Secret Hopes for the West End Girls by Elaine Roberts

Author:Elaine Roberts [Roberts, Elaine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781838933524
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Published: 2022-04-27T17:00:00+00:00

11

Joyce’s head jerked up as the closed restaurant door rattled hard against the frame and lock. The wind didn’t give up as it battled to get inside. The rain lashed against the window as the daylight faded. She glanced across the round table at her friends. ‘The weather sounds horrendous out there. It’s a good job we don’t have far to go home, otherwise we might have been sleeping here tonight.’

Annie nodded. ‘I’m already fed up with these grey days. Roll on the spring.’

Rose fiddled with the edge of the crisp white tablecloth, slowly rolling it up before letting it go again. ‘I met the most incredible woman today.’

Joyce held the teaspoon as she swirled the hot dark brown liquid around in the teapot. The chink of it occasionally hitting the china broke the silence. She stopped stirring and looked up. ‘You’ve caught my interest – tell us more.’

Annie’s eyes widened. ‘Yes, who is it?’

Rose smiled. ‘She runs a shelter for injured soldiers. Isn’t that wonderful? Oliver took me there. I must admit to feeling a little bit anxious but the men I met were so caring and they clearly love the owner – Ruby.’

Annie raised her eyebrows. ‘I didn’t know they existed. I assumed it was a women’s refuge you was going to.’

Rose watched Joyce pour tea into her cup. ‘You know it’s heart-rending to see the physical injuries some of them have sustained, never mind the things they’ve seen and heard that they can’t get out of their heads.’

Joyce stared at Annie. ‘Simon doesn’t talk about the war. He never mentions his time in France.’ She paused. ‘I’ve tried to get him to talk about it, mainly because I thought it might do him good but I think he’s trying to lock it all away in the depths of his mind.’

Annie frowned. ‘It scares me to think that’s how Peter could end up.’ Her eyes became watery. ‘Let’s face it, when he gets called up he won’t come back the same man, if he comes back at all.’

Rose reached out and took Annie’s hand in hers. ‘We have to pray he comes home safely like we do for our brothers. Broken bones heal but the mind takes time.’

Annie looked tearful as she nodded.

Rose squeezed Annie’s hand before moving hers away. ‘Anyway, I didn’t tell you about Ruby to bring you all down.’ She forced a smile. ‘Apparently when her husband died she was left a small fortune so she originally bought the house to help the homeless – you know, provide them with food and a bed, but with the war going on she has taken in injured soldiers who struggle to find work. Oliver’s a doctor so he goes in at least once a week to make sure they are all well – at least as well as they can be – and he doesn’t charge them.’

Joyce tilted her head. ‘I was just going to say how can they afford to pay a doctor. It’s admirable he gives his time for free.

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