Free Daughters of War by Hilary Green

houses with neoclassical façades overlooked broad thoroughfares busy with hansom cabs, shiny barouches and even trams. Nevertheless, the signs of war were everywhere. The streets were crowded with men in uniform, and refugee families in rough peasant attire pushing handcarts loaded with possessions mingled with the smartly dressed bourgeoisie. Accommodation was at a premium but eventually they found rooms in the Union Hotel in a busy street not far from the main square.
    Looking at the décor of heavy wood and stained glass Tom commented, ‘This reminds me of a gentleman’s club in London, not somewhere in eastern Europe.’
    Max smiled. ‘There are places like this from Vienna to Prague. You have to remember that Belgrade was the southern outpost of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for many years. The Ottoman Turks were just the other side of the Danube.’
    Over dinner Max proposed that the following morning he would introduce Tom to some of his contacts in the newspaper world.
    ‘You know what? There are at least a dozen daily papers operating in this city, and my rag has a stringer based here who should be able to give us all the latest news. I’ll see that you get an exclusive that’ll have the editor of the London Times begging you to join his staff.’
    Tom felt the colour rising in his face. He had never imagined that his bluff would be called in such a direct fashion and he felt guilty at having deceived this good-hearted man. ‘Look, Max,’ he said, ‘I’d better come clean – that’s the American expression, isn’t it? The fact is I’m not a journalist, not even an aspiring one. Let me explain . . .’
    He told Max in as few words as possible about Leo’s disappearance, though he glossed over the exact nature of their relationship. Max listened, pursing his lips and nodding. When Tom finished he whistled softly.
    ‘Gee whiz! What a story! Gallant young women setting off into the unknown to render aid and succour to wounded soldiers. My readers would just love that! But I understand your feelings. A lady’s reputation and all that.’ He sighed regretfully. ‘OK, listen. With my contacts, if your fiancée has passed through here recently I’m sure we’ll be able to pick up her trail. I’ll ask around tomorrow, discreetly of course. No need for anyone to know who she is. But I just ask one thing in return. If we do find her, will you let me talk to her? I could write up her story without mentioning her name, if she wants it that way. But, gee Tom, it’s not something to be ashamed of. If it was my girlfriend showing that kind of guts I’d be proud!’
    Tom digested this in silence for a moment. Up until then he had only viewed Leonora’s disappearance as an act of foolishness that had caused her family, and himself, a great deal of inconvenience. It had never occurred to him that it was something admirable and Max’s words made him see it in a whole new light. Finally he said, ‘OK, Max. If we find her you can talk to her, on condition that if she doesn’t want the story published, even anonymously, you will respect her wishes. Do I have your word?’
    ‘On my honour. So, what’s your first port of call here in Belgrade?’
    ‘I thought I’d go and see the British Consul. She may have gone to him for help, or if the Serbian authorities have detained her they will, presumably, have contacted him.’
    ‘Good thinking,’ Max said. ‘I’ve got people to see, as I said, so I suggest we go our separate ways and meet back here for dinner. That all right with you?’
    Tom had no difficulty in obtaining an interview with the British Consul but his response was not helpful.
    ‘Terribly sorry, old chap, but I haven’t seen the young lady, or heard anything about her. If she and her friend were here in Belgrade I would expect to have heard a rumour, at the very least. The British community here is not large and word soon gets round if there are any new arrivals.’
    ‘Do you think they might