Free Diamonds in the Dust by Beryl Matthews Page B

said, but I think he had a rough time. He’s reluctant to go near doctors again.’ Winnie looked doubtful. ‘I’ve tried several times already, but he either ignores me or explodes.’
    ‘Ah, but he’ll have two of us to cope with from now on.’
    Dora and Winnie walked into the front room, looking like a couple of smug conspirators.
    ‘You two look suspiciously pleased with yourselves. What are you up to?’
    ‘Nothing you need worry about.’ Winnie winked at Dora. ‘Yet.’
    Dora took her leave in a hurry. Hatching that little plot with Winnie had lifted her own worries a little, but as soon as she stepped in the house they came crashing down on her again.
    ‘Any news?’ Tom asked, when she walked in.
    ‘Nothing, I’m sorry to say, but they’re widening the search. They’ll let us know as soon as they have anything to report.’
    Tom drew Dora away from Lily, who was busy drawingat the kitchen table. ‘Nothing was said about someone coming round to see if we’re all right, then?’
    ‘It wasn’t mentioned. Reg seems to be handling the investigation, and he knows us, so I’m sure he’ll tell everyone that.’
    ‘I expect so.’ Tom looked relieved. ‘You rushed off to help Stan. How is he?’
    ‘Exhausted.’ Dora told her brother what had happened, and what Winnie had said about Stan’s injuries.
    ‘That’s bad news, but I’m sure he’s pleased to be doing something useful. We’ll just have to hope we haven’t asked him to do too much for us. Shall I pop in and see him now?’
    ‘I wouldn’t, Tom. He needs to rest, and he isn’t in the best of moods. You and Lily go and see him in the morning before you go to school. He seems to like her.’
    ‘Good idea, and perhaps I can drop a hint about him taking it easy.’
    ‘You can try.’
    Tom frowned as he thought over what he’d just been told. ‘We mustn’t be selfish and expect him to do any more for us. I’ll ask him if he needs any shopping. I can get that along with ours on my way home from school.’
    ‘I’m sure he’ll appreciate that, Tom.’ Dora had always known that Tom had a kind nature, but since their mother had disappeared he had become a caring young boy. This crisis was making him grow up quickly.
    ‘We’d better get Lily to bed.’ Tom lifted her off the chair, making her squeal, and started up the stairs with her.
    Once the little girl was tucked up in bed, Dora held on to Tom, making him stay. ‘We’ll all say our prayers together tonight, and include Stan in them.’
    Lily had fallen asleep quickly, and they went back to the kitchen to make themselves a cup of cocoa. Then they sat down to talk things over.
    Dora stared at her hands wrapped around the cup. ‘Tomorrow I’ll ask Mrs Marsden if she knows of a family who need a daily maid. If she doesn’t then I’ll take a couple of hours off and visit a few shops and apply as an assistant. They’ve said I can do that if I need to.’
    Tom nodded. ‘You take all the time you need. I’ll see to Lily and get the dinner ready.’
    ‘Thanks, Tom.’
    ‘How long can we afford to pay the rent, and buy enough food for us? And Lily’s growing out of her shoes.’
    ‘I know she needs new ones.’ Dora opened her purse and tipped the contents on the table. ‘I’ve put aside the money we found. That’ll take care of the rent for a little while, but Lily must also have her shoes. Then there’s our bus fares …’
    ‘If you can’t get another job our money isn’t going to last long, is it? I don’t want to move from here, Dora. Lily likes her school, and so do I. But we’ve got to face the fact that Mum isn’t coming back, haven’t we?’
    Dora’s insides heaved with grief and worry. Tom was voicing her own conclusions. Something dreadful must have happened. But what? She gazed at her brother,deeply troubled. ‘I think we must plan as if she’s gone for good. We’ve got to keep us together. It isn’t going to be easy, but we’ll find a way. Between us