Hold on to your Dreams by Beryl Matthews

Author:Beryl Matthews [Beryl Matthews]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780749018283
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Published: 2015-12-06T05:00:00+00:00

‘Have you found him?’ Hope flared in Gertrude when she saw who was waiting for her when she arrived home two hours later.

Alexander was studying her intently, a deep frown of concern furrowing his brow. ‘Please sit down.’

She waved her hands impatiently, very aware of the tone of command in his voice. ‘If you have news, please tell me.’

‘I have seen your brother and he gave me this note for your mother.’

She took it from him, turning it over and over in her hands. ‘Mother needs to see him. Where is he? Did you tell him how ill she is?’

‘I told him. Sit down.’ Alexander stepped forward, making her sink into the chair behind her. She was close to collapse. ‘Read the note.’

With trembling hands she rested the paper on the arm of the chair before it was steady enough to read. The note was disappointingly short. ‘All this says is that he’s all right. What good is that? Tell me where he is and I’ll drag him here if I have to.’

‘That isn’t possible, I’m sorry to say. He’s joined the army and is on a ship bound for South Africa.’

Every trace of colour drained from her face, and she whispered, ‘Oh no!’

Stooping down in front of her, he handed her a pristine handkerchief so she could wipe the moisture from her eyes. ‘The ship was ready to sail when I arrived. I only managed to see your brother because I knew the sergeant. That short note was all we had time for.’

She took the handkerchief and dabbed her eyes, then twisted the fine cotton into a ball as she fought for composure. This was devastating news. It embarrasse her to appear so distressed in front of him, but she was so very tired of trying to be brave. She wasn’t brave at all. What was she going to do now?

‘May I offer some advice?’ he suggested, as he stood up again.

‘Yes, please.’

‘Give your mother the note, but tell her you still don’t know where he is.’

She nodded. ‘I’ll have to lie because I certainly can’t tell her he’s on his way to fight the Boers. That will make her frantic with worry.’ She gazed up at him. ‘What shall I tell father? He ought to know.’

‘I agree. Would you like me to talk to him?’

‘Oh, would you?’ Her voice trembled.

‘I’ll go to the workshop when I leave here.’

‘Thank you.’ She stood up, holding on to the back of the chair for support. ‘Forgive me, I haven’t offered you any refreshments.’

‘There’s no need.’ He moved towards her. ‘You’re exhausted. You must rest.’

Something inside her snapped. ‘Rest? How can I rest? Father is working and worrying himself into an early grave. The business I believed to be sound is struggling to make a profit. My fool of a brother could get himself killed in a war, and my mother is dangerously ill. She’s regained consciousness, but her recovery is being hampered by worry. Not only is she fretting about Edward, but she’s afraid I’m going to be left with nothing.

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