Free Battles Lost and Won by Beryl Matthews Page B

could try Mrs Summers; she takes in lodgers. You want Forest Road, number twenty-eight. It’s the first turning on the left.’
    ‘Thanks. And I’ll have one of your pies, please.’
    ‘Finest steak and kidney pies you can get,’ the butcher told him proudly. ‘And all ready to eat.’
    Bob paid him and munched as he looked for the house. He soon found it and was lucky: she had a spare room, and had even given him sandwiches and tea when he’d arrived.
    The lady of the house – Pat, he’d been told to call her – served a hearty breakfast, and after eating everything put in front of him, he asked, ‘Is there any chance of work in this area? I’m not fussy what I do.’
    Pat studied him for a moment, then said, ‘Well, you’re a strong boy and they could probably do with you at Grove House. You can walk there from here.’
    She gave him instructions and he set off, hopeful of finding something to do. It was another lovely day and Bob whistled as he walked along. He quite liked this place and really hoped he could stay for a while.
    He soon found the large house, but when he stepped inside, he stopped dead, frowning as he caught sight of a nurse pushing someone in a wheelchair. Was this a hospital?
    ‘Can I help you?’
    The quiet voice behind him made him spin around to face the woman who had spoken. She had the most serene expression on her face, and for some reason it tugged at his heart. ‘I was told there might be a job going here.’
    ‘We could certainly use someone with your build and strength, but it will depend upon your temperament. What is your name?’
    ‘Robert Hunter.’ What on earth did she mean by that?
    ‘I’m Sister Headley. Come into my office, Robert, and we’ll have a talk.’
    ‘Everyone calls me Bob, Sister.’ He waited for her to sit before doing so himself, then he remained silent, not asking any questions. For some odd reason he was relaxed and almost at peace, and he felt that somehow this woman’s inner tranquillity was touching him. How strange.
    ‘This is a special place, Bob,’ she began. ‘We care for men who were badly injured in the war, and our aim is to help them to become as independent as possible. You could be a big help to us, but it is not a job everyone can do.’
    Bob was shocked, and knew he should walk out of here, but somehow he couldn’t.
    ‘We would be happy to employ you for a trial period of two weeks, but if at any time you want to leave, you can do so. Would you like me to show you around the house?’
    ‘Please.’ He stood up and allowed her to walk out of the room first, then he followed, wondering what on earth he was still doing here.
    By the end of the tour Bob was numb. The men they were caring for here were very seriously injured, and when he considered the kind of life they had ahead of them he wanted to cry. But he didn’t. He talked and smiled and even gave a hand with lifting when it was needed.
    Back in the office, Sister said, ‘I believe you would fit in here, Bob, and we would be pleased to have you.’
    He took a deep breath. He could do a few days, and could walk away if he wanted to. ‘I’ll give it a try, Sister, but I’m not making any promises.’
    ‘That is understood. All I ask is that you come to me at once if you have any problems coping.’
    Bob nodded. ‘I’ll do my best.’
    ‘I know you will.’ She smiled and shook his hand. ‘We’ll see you tomorrow morning at nine o’clock then?’
    ‘I’ll be here.’ As Bob walked out of the door he wondered if he’d lost his mind.

Eleven
    It had been several weeks since that nice captain had visited them with the wonderful news that Bob was safe. Ruth was saving every penny she could earn doing odd jobs for people. She never took money from the old or sick, but anything else she was given was put in a purse, and when she had enough she would visit Bob. It would be so good to see him again, and she couldn’t wait to find out what he looked like riding a horse.