Free (4/13) Battles at Thrush Green by Miss Read

before them. Around the other three sides stood tombstones, placed upright just inside the wall. Some were of weathered local stone, some of marble, some of slate or granite, with here and there an iron cross of the late Victorian era.
    They made a dignified array, in their muted colours and varied shapes, set so lovingly around the noble church which sheltered them.
    The churchyard was a completely flat close-cut lawn. The stripes of a fresh cutting showed how easily a mower could keep the large expanse in order. Only one or two cypress trees, and a cedar of great age, broke the level of the grass, and the whole effect was of space and tranquillity.
    'Beautiful!' whispered the rector. 'Simple, peaceful, reverent-'
    'And dead easy to keep tidy,' broke in Harold practically. 'We could do the same at Thrush Green.'
    'I wonder,' pondered Charles. 'You notice, Harold, that there are no modern graves here. I take it that there is a new burial ground somewhere else in the village?'
    'I suppose there is. But I don't see that that should pose a problem. After all, the new addition to Thrush Green's churchyard, is quite separate. When was that piece purchased?'
    'Just before the war, I believe. They intended to plant a hedge between the old and new graveyards, but war interfered with the work, and in any case, the feeling was that it should all be thrown into one.'
    'Would it matter?'

    The rector stroked his chin thoughtfully.
    'We should have to get a faculty, of course, and I've a feeling that it would be simpler if we only had the old graveyard to deal with as, obviously, they have had here. But I must go into it. I shall find out all I can as soon as we return.'
    'So you like the idea?'
    'Like it?' cried Charles, his face pink with enthusiasm. 'Like it? Why, I can't wait to get started!'
    He threw his arms wide, as though he would embrace the whole beautiful scene before him.
    'It's an inspiration, Harold. It's exactly what I needed to give me hope. If it can be done here, then it can be done at Thrush Green. I shall start things moving as soon as I can.'
    Harold began to feel some qualms in the face of this precipitate zeal.
    'We can't rush things, Charles. We must have some consultations with the village as a whole.'
    'Naturally, naturally,' agreed Charles. 'But surely there can be no opposition to such a scheme?'
    'I think there's every possibility of opposition.'
    The rector's mouth dropped open.
    'But if that is so, then I think we must bring the doubters to see this wonderful place. We could hire a coach, couldn't we? It might make a most inspiring outing –'
    Harold broke in upon the rector's outpourings.
    'Don't go so fast, Charles. We must sound out the parochial church council first. I must confess that I didn't think you would wax quite so enthusiastic, when I suggested this trip.'
    'But why not? It's the obvious answer to our troubles. Even Piggott could keep the grass cut once the graves were levelled. A boy could! Why, even young Cooke could manage that! And we could get rid of those appalling railings at the same time as we put the stones against the wall. It's really all so simple.'
    'It may seem so to you, Charles, but I think you may find quite a few battles ahead before you attain a churchyard as peaceful as this.'
    Charles turned his back reluctantly upon the scene, and the two men returned to the car.
    'You really must have more faith,' scolded the rector gently. 'I can't think of anyone who could have a sound reason for opposing the change.'
    'Dotty Harmer might,' said Harold, letting in the clutch. 'And her hungry goats.'
    'Oh, Dotty!' exclaimed Charles dismissively. 'Why bring her up?'
    'Why indeed?' agreed Harold. 'Keep a look out for a decent pub.'

    At that very moment, Dotty Harmer was driving into Lulling High Street.
    She was marshalling her thoughts – no easy job at the best of times – but doubly difficult whilst driving. She had a parcel to post and stamps to buy. The corn merchant must be