in a real muddle in his mind.’
‘That may be so, but I must find out. You understand?’
‘I do, but wait until after tomorrow. You can’t barge in on his family during the festivities.’
‘I want this settled now, and if there is a misunderstanding, I am sure Strachan would want to know.’ He dredged up a smile, though in truth he felt like weeping.
John nodded. ‘You’d better take the truck.’
‘Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.’
‘You haven’t opened your presents.’ Danny voice was accusing and put a stop to their conversation.
‘That is so.’ Dieter’s hand shook slightly as he picked up a parcel. At least his son was talking to him. There was a shirt from the Sawyers, a jumper from Angie and a woollen scarf from Danny. He held it up admiringly.
‘What a lovely scarf, and just what I wanted. Thank you, Danny.’
‘S’all right. Uncle Bob said you’d like it.’ He turned his back on Dieter, still obviously upset.
The pleasure drained out of Dieter. Damn the man! He turned and faced John. ‘I shall definitely go tomorrow, Mr Sawyer.’
‘There’s enough petrol in the tank to get you there and back. And I think it’s time you called us John and Hetty.’
‘That is kind of you.’ Dieter bowed slightly. ‘I shall pay for the petrol I use, of course. Would you not mention to Hetty and Angie what I am going to do, please?’
John squeezed his shoulder. ‘This will be just between us.’
‘Come and get it.’ Angie looked into the front room and smiled at Danny. ‘Come on, darling. We’ve got goose, Christmas pudding and mince pies.’
Danny got to his feet and ran into the kitchen, where the huge wooden table had been transformed with candles and crackers to pull.
‘Oh, pretty. Where am I sitting, Grandma?’
‘Over here, next to me.’
Dieter sat at the other end of the table, keeping his distance from Danny in case he upset him again. The meal passed off well, and though Danny never spoke directly to Dieter, he didn’t seem too troubled by his presence. Angie watched with mounting disbelief, wishing she could see into the child’s mind. But she didn’t need to be a mind reader to know what Dieter was thinking. He was devastated.
After lunch they went back to the front room to drink coffee in front of the fire and to relax after the enormous meal.
‘I’m sure you don’t feel like it, Dieter, but would you play for us?’ Hetty asked.
‘Of course.’ Without hesitation, he stood up and walked over to the piano.
Angie couldn’t help being struck, once again, by his dignity. No matter how much he was hurting, he was the perfect gentleman. Danny often showed the same qualities, as if politeness were ingrained into him – until today. She had never known him to be rude or hurtful to anyone. It was so out of character.
As soon as Dieter began to play, Danny stopped what he was doing, his head on one side as he listened. As upset as he had been, he could never resist the music. He didn’t edge towards Dieter, as he normally would have done, but stayed where he was.
Angie closed her eyes and let the music flow over her. She felt exhausted. He was playing lovely tunes from the war years and she allowed herself to drift, half asleep, half awake. Was this what Jane had done? Had she fallen in love as she’d listened to him?
She dragged her eyes open. Dieter’s head was bent over in the now familiar attitude, as his expert fingers caressed the keys. Oh, yes, he would be so easy to love. Danny was lucky to have such a wonderful father …
Danny’s voice snapp
ed her awake. The light outside was fading and the log fire sending flickering lights around the room. She must have fallen asleep for a while.
‘I learnt a tune last week.’
‘You had better play it for me.’ Dieter stood up and stepped away from the piano.
Danny trotted over, put two cushions on the stool and sat down. He started to play ‘Silent Night’, giving it his whole concentration.
Dieter leant against the wall, his eyes closed as he listened. When Danny had finished, he pushed himself upright. ‘Good, Danny, but you rushed the middle part. Here, let me show you.’ He reached across and played the tune again. ‘Did you hear the difference?’
Danny nodded.
‘Play it again and we shall sing.’
They joined in, but Angie stopped when she heard Dieter’s deep baritone voice singing in German. It was beautiful. Danny could only pick out the tune, so Dieter was playing the left hand for him.
When the tune came to an end, they all applauded, making Danny blush with pride. He glanced hesitantly at Dieter, obviously wanting his approval.
‘You are making good progress, and in about two years I shall teach you the organ.’
Danny’s eyes opened wide. ‘Mrs Poulton said I would have to be about ten before I could do that.’
‘You will not be able to reach with your feet, but there are many things to learn about the organ. I shall show you, and when you are tall enough, you will play.’
The dimples flashed, but didn’t quite develop into a smile, as Danny slid off the stool and went back to his toys.
Angie smiled at Dieter and nodded in approval. He had handled that very well and had gone a long way towards getting things back to normal between them.
By the time Danny was ready for bed, he was so tired it wasn’t possible to talk to him, as she had planned. As much as she wanted to question him, it would have to wait until the morning. And perhaps it was for the best: he’d had quite enough excitement for one day.
The next morning, when Danny was dressed, Angie sat him on the bed and knelt in front of him to lace his shoes. Then, staying where she was, she placed a hand on his knees to keep him sitting on the bed.
‘Danny, I want you to tell me why you think Uncle Bob is your father.’
‘He told me.’ He wriggled, eager to go downstairs for his breakfast.
‘What did he say?’
‘He said I was his boy. I’m hungry, Auntie.’
‘Just a minute, darling.’ She held him firmly in place. ‘When did he tell you this?’
‘When we saw Father Christmas. Em said that’s what daddies do. They build you swings and take you to see Father Christmas; and her daddy calls her “my girl”.’
Angie sat back on her heels in astonishment. The children had obviously been discussing this, but it didn’t make sense. Bob would not do such a thing. She just knew he wouldn’t! ‘Uncle Bob isn’t your father, whatever he may have said. Dieter is your daddy.’
She could see that he was confused, so she took a deep breath. Somehow she had to make him understand. ‘Dieter plays the piano, doesn’t he?’
Danny nodded.
‘And you want to do the same. Your teacher says you are talented, doesn’t she?’
He nodded again, watching her with large beautiful eyes.
‘Darling, you have that gift from your father. Your mummy couldn’t even play a penny whistle,’ she joked.
‘You have the same colour hair and eyes as Dieter, and you even have the same dimples when you smile. You are going to look just like him when you grow up.’
Danny pursed his lips and huffed as his young mind tried to work this out. Then his expression lightened. ‘Have I got two daddies, like I had two mummies?’
‘No, you’ve only got one. What did your mummy tell you?’
He swung his legs and looked into space, concentrating hard. ‘She said daddy had a uniform and gone a long way away.’
Angie waited, and when he didn’t say anything else she was disappointed. ‘Is that all she told you?’
‘Can’t ’member.’ He tipped his head to one side. ‘Uncle Bob lives a long way away and he’s got a uniform.’
Oh, Lord, she wasn’t getting anywhere. His mind had accepted one thing, and it seemed as if nothing would shift it. He’d remembered a couple of things Jane had said, and Bob fitted, as far as his mind was concerned. There was little point in pursuing this any longer. She would have to leave it for the moment. He was only going to get in more of a muddle.
Standing up, she held out her hand. ‘Let’s go down to breakfast, but I want you to do something for me. You hurt Dieter very much by telling him to go away. He didn’t deserve to be treated like that, Danny, it was very rude, so I want you to tell him you’re sorry and didn’t mean it.’
‘All right, Auntie.’ Then he was off, clattering down the stairs.
When she reached the kitchen, he was already sitting at the table, waiting for his boiled egg and soldiers.
‘Where’s Dieter?’ she asked, seeing he wasn’t there.
‘He’s gone out for the day.’ John continued to eat his eggs and bacon, not meeting her eyes.
‘Do you know where, John?’
He did look up then. ‘Said he had to see someone.’
‘Oh, he didn’t say anything about it yesterday.’ Angie glanced at Hetty, who shrugged.
‘I expect it’s something to do with his music.’ Hetty put a plate of cooked breakfast in front of Angie. ‘I made sure he had a good meal inside him before he left. He’s taken the truck so I don’t suppose he’ll be long.’
John pushed his empty plate away. ‘He said he’d be back later this afternoon.’
Picking up her knife and fork, Angie gave a mental shrug. She knew he was trying to earn extra money, but she was surprised that he hadn’t mentioned it. Still, he didn’t have to tell her everything he was doing, did he?
Danny looked up, egg around his mouth. ‘Can’t say I’m sorry if he’s not here, can I, Auntie?’
‘No, but you must as soon as he comes back.’
He nodded obediently and then grinned at his grandparents. ‘I’ve got two daddies.’
‘No, you haven’t, darling. You’ve only got one, and that’s Dieter.’
‘Mummy said you were my second mummy, and you’re my auntie.’ His mouth set in a stubborn line. ‘So Uncle Bob is my daddy.’
Angie groaned inwardly and threw her hands up in defeat. Their little talk had done no good at all. In fact, the situation was even more confusing. How on earth was she going to make him understand?
‘Don’t worry about it, Angie,’ Hetty laughed. ‘It’s his artistic temperament. If it isn’t to do with music, he gets it in a muddle.’
‘What do you mean, Grandma?’ Danny swivelled round to face Angie. ‘What’s it mean, Auntie?’
Angie reached over, pulled a face and dug him in the ribs. ‘It means you’re potty!’
He giggled and stood up. ‘Is it time to milk the cows, Grandpa?’
‘That’s already been done, but you can help me with the pigs. Come on.’
Alone with Hetty, Angie rested her elbows on the table and cupped her chin in her hands. ‘I’ll bet this confusion is Emma’s doing. That little girl has very firm opinions on just about everything, and, from what I can gather, she’s been talking to Danny about daddies.’
Hetty sat next to her. ‘They’re still only babies.’
‘I know, and I wish I had been firmer with Dieter and made him wait until Danny was at least five, but he wants his son so very much.’
‘He knows he made a mistake.’ Hetty patted her hand.
‘But it’s done now; he’ll listen to you in future.’
26
Pulling over to the side of the road, Dieter stopped and spread the map over the steering wheel. Strachan lived in a place called Chilmark, and John had said that it was about fifty miles away, as the crow flies. He must be almost there.
He traced the road
with his finger. There it was. If he turned right at the next crossroads, it would bring him straight into the village. He started the truck again and set off. Within fifteen minutes he was making his way up a long driveway towards an impressive old gabled house. To Dieter it looked like a mansion surrounded by large gardens.
After getting out of the truck, he stood gazing at the building. There were three floors and a fine oak front door in the centre of the house. He felt that it must be more than a hundred years old and only a family with money could own such a lovely place. The Colonel had much to offer Angie and Danny. He himself had no material security that he could give his son, but he had something far more valuable: the love of a real father. He could nurture and guide his talented son as no one else could, for he understood his passion for music.
While he was still standing there lost in thought, the front door swung open and Bob Strachan strode out.
‘Dieter, what the hell are you doing here? Has something happened to Angie or Danny?’
‘They are all right, but it is necessary that I talk to you.’ That piece of information didn’t look as if it were going down too well, but he hadn’t driven here just to be turned away. He had come for answers, and he was going to get them.
After only a slight hesitation, Bob said, ‘You’d better come in.’
Dieter followed him into a room on the ground floor. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and dark brown leather chairs were placed around a blazing log fire. It looked as if the Colonel had been reading, because there was a book open on a small table beside one chair and a cigarette smouldering in an ashtray. Through an archway Dieter caught sight of a beautiful grand piano.
‘Do you play?’ he asked, hesitating before stating the reason for his visit. He did not want to pitch straight in and argue with the man. It would do no good to accuse him of something he might not have done. Dieter knew from his time as a POW that the Colonel exploded very easily, and he did not wish to cause a scene in this man’s own house, but they were going to get to the bottom of this. He would not leave until they had.
Fighting with Shadows Page 24