A New Day (10 page)

Their expressions relaxed at last.

‘Now let’s go and see your mother, and be just like you always are, two noisy boys,’ she teased.

‘We’re not noisy! We’re ever so good.’ The broad smiles were back.

‘Really? I’ve never noticed.’ When she saw the devilish gleams in their eyes as they silently communicated with each other, she turned and ran for the sitting room with them right behind her.

‘Help! Save me,’ she shouted in mock terror, allowing them to catch her just inside the sitting room. She pretended to collapse on the carpet and they pounced on her, shrieking with delight.

‘We’re not noisy! We’re good!’

‘All right, I give in,’ she gasped. ‘You’re very good boys.’

They sat on the floor for a moment, laughing at the fun, and then she scrambled to her feet.

‘Mummy, Hanna said we were noisy. We’re not, are we?’ David’s face was wreathed in smiles.

‘I can’t think where she got that idea from,’ Jane said dryly. ‘Now, why don’t you boys go and ask Cook for a drink of orange?’

They took off at high speed, chatting away to each other as they ran.

‘Thank you, Hanna.’ Mrs Harcourt indicated she should join her. ‘I’m afraid we couldn’t hide the shock and grief at the announcement, and ever sensitive to the moods of people around them, the boys were troubled.’

‘That was obvious as soon as you came in.’ Hanna sat down. ‘There are worrying times ahead of us, but we must keep the boys’ lives as normal as possible.’

‘I agree. When are you expecting Jack home?’

‘Should be within the next week, but after today’s news I really don’t know when we’ll see him again.’

The news that they were now at war with Germany came as no shock to the men aboard the
North Star
. They had seen and heard enough on their travels to be sure this was coming.

Bill found Jack in his usual spot on deck, gazing at the sea, deep in thought. ‘We’re making full speed for home, and our lives are going to change from now on. Britain is an island and all our supplies have to come in by sea, so we are going to be needed. There won’t be any more relaxed and pleasant trips like this one. What are you going to do, lad?’

‘Do?’ Jack frowned at Bill.

‘You know what I mean. You’re too young to get caught up in this. It’s going to get dangerous.’

‘I know that, but I’m not going to leave the ship, or the friends I’ve made. Whatever happens, we’re in this together.’

‘That’s what I thought you’d say.’ Bill’s smile was wry. ‘But I’m not sure it’s a wise decision. However, you’re a sailor at heart and we’re going to need every man we’ve got. I’m just glad you had the experience of voyages in peacetime because things will be very different from now on.’

‘I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and learnt so much, thanks to everyone on board, especially you and Frank.’

‘We’ve enjoyed being a part of your enthusiasm.’ Bill slapped Jack on the back. ‘You’re going to make a fine sailor. Now, I’m on watch in ten minutes.’

Jack watched him walk away and smiled to himself. Bill and Frank made light of what they had done for him, but he’d never forget their kindness. He had come aboard as a frightened young boy, running away in desperation, and they’d helped him put the past behind him. Bill had included him when he’d said they were going to need every man. That made him proud – and feel needed. He had found somewhere that he belonged, and nothing was going to make him walk away from it.

Two days later Jack walked up the path of the Harcourts’ house, and before he reached the side door it burst open and the twins rushed out to meet him.

‘Jack’s home!’ they shouted together. ‘Hanna!’

‘I’m right behind you,’ she laughed, trying to get past the boys to welcome her brother. Because he was a sailor like their father, they had immediately adopted him as belonging to them.

It was a tussle, but Jack eventually managed to get into the kitchen. One twin was still holding on to his jacket and he grinned at Hanna. ‘Which one is this? I still can’t tell them apart.’

‘That’s Andrew. The one running and shouting to tell his mother you’re here is David.’

‘Ah.’ He removed his bag from his shoulder and swung Andrew up. ‘You’re the one who drew that lovely picture for me.’

‘I did,’ he giggled, legs swinging in the air and looking over his shoulder. ‘Mummy! Jack’s here.’

‘So I hear, and the whole street must know from the noise you two are making. Welcome home, Jack.’

‘Thank you, Mrs Harcourt.’ He put Andrew down, pursing his lips. ‘Now, where did I put my bag?’

‘Here it is.’ David tried to drag it along.

‘Ah, yes.’ He stooped down and began to search inside with two little faces pressing to see what was in there. ‘Gosh! What’s this?’ he said in mock surprise, bringing out two small packets and looking at the boys. ‘What do you think these are?’

They shook their heads in unison, beaming with pleasure as Jack handed one parcel to each of them.

The paper was eagerly ripped away to reveal two carved wooden warships, and with whoops of delight they thanked Jack. After that everyone in the room had to admire the boats.

‘You really shouldn’t, Jack.’ Mrs Harcourt was shaking her head. ‘But that is so very kind of you.’

‘It’s nothing.’ Jack stood up, smiling to see how delighted the twins were with the simple gifts. ‘On a long voyage the men have various hobbies, and one man loves to make things from wood. He’s very good.’

‘He is indeed. Now, let’s all have a nice cup of tea, shall we, Mrs Potter?’

‘Kettle’s already boiling, and I’ve got a fruit cake just out of the oven.’

‘Perfect. We’ll enjoy that.’ Mrs Harcourt sat at the large kitchen table. ‘Let’s have it here together.’

Jack always marvelled at the way he had been accepted into the household. Mrs Harcourt had said ‘welcome home’, and it did feel like home to him. He had a room of his own and everyone always seemed pleased to see him. And more importantly, Hanna was happy here. She had changed from a worried, harassed girl, to a pretty young woman who smiled a lot, and he was so relieved about that. He had run away and left her to pick up the pieces, but as always, she had coped beautifully.

‘Here you are, Jack.’ Cook put a large slice of warm cake on his plate.

‘Thanks, Mrs Potter. That looks and smells delicious.’

‘Did you hear the news about the war while you were at sea?’ Mrs Harcourt asked.

‘Yes, the captain anticipated it and we were already at full speed for London.’

‘What are you going to do now, Jack?’ Hanna asked.

‘Stay with the ship. This country has got to be fed and kept supplied with necessities if it’s going to survive, and that will be our job.’ He looked intently at her. ‘I’ve got to do this, Hanna.’

‘I know.’ She squeezed his arm. ‘I wouldn’t have expected you to do anything else.’

He nodded, knowing she would support him as she had done all through the years. His sister was a very special person. Then he turned his attention to Mrs Harcourt. ‘Do you know where your husband is at the moment?’

‘No, but I received a message from him saying that all leave had been cancelled, and that was only to be expected. I’m afraid we will have to get used to not knowing where any of you are. Secrecy will be rigorously enforced.’

‘No doubt. We’ve been told that we won’t find out where we’re going next until we are at sea.’

‘When do you have to go back?’ Hanna asked.

‘I’ve only got two days.’ He smiled gently at her. ‘Sorry.’

‘That’s better than nothing. I’m going dancing with Alan tonight, so why don’t you come with us?’

‘He might not care to have me tagging along,’ he joked.

‘Of course he won’t mind. We all need to relax and have a bit of fun.’

‘Well, it would be nice, and you have taught me how to do the waltz.’

‘Good, that’s settled then.’

‘I’ve never known two days go so fast.’ Hanna tried to hide her fear for her brother’s safety, and wasn’t very successful.

‘Don’t look so worried, Hanna. I’ll be fine. I’m on a good ship with a crew who know what they are doing.’

‘Sorry,’ she sighed. ‘But it’s hard. Why did this have to happen, Jack? For the first time in our lives everything was going well for us, and there seemed to be a hopeful future ahead of us. Now that’s all gone and there’s a war to fight.’

‘Come on, Hanna, this isn’t like you.’ Jack placed an arm around her shoulder. ‘The future’s still there, we just don’t know what shape it will take, or where it will lead us. We’ve got to take each day as it comes and do the best we can. It isn’t going to be easy, but we’ve overcome tough times before, and we will this time.’

She looked up and smiled. ‘When did you become so wise?’

He shrugged and grinned. ‘The sea makes me think. Anyway, look, the sun is just rising on another new day.’

They were standing in the garden and Hanna lifted her head. ‘I remember another time when we watched the sunrise together before you boarded the ship for the first time. It seems a lifetime ago. We had no idea what that day held in store for us, and just when we felt everything was going well for us, we find ourselves in that position again.’

Jack looked down at her. ‘And remember we welcomed that new day with hope in our hearts, and it turned out all right, didn’t it?’

‘Better than we could have expected,’ she agreed.

‘Well, so will this one, you’ll see.’ He hugged her, slung his bag over his shoulder and walked out of the garden and up the road.

Christmas had come and gone, and disappointingly neither Jack nor Captain Harcourt had made it home, but they all knew that was how it was going to be from now on. It was May now and Winston Churchill had taken over as Prime Minister, but apart from that it had been a quiet few months at home. Hanna couldn’t help feeling that this was the lull before the storm. Things were not going well in France and Captain Harcourt had sent a message to his wife saying that she should leave London for the country, so he obviously knew something was about to happen.

All they could do was to take each day as it came, and today she had a date with Alan. She had bought a new skirt and blouse in the hope that it would lift her spirits a bit. She mustn’t be gloomy today, but it wasn’t easy to push aside the worry. Jack had only managed to get home once for a short visit since war broke out. He hadn’t said anything about where he’d been, and she didn’t ask, knowing that everything was secret now. The movement of ships or troops was never mentioned, and she understood that that was for their safety and the security of the country. Just about everyone she knew or met was concerned about someone, and they managed to stay cheerful. Alan said it was no good fretting because no news was good news, and he was right of course.

After brushing her hair one last time she checked that she looked all right, and went downstairs, a smile on her face. She always enjoyed her time with Alan, and they had nearly a whole day in front of them.

Alan came to the side door on time as usual, and after greeting her with a quick kiss, they walked up the road arm in arm.

‘You look lovely, Hanna.’

Her smile broadened as she looked up at him. ‘Thank you, but you always say that.’

‘Well, it’s always true. I think you’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever met.’

‘And you are the most handsome man I’ve ever been out with,’ she teased.

He tipped his head back and laughed. ‘Considering I’m the only one you’ve ever been out with I don’t think that’s much of a compliment.’

‘Ah, but I also mean it.’ They were both smiling happily when they reached the bus stop. ‘Where are we going today?’

‘The weather’s good so why don’t we go for a walk by the river, have tea somewhere and then go dancing?’

‘That sounds lovely.’

‘Ah, here comes a bus for the Embankment. We can go there and then dance the evening away at Hammersmith.’ They got on the bus and went upstairs so Alan could smoke, then he turned to her, his expression serious. ‘I don’t want to spoil our day, Hanna, but I must tell you that I’ve joined the army, and will be leaving as soon as they call for me. Probably in about two weeks.’

The news wasn’t unexpected, but she clasped his hand and managed to smile. ‘I thought you would; you’re not the kind of man who can stand on the sidelines, are you?’

He shook his head and squeezed her hand. ‘Will you wait for me, darling, however long this damned war takes?’

‘Of course I will, and we’ll see each other when you come home on leave.’

He sighed with relief, and kissed her gently. ‘It was my lucky day when I met you.’

‘And mine. You dealt with that awful man so firmly.’

‘That’s all behind you now.’ He smiled at her. ‘Let’s try and forget all the unpleasant and worrying things and just enjoy ourselves.’

‘Good idea.’ Hanna knew they weren’t going to get many more carefree days like this once he was away in the army, so they would make the most of any time they had together. ‘Are you joining the Military Police?’

‘No, I didn’t want to do that. I’m just going to be an ordinary foot soldier.’

That surprised her because he was a policeman through and through, but he must have his reasons, and she didn’t ask. If he’d wanted to explain, he would have told her.

When they reached their destination they walked hand in hand along the Embankment, neither speaking. She gazed at the river and smiled to herself. It was a pleasant day and they weren’t the only ones out to enjoy themselves. The river was very busy.

After a while Alan stopped walking, a deep frown on his face, and Hanna nodded towards the river. ‘Lots of boats out today.’

‘Hmm, too many.’ He pulled her down some steps towards the river until their feet were almost in the water, then he cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted, ‘Where are you all going?’

‘The coast. We’ve all been requisitioned by the navy,’ a man called back.

‘Why?’

‘We haven’t been told why they need our boats.’

Alan was immediately moving with purpose. ‘Come on, Hanna, I’ve got to find a police station.’

She had to trot to keep up with his long strides, but said nothing. Alan wasn’t the sort to worry over nothing – and he was worried.