An Orphan's Wish, page 19
‘Gone swimming, but she can’t wait to get back and see him.’
The vet nodded. ‘I just want to go through a couple of details with you. Have you ever had a cat?’
‘Yes, we’ve always had cats at home. My mother loves them – Dad, too, even though he pretends otherwise.’
‘That’s good.’ He caught her eye and looked as though he was about to say something but thought better of it. ‘Give him any leftovers, twice a day. Be careful to remove fish bones. Plenty of fresh water – not too much milk. I never think it’s that good for them. He’s a lovely cat who I think will settle in well. Don’t let him out for a few days – he’ll have to have a dirt box to start with. But you’ve got all the garden he could ever want, so when he’s used to the home let him come and go as he pleases.’ He took his glasses off and looked directly at her. ‘Any questions.’
‘I don’t think so. Oh, one. Has he been doctored?’
‘Yes. He shouldn’t stray far now.’ He grinned at her. ‘No more chasing after the lady cats. All he’ll be chasing is mice.’ He got up. ‘I’ll go and fetch him. Is that his basket?’
‘Yes, but I’m a bit worried he’ll jump out.’
‘I’ll carry him to the car. Put the basket on the front seat and I’ll drop him in, then shut the door quickly. Once you get there he won’t be near any roads so he should be fine.’
He came back holding Rupert who was yawning from being woken up.
‘Hold him for a minute so he gets used to the smell of you,’ he said, handing the cat to her.
She put him over her shoulder like she used to her old cat, Binkie, and Rupert allowed her to stroke him for about two seconds before he struggled and leapt down.
‘He needs to get used to you.’ The vet bent and picked him up again. ‘Come on, boy. You’re going to a lovely new home with Miss Ashwin.’ He smiled at her and she liked the way his eyes crinkled at the corners. ‘Actually, I could pop over to the orphanage with you. I start a bit later today and go on an extra hour this evening … if that would help,’ he added.
She hesitated. Maybe she was wrong, but she had the feeling he liked her. She didn’t want to encourage him – he was probably married anyway – but she was anxious that Rupert would run off.
‘Are you sure you want the bother?’
‘We always go and look at the place when someone offers to have one of the strays,’ Frank Drummond said seriously. ‘Just to make sure they’re going to a good home – not that I’m at all concerned about his home at Bingham Hall with his own cook.’ He grinned, and she couldn’t help smiling back.
Once the vet had settled Rupert into the basket in the back seat, the cat sniffed the cushion and turned round a few times until he was satisfied, then settled down, though his eyes were alert.
‘There’s a good boy.’ Frank Drummond stroked Rupert’s head, then turned to Lana. ‘He won’t like the car – none of them do.’ He twinkled at her. ‘Count this as an official visit – though I won’t bother to make notes,’ he said, chuckling.
During the short journey with Rupert plaintively meowing, they chatted about the animals he’d recently attended. Then as they approached Bingham Hall he asked about the orphans.
‘I’ve only been at Bingham Hall a couple of days,’ Lana explained, ‘so I haven’t even met all of them as I’m not teaching as I was at the village school. I’m taking over the driving while Harold’s in hospital. He had a mild heart attack recently but was already down for an operation in a fortnight’s time. He’ll have to rest for several weeks afterwards.’
‘I’m sorry to hear about Harold,’ Frank Drummond said. ‘Nice chap. I hope he makes a complete recovery – just not too soon.’
Lana kept her eyes fixed on the road, but out of the corner of her eye she could see him smile as she turned into the drive. He was flirting with her! She didn’t want to encourage him but it was rather nice to be noticed. For some reason Carl Best popped into her head, but she shook the thought of him away.
‘It’s very kind of you, Mr Drummond, to help me with Rupert—’
‘Oh, call me Frank, please. This is a village. We don’t stand on ceremony in Bingham.’
‘Frank, then. And I’m Lana.’ She parked outside the house, and switched off the engine. Frank leapt out and went round her side to open the door.
‘Thank you,’ she said, but as she moved to climb out, her skirt somehow got caught in the seat mechanism and the material rode up her legs several inches. Impatiently, she unhooked it and smoothed down her skirt, but not before she noticed the appreciative glint in Frank’s eyes. She dipped her chin so he couldn’t see the telltale warmth stealing across her cheeks.
He lifted Rupert and the basket from the back seat and followed her into the house.
‘I’ve never been inside Bingham Hall,’ Frank said as he stood in the Great Hall and looked around. ‘What a superb room – based on the baronial style.’ He turned to Lana. ‘Here, you’d better have him.’
Lana took the basket and stroked Rupert’s back. He was taut as a bow, sitting upright, and twisting his head this way and that. Suddenly he pricked his ears. A bell rang and children began streaming from one of the classrooms, some of them with voices raised. Before she realised, the cat wriggled under her hand and jumped free of the basket. With not a second’s hesitation he flew up the grand staircase – a ginger blur.
‘Oh, a cat,’ Bobby whooped with glee. ‘C’mon, Alan, let’s go and find it.’ He made to rush after Rupert.
‘You’ll do no such thing, young man.’ Frank grabbed his arm and pulled him back. ‘He’s terrified. Just leave him. He’ll get used to it after a week or two, but you must give him time to settle in.’
Bobby shook Frank’s hand off. ‘I don’t have to take orders from you, Mister. I’ve never even seen you before.’
‘But you’ll take orders from me.’ Maxine appeared from her office. ‘Your next class will start in exactly three minutes, Bobby, and you will go in now. But first, you will apologise for your rudeness to the gentleman.’
I’m glad she can be firm, Lana thought, hiding a smile.
‘Sorry, Sir. Didn’t mean it, Sir.’
There was not a scrap of sincerity in his tone, Lana thought with some amusement, but Frank merely raised his hand and said, ‘Best get to your class, young man.’
Bobby dashed off.
‘Maxine,’ Lana said, aware of the matron’s curious eyes, ‘may I introduce you to Frank Drummond, the local vet. Frank, this is Mrs Taylor, the matron.’
‘Please call me Maxine,’ Maxine said, extending her hand. ‘It’s very nice to meet you …’ Her eyes fell on the empty basket. ‘But I thought you were bringing the cat.’
‘We are, but he bolted up the stairs,’ Lana said. ‘He was scared when he heard the children shouting. I couldn’t hold him.’
‘He’ll be hiding in a cupboard somewhere,’ Frank said, ‘but he’ll settle in a few hours.’ He turned to Lana. ‘Leave him until about five o’clock and rattle his dish, and I can assure you he’ll be down like a shot.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘I suppose I’d better be off for my first appointment.’ He turned to Maxine. ‘I’m sure Rupert will do an excellent job, but any problems,’ his eyes lingered on Lana, ‘let me know.’ He disappeared.
‘Well, Lana, you don’t waste any time,’ Maxine teased.
‘What on earth are you talking about?’ Lana assumed an innocent expression.
‘You know jolly well what I’m talking about. Calling him Frank, of course.’
‘He asked me to,’ Lana said, grinning.
‘He’s nice. Very nice. In fact, I’d say he’s rather dishy.’ She looked at Lana in a pointed fashion.
‘Don’t start matchmaking,’ Lana chuckled. ‘I’ve got enough to do to sort out our new man in the home – Rupert.’
Athena and the children returned from swimming in time for dinner, each child boasting to the others how good a swimmer they were. All but Priscilla. Lana noticed as usual she didn’t join in but as soon as the child spotted her she rushed up.
‘Miss Ashwin, did you fetch Rupert?’
‘Yes, love, I did.’
‘Where is he?’
‘He’s hiding somewhere upstairs.’
‘I’m going to find him.’ Priscilla put her foot on the bottom step.
‘Mr Drummond said to leave him in peace for a few hours,’ Lana warned.
‘He’s probably frightened,’ Priscilla said. ‘I’m going to talk to him. Tell him he’ll be safe here.’
‘You won’t find him.’
Priscilla ignored her and ran up the stairs two at a time.
‘We’ll be eating dinner in ten minutes’ time,’ Lana called after her, but Priscilla was too intent on her mission to reply.
Lana washed her hands in the cloakroom, noticing her face in the mirror. She was sure there were one or two lines she hadn’t noticed before. Thirty-one. She glanced at her ring finger, Dickie’s engagement ring winking up at her. She was supposed to be married – maybe even have a baby by now. She pulled a face in the mirror, then smiled. Life at Bingham Hall was going to be a challenge – but this time she was sure it would be a worthwhile one, even if it was only temporary.
She dried her hands on the roller towel and stepped through to the Great Hall just in time to see Priscilla coming down the stairs, making little comforting noises to the large ginger cat who was lying on his back in her arms, his paws in the air, looking the picture of contentment. And the little girl’s face was full of softness and love.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Four days later Lana collected Mr Clarke from the railway station as Maxine had arranged for him to come and meet Lana and stay for lunch.
The three of them adjourned to the library after lunch and Ethel had brought them in a tray of tea.
‘I hope you understand my concern,’ Mr Clarke said, his bony hand stirring a teaspoon of sugar in his cup. ‘We’ve never had a lady driver before and there were questions at headquarters as to whether you were fully experienced – capable – that sort of thing.’ He gave Lana an apologetic smile. ‘But I trust Mrs Taylor implicitly in her recommendations,’ he added, turning his attention to Maxine, still smiling, ‘and told them so.’
‘I won’t let either of you down,’ Lana said quietly. ‘It’s a big responsibility and I’m very aware of it, especially where children are involved.’
‘Quite.’ Mr Clarke brought out his pipe. ‘Do either of you ladies mind if I smoke?’
‘Not at all,’ Maxine said. ‘I prefer it to a cigarette.’
‘Can’t abide by them,’ Mr Clarke said, lighting the bowl and giving several little popping noises. He leaned back a little in one of the leather seats and looked around. ‘This certainly is a fine library,’ he commented. ‘I could spend a day wandering around these shelves.’
‘You’re welcome to do so any time,’ Maxine said, laughing.
Lana felt the meeting had gone well when she delivered him back to the station a few hours later, his compliment on her driving still sounding in her ears. She allowed herself a small triumphant smile as she switched off the engine. Closing the garage door, she thought how wonderful it would be if she could take the Rover for a good long run. What motors needed every once in a while, but with the strict petrol rationing that was impossible.
Yes, the meeting had gone well, but no one had brought up the subject of her wages. The list of driving duties Maxine had given her definitely didn’t require someone full-time and she wondered how Dr Barnardo’s could afford to pay Harold. She shrugged. It was none of her business what arrangement they had with the chauffeur, but she’d go potty if she had to wait around for hours, or even a day or two, to be given the next driving job. She needed to contribute towards the teachers’ workload. She would speak to Maxine at the first opportunity.
Those first few days the noise level at Bingham Hall after classes were finished had exhausted her and she was beginning to feel lonely in the evenings when she went up to her room. This evening, after supper, she’d find Maxine or one of the teachers to have a cup of tea with in the common room.
The idea flickered across her mind that she might one day be able to give Peter a ride in the car to visit his father. But it would take quite a lot of petrol and she had no idea what the coupon allowance was at Bingham Hall. She must remember to ask Maxine. It would be so much easier than taking the train with those interminable waits on platforms for the changes. Thinking of this brought Carl Best’s face to her mind, imagining how he must have felt as he glimpsed his son at Bletchley station. She sighed. There’d been no word at all from him, and Maxine said Peter had begun to wet the bed again. He’d lost his mother and grandmother, and although the miracle had happened and his father had been found, it must feel to Peter that he’d been snatched away from him once more.
Lana entered the common room and immediately relaxed when she saw that Maxine was the only person there. She liked the other teachers, although she had reservations about Judith Wright, but Maxine was her favourite. Even though the matron was probably several years younger than herself, Lana felt she could say anything to her of her fears and worries and Maxine would understand. She was sure there was something unresolved in Maxine’s life.
Maxine looked up from her book and her face lit up in a welcoming smile.
‘Come on in. There’s cocoa in the thermos.’
‘I’m all right at the moment, thanks,’ Lana said. ‘I just wanted to talk to you about something.’
‘I’m listening.’
She plunged in. ‘Mr Clarke didn’t mention my wages, so I’m hoping he’s told you what I’ll be paid.’ If it was less than four pounds a week she’d be disappointed.
‘Oh, I’m sorry, Lana, he should have discussed it. Dr Barnardo’s have offered three pounds five shillings a week, all found.’ She looked across at Lana. ‘Would that be acceptable?’
‘I realise I’m working shorter hours than teaching,’ Lana said, ‘but I was hoping for at least four pounds.’ She gave Maxine a direct look. ‘This may sound very rude, but are they offering the same as they pay Harold?’
Lana held her breath. Had she gone too far? Was it her imagination or was Maxine a little flushed.
‘Not exactly,’ Maxine admitted. ‘I did check when Mr Clarke wrote to confirm your pay and although I’m not permitted to tell you the amount, I will say on the q.t. that he was earning more.’
‘It doesn’t seem right, does it, for doing the same job?’ Lana tried to control the spurt of resentment. It was what she’d expected. ‘The Suffragettes won us the vote, but they didn’t make much progress for women to be paid the same as men for doing an equal job.’
‘I know.’ Maxine sighed. ‘One day, perhaps, things will change.’ She looked thoughtful for a few moments, then appeared to make a decision. ‘I’ll telephone him tomorrow and ask if it could be raised to four pounds. How would that be?’
‘I’d very much appreciate it,’ Lana said. ‘And I’d like to start coaching Priscilla – not to get paid anything for it,’ she added quickly, ‘but to keep me busy. I think she’d quickly improve but at the moment some of the children can sometimes be cruel, calling her stupid for not keeping up. I think her main failing is lack of concentration as she’s an extremely bright child. Wendy Booth at the school told me she’s above average at maths, but her grasp of history and geography has deteriorated since her parents died. She doesn’t volunteer to take part in English classes, which I want to change, as her school report said she was very good at literature and starred in school plays.’
‘You’ve obviously taken to the child,’ Maxine said, smiling.
‘I have. She’s a difficult girl and I think her parents spoilt her rotten. But there’s a flash of humour sometimes – and she adores Rupert.’
‘I’m glad,’ Maxine said. ‘If Rupert never catches a mouse it will be worth having him.’
The two women chuckled.
‘By the way,’ Maxine said, ‘I’ve spoken to the Reverend about the service for Priscilla’s parents and we’ve set the date for Sunday 19th September … here in the chapel.’
‘Oh, that’s marvellous. I do think it will help.’ Lana hesitated. Was she asking too many things when she’d only been at the home a week? But she trusted Maxine to understand. ‘Then there’s Peter. You told me he’s started wetting the bed.’
‘Poor little chap,’ Maxine said, frowning. ‘You’ve not told me much about the meeting with his father.’
‘There isn’t much to tell,’ Lana said, trying to ignore her heart beating faster than it should. ‘It’s plain to see that Herr Best adores his son but knows it’s going to be difficult to see him very often while there’s a war on.’ She wouldn’t mention Carl asked her if she would write to him. ‘I would love to know how he is helping the British, but of course I do understand he can’t say or even hint what he’s doing. And then there’s the minder chap who has his eye on him at all times. It’s a frightful situation.’
‘I feel sorry for him,’ Maxine said. Then with a wicked twinkle in her eyes she said, ‘Do you think he’s good-looking?’
The question took Lana so much by surprise she almost gasped. ‘Um, yes, I suppose so. I haven’t thought about it.’
‘Really? Are you sure about that?’
‘Not absolutely sure. Any more than I’m absolutely sure that Frank is rather dishy, as you so succinctly put it.’
The two women looked at each other for a second or two, then broke into peals of laughter. What a relief, Lana thought, to have such a nice friend with a sense of humour.
‘Letter for you.’ Maxine caught Lana as the children were going into the dining room for breakfast the next morning. She looked at the envelope before handing it over. ‘Oh, it’s postmarked Bletchley.’ She gave Lana a knowing wink. ‘I wonder who it could possibly be from.’ She grinned at Lana as she gave it to her.
‘He asked if I’d write to tell him how Peter is getting along, and I told him I would. Nothing more, so no need to make anything of it.’
