Free Evie's War by Anna Mackenzie Page B

shall certainly undertake to write again in such circumstances if it may bring some small comfort to families who have lost one so dear.
    Ada writes that she has seen a Newsreel of our Expeditionary Force arriving in Egypt and looking jolly smart in their uniforms and broad-brimmed hats, which protect them from the scorching heat of that Continent. She says they look most fearsome as they train for the next stage of their adventure and everyone is sure they will acquit themselves well. Also that she is much occupied with a fundraising committee. She had not yet had my letter; I wonder whether she will be very surprised when she reads that I am working in a Hospital. Mr Lindsay is not, as I had already written to him of Lady B’s Plan. Hehas recently returned from a week in London, where he says the mood was rather frenetic.
Sunday 28 March
    Aunt Marjorie took me aside after Church to impart that she perceived Mother to be Much Cast Down by Edmund’s departure, and she therefore proposed that I give up the Hospital in favour of returning home to effect a lift in Mother’s spirits. I trust I was not too abrupt in my reply, which was that I was assured by Matron that my work was of some value, which must weigh more heavily than Mother’s natural sadness at my brother’s impending embarkation, and that I anyway rather doubted the positive effect my presence would have. The mood was a little dark thereafter and I returned to Cambridge by an earlier train than I had planned.
30 March, 1st Eastern
    Received a note from Father saying he had been approached by my aunt, and, while he did not condone rudeness, he supported my decision to continue my work, saying Mother was not in particularly poor spirits, being much occupied with William. He did suggest I might endeavour to appease Aunt Marjorie’s feelings, so I have dutifully penned a note expressing regret if my tone was too sharp. As if I have not more important things to occupy me!
1 April
    Very busy in the ward; I shall need new shoes if this keeps up. My old ones creak terribly.
Good Friday, 2 April
    Winifred and I shared an afternoon off (I detect Matron’s hand) and went out for tea. It was glorious just to sit and talk, talk, talk. I had forgotten how much I like her, and how wicked her sense of humour. We had been settled less than ten minutes when two handsome young Officers asked whether they might join us. We declined, of course, not having met them previously and being perfectly content with our own company. Winifred is still considering signing on with the Belgian Red Cross. I have advised her to discuss it with Lady B, who may be more in favour now that Winifred has shown herself both willing and able. We ended our day by attending a very beautiful Service at King’s College Chapel, it being Good Friday.
3 April
    Another large intake overnight. I sent a telegram to Father delaying my arrival till tomorrow, the Hospital being at full stretch.
Easter Sunday, 4 April, Deans Park
    Arrived in time for lunch — roast goose with all the trimmings: delicious! — and later a lovely evening Service. Scarcely a dry eye in the Church.
6 April, 1st Eastern
    Just as I was due to go off duty for lunch I received a summons to Matron’s office, where I hastened in all trepidation, but she wished only to inform me that my brother was arrived and that I could take an extra hour to see him before he left to embark. Imagine my surprise when I reached the foyer and found not Edmund but Harry! He has joinedthe Lincolnshire Regiment and departs for Belgium on Thursday. As he is a virtual stranger, half-brother or not, it felt more than a little improper to let him take me to tea, but I did not see how I could decline without giving offence, in addition to which my curiosity was aroused. I answered readily his questions about my work at 1st Eastern and our life in New Zealand, but was given pause when he enquired about our purpose in visiting England.