A New Day (7 page)

‘Sit down,’ she ordered before looking out of the door and calling, ‘Betty, will you bring an orange drink for the children and some paper and pencils. Thanks.’

Rose settled behind the desk. ‘Sorry it’s been a while since we’ve seen you, Jane, but life is hectic at the moment. Is Sam at sea?’

‘Yes, and we’re not expecting him back for some time. How’s the family?’

‘They’re all fine. Kate’s growing fast and is quite a handful.’

‘Just like you were, I expect,’ Jane laughed.

‘True.’ Rose grimaced. ‘Bill doesn’t think I’ve changed much.’

‘I’m not surprised. I thought you’d retired from council work. What are you doing here again?’

‘They were having problems and begged me to come back and sort things out for them. I’ve promised Bill I’ll only do a year.’

‘And will you?’

‘Yes, I should be able to deal with everything by then. Bill is a very patient man and I won’t do anything to upset him at this time. He’s concerned enough, and will need all my support if there’s another war.’

‘Do you think there really will be, Rose?’ Jane asked, frowning.

Rose didn’t hesitate. ‘I believe it’s inevitable. Hitler wants total domination of Europe, and if that happens then we will be dragged into a conflict whether we want it or not. I don’t believe all the talking in the world is going to settle this.’

Jane Harcourt sighed deeply. ‘That’s what Sam says. If Bill is recalled he will have to fight in another war at sea, and no man should be asked to do that.’

Rose gave a nod and a wry smile. ‘But you know me, Jane. I don’t trust anyone, especially someone like Adolf Hitler, but this is all speculation. It hasn’t happened yet, and we can only hope that it doesn’t. Now, we have this business to sort out.’

Hanna had been enthralled listening to the two friends talking, and tensed when the impressive woman turned her full attention in her direction.

‘Tell me about the orphanage from the time you were taken there, Hanna.’

‘Erm . . .’ She was taken back by the request. It was a part of their lives she had tried hard to forget, but she took a deep breath and began. ‘I was only eight . . .’

Rose smiled kindly. ‘I know this is hard for you, but I must have the whole story before I take any action. You understand?’

Hanna nodded, stumbling over the words at first. This time had been so painful for her and Jack and they never talked about it in detail to anyone.

Nearly an hour later Hanna sat back, exhausted from living once again memories she had tried to block out from her mind.

‘Thank you, my dear.’ Rose’s dark eyes were stormy. ‘Is there a member of the staff who would also talk to me?’

‘Most of them won’t say much in case they lose their jobs. But there was an odd-job man there who has since left, and he might be willing to talk to you.’ She gave the man’s name and address to Mrs Freeman.

‘They’ll talk to me!’ Rose made a note of the name and looked at Jane. ‘This is disgraceful. Someone should have taken notice of Hanna’s complaints about the treatment of her brother.’

‘I agree, and that’s why I brought this to your attention.’

‘You did the right thing. I’ll sort this out, and heads will roll. Someone hasn’t been doing their job properly. But now, I think it’s time for tea and buns.’

The twins, who had been so quiet Hanna had forgotten they were there, jumped to their feet, eager for their treat.

Rose smiled at them. ‘You’ve been very good, so I think we’ll have our tea in the café across the street. Would you like that?’

‘Oh, yes please!’

‘That’s settled then.’ Rose looked out the door and called, ‘I’ll be out for an hour, Betty.’

With the boys either side of Rose holding her hands, they all trooped across the road.

Later that evening, when the boys were fast asleep, Hanna began to write to her brother. There was so much to tell him, and she knew he would want every detail of her meeting with Rose Freeman. She didn’t doubt that something would be done at last, because when a woman like that said the problem would be dealt with, then it would be. Hanna had been in awe of the woman, and it was comforting to know that with her intervention some other children might be spared the brutal treatment Jack had endured.

It was nearly midnight when the letter was finished. She had managed to buy a larger envelope so she could include Andrew’s drawing without folding it more than once. After sealing and addressing it, she put it on her bedside table ready to post in the morning.

It had been July when she had waved goodbye to Jack, and now it was September. Hanna could hardly believe how quickly the time had gone. They had never been parted in their lives before, and she missed him so much that the ache was almost tangible at times. But he was happy – and so was she. They had finally been able to get away from the orphanage and into jobs they both enjoyed. That was all that mattered.

Although autumn was fast approaching it was quite warm, and Hanna smiled as she watched the twins kicking a ball around the lawn.

‘Come on!’ David dragged her out of the chair. ‘You can be the goalie.’

Laughing, she pretended to dive for the balls, allowing most of them past her. As always, she made sure each twin scored an equal amount of goals, though they did their best to confuse her, but by now she was very familiar with the differences in their characters and wasn’t easily fooled.

Rolling on the grass in an effort to catch another shot, Hanna heard the boys start to shout with delight. She came to her knees and saw them running to a man and woman who had just come into the garden, accompanied by their mother. She recognized Mrs Freeman immediately and scrambled to her feet, hastily brushing grass from her skirt. Rose Freeman was about six feet in height, but the man with her was even taller. They made a handsome, impressive couple.

The man lifted both twins without any trouble at all, and had them giggling with delight. Everyone was laughing and Hanna joined in.

‘Put those kids down, Bill,’ Rose said, smiling broadly.

‘Where’s Kate?’ Andrew asked the moment his feet touched the ground.

‘In school, where you will be soon.’

‘We can read already, Auntie Rose,’ Andrew told her proudly. ‘Hanna’s teaching us how.’

‘And we can tell the time,’ David said.

‘That’s very good.’ Rose turned to her husband. ‘Come and meet Hanna.’

He stepped forward and shook hands with her, and she had a job not to tremble with nerves, but managed to smile. He was very handsome, with a few grey hairs at the temple, and the kindest eyes she had ever looked into. There was an easy-going manner about him, but she sensed that hid a very strong character.

‘I’m pleased to meet you, sir.’

He smiled. ‘The pleasure is mine, Hanna. My wife has told me all about you. And the name is Bill.’

She couldn’t call him Bill!

‘Play football with us.’ The twins were too excited to stand still.

When Bill and Rose began chasing around the lawn with the twins, Jane Harcourt stood beside Hanna. ‘You don’t need to be afraid of them, my dear. Rose comes from the slums and had a dreadful childhood. But she was blessed with a brilliant mind and fought for a better life for herself and her family. Against all the odds she became a lawyer, and still fights any injustice she comes across. That’s why I went to her with your case. I knew she was the one person who would understand and do something about it.’

Rose came over to them and sat beside Hanna. ‘Take them all in for tea, Jane. I want to talk to Hanna.’

Hanna watched them leave the garden, and waited quietly to hear what Mrs Freeman had to tell her.

‘The situation at the orphanage has been dealt with. We carried out a thorough investigation, talking to many past and present members of staff and children. As a result of our findings several of the youngsters have been removed from unsuitable places and found other homes. They will be monitored to make sure they are treated well. I’m afraid the matron was taking money and letting the children go to the highest bidder. Her conduct will be taken further, but that need not concern you, Hanna; we have enough evidence to proceed without involving you.’

Hanna nodded. ‘Thank you. I’m pleased about that.’

Rose continued. ‘Your brother’s case should have been dealt with as soon as you reported it. Those responsible have been severely reprimanded and either sacked, or moved to another position. Mrs Buxton has been removed from the orphanage and is also facing further enquiries into her mishandling of the funds.’

‘She’s been stealing as well?’ Hanna gasped.

‘Let’s just say that she was not using the money wisely. I have personally chosen a replacement and things are already improving.’

‘It’s a great relief to know that other children will not suffer in the way Jack did.’

Rose gave a wry smile, sadness showing in her dark eyes. ‘I can’t say that for sure, but we will be keeping a sharp eye on things from now on, and Talbot has been blacklisted. He will never be allowed to take another child into his home.’

‘Thank you very much for all you’ve done, Mrs Freeman.’ Hanna sighed. ‘I felt so helpless and didn’t know what to do next, but my brother settled that for himself.’

‘I’d like to meet him sometime. He sounds as if he’s got a lot of courage. If you would like to visit the orphanage and see the changes taking place, you would be very welcome to do so.’

‘No.’ Hanna shook her head emphatically. ‘I have put that part of my life behind me and so has Jack. I have no wish to see the place again.’

‘I can understand how you feel.’ Rose stood up and looked down at Hanna. ‘It must have been hard for you to break away from the unsatisfactory life you found yourselves in, and I wish you both a happy and useful life ahead of you. Don’t be afraid to reach higher. Impossible is not a word you should accept. I never have.’

Nodding, Rose turned and walked towards the house, leaving that advice ringing in Hanna’s mind. She sat where she was for some time, deep in thought. With Jack’s announcement that he had joined the merchant navy their lives had changed dramatically overnight. She had been so concerned about her young brother that she hadn’t given a thought to her own future, but she ought to, because once the twins were old enough to go to school, Mrs Harcourt probably wouldn’t need her any more. What would she do then?

Hanna gazed into space for a while, and then shook her head impatiently. That wouldn’t be for a couple of years yet, and she would deal with it when the time came. If she did her job well, Mrs Harcourt would give her a good reference and she could get another job. No point trying to cross that bridge before she got to it. Mrs Freeman was obviously a determined person, and Hanna really didn’t think she was anything like her. But to have a goal to reach for was quite a good thing, and her aim was to make a good home for herself and Jack. However, she would take one piece of advice and tell herself that although she had set herself a difficult task, it was not impossible!

Smiling, she stood up and walked towards the house. There was writing paper in her room and she had so much to tell Jack.

An hour later, her letter finished, Hanna was on her way to the post box at the end of the road. Her brother would be so pleased to hear that something had been done about the orphanage and Talbot.

She had just put the letter in the box when she saw the constable striding towards her.

‘Hello, Hanna.’

She smiled brightly. ‘Lovely day, isn’t it?’

‘Ah, I guess from your happy face that you’ve heard from your brother and he’s enjoying his life at sea.’

‘Yes, he loves being on the ship, and I’ve just written to him with some good news.’ She began walking back to the house and he fell into step beside her. ‘Mrs Harcourt contacted a friend of hers and you’ll never guess what’s happened.’

‘I give up,’ he smiled. ‘You tell me.’

Hanna talked all the way along the road, telling him what Mrs Freeman had done. ‘Isn’t that wonderful!’

‘It certainly is,’ he said as they stopped by the gate. ‘You must be very relieved.’

She nodded, still smiling.

‘I think you should celebrate. There’s a dance at the hall next to the cinema tomorrow evening. You told me you couldn’t come out with me until you knew your brother was all right. Well, now you know, so will you come out with me?’

It only took her a moment to decide. ‘I’d like that. Only I must warn you that I can’t dance.’

‘Don’t worry about that. I’ll teach you. See you tomorrow then. I’ll come round for you about seven.’

As she watched him walk away, she noted his easy stride, and decided that he was probably a good dancer. Her mind began to whirl at her impulsive decision. She had a little money put aside and would need a new frock for the evening. Nothing expensive, of course, but something pretty. It was time she had some fun, and she wouldn’t want to look a mess and let him down.

There was no sign of the twins as she made her way back to the garden, so the Freemans must still be here. The smile was still on her face as she sat down and sighed with relief. Jack was all right, the orphanage and Talbot had been dealt with, and she had a date! Her first ever date, and she was so happy!

‘There, you’re picking up the steps already,’ Alan told her as he guided her around the crowded dance floor. ‘You’ll be able to manage a foxtrot by the end of the evening. You follow well and have a good sense of timing.’

‘That’s only because you’re an excellent teacher,’ Hanna laughed, thoroughly enjoying herself. That morning she had bought a cotton frock in a delicate shade of lemon, which suited her dark colouring, and she didn’t feel out of place amongst all the other girls. When Alan had come for her he had immediately told her how pretty she looked, and that had boosted her confidence. He was very good at putting people at ease, she soon realized, seeing the relaxed way he talked to everyone he met.

The evening flew by and she did attempt a foxtrot, but soon decided that she would need more practice before she could glide around the floor like the other dancers.

‘Have you enjoyed yourself, Hanna?’ Alan asked when they reached the house.