The Unreasoning Earth by Jean Chapman

Author:Jean Chapman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: eBookPartnership.com
Published: 2014-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Nine

Julie knew that her mother would have thought it immodest if she had suggested going to the Cox inquest, and so had been glad, if a little surprised, when her father had said he intended to go.

‘We can let Henry know the outcome,’ he had said. ‘That’s if he does not go himself.’

Julie was sure Henry Bright would not go to the village that Monday morning; he had become far too sensitive on the whole subject of the Coxes. Her father might be a tease, but he could be trusted to bring back a level-headed, undramatized report of a serious occasion.

Julie went over to the dairy, thinking there was ample time before the mid-day meal to help her mother by skimming the cream for the cheese-making.

The yard was very quiet: William had been sent to the army barracks at Greater Ashthorpe to confirm the arrangements for extra help for the harvest, which should start any day now.

Taking the long-handled skimmer, Julie gathered the thick yellow cream from the wide brown earthenware pancheons. She thought of her visit to Tom the day before. Her idea of volunteering to help at the home had received what could at best be called a mixed reception.

She had been so sure Tom would be delighted at the thought of seeing her more than just once a week. She had been hurt when his brow had creased in a slight frown and he had brought Sally into their conversation.

‘They’re very strict, you know. The sister’s a terror. Keeps even Sally Cox on her toes! They do scrubbing, and all the dirty work.’

‘I’m not a lady, you know. I’ve scrubbed the kitchen, scullery and washhouse slabs once a week for the last four years!’ They had almost quarrelled as Julie became more determined all the time they talked. The only remark that had dampened her enthusiasm was when Tom asked what would happen when he went home.

‘Well,’ she had said hesitantly, after some thought, ‘the war can’t last for ever, and they do need women desperately. I would really like to do my bit.’

‘It’s up to you, I suppose. Doctor did say I should be content and stay put for a bit,’ he turned his head to look at her, ‘or else the army will have me back in a regiment of blue-jackets and C-3s.’

‘That was a joke surely,’ Julie had said, although she had seen reports of convalescent men being rebanded, and of men, formerly thought unfit for fighting, being transferred and trained for the front. The country had already expended its young and healthy men.

‘A bit, perhaps,’ Tom had smiled and closed his eyes, his fingers relaxing under her hands as the effort of an hour’s desultory conversation had tired him. Julie had noticed how the flesh was leaving his checks, giving his face shape again, but how black he was still around his eyes. Her heart had thumped in alarm as she thought of the possibility of him being sent back to fight.

Julie drew

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