The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes--The Great War by Simon Guerrier

Author:Simon Guerrier
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Titan

Chapter Twelve

For all I tried to tell myself that nothing would result from my letter, I felt elated at the prospect – and as a result of Matron’s support. I am sure she thought little of my chances, and would not have encouraged me had she given the matter any thought, and yet her kindness shone bright. Completing the letter, I thanked her again and then practically skipped up the stairs to the dormitory.

The nurses were waiting, worried about what I might have said in my defence. I assured them that I had not incriminated anyone else and that it had not been too awful. Relieved, they stole away to their beds, Dulcie telling me – for the others to hear – that I “really had been a brick”. Again, she held out the promise that we might yet be friends.

Lying in the darkness afterwards, I longed to be free of them. Yet I had had my share of disappointments in life and knew to be pragmatic. Even drudging work as an orderly, I had more than once had to remind myself, was better than being stuck at home with Mother in London. I now resolved to form bonds and accrue debts where I could, and so knit myself among the nurses. They might never embrace me, but I would do what I could. I thought this would at least give me a focus for the next day or two as I went about my work on the ward. It would keep me from going mad as I waited for a response to my letter – which surely would not come. It was the powerlessness that ate into me. I could endure the derision of the nurses and their needling jokes if I told myself I at least had a plan.

And yet, next morning, before I had even dressed, Jill Sullivan came round with the post, and I had a memo from Command.

Watson, A – 81215922

You will transport, as driver, your earlier cargo as dictated from reference A at oh eight hundred hours today.

Fitzgerald

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