A Mother Forever by Elaine Everest (good novels to read txt) 📗

cheeky, calling out compliments to her and being scolded by the nurses and helpers, but it was all good-natured.

Entering the building by the main entrance, she went up to the enquiry desk to explain who she was and why she was there. She hoped she’d be allowed to see Derek, even though she wasn’t family. Knowing how strict most hospitals were, she feared she might have made the journey for nothing.

‘Corporal Green hasn’t seen any visitors so far. He’s been rather down, I’m afraid, as his injuries are severe. We have written to his family, but there’s been no reply.’

‘His parents aren’t very well at the moment, as not long before they heard about Derek, they were notified that they’d lost their younger son. His mother couldn’t cope with the news of Derek as well. She’s not been taking it well at all,’ Ruby tried to explain, although she wasn’t sure whether it was right for her to speak of Stella that way. ‘I’m a good family friend and live straight across the road. My husband, Eddie Caselton, is . . . was a comrade of Derek’s. There’s been no word of my husband,’ she added, fighting hard to keep her composure.

The kindly almoner left her alone for a few minutes while she went to find out whether Derek was ready for a visitor.

Ruby waited nervously. It was a hopeful sign that the lady almoner hadn’t said Derek was too poorly to receive visitors – or indeed that he had passed away from his injuries. She chewed her lip. Somewhere close by she could hear music, possibly a gramophone record. It was a cheerful song, and male voices were joining in. How strange, she thought, I’ve never heard that in a hospital before – but then, I’ve really only visited the cottage hospital.

She sat down on a wooden bench, which reminded her of the journey over on the cart, so she stood up again and stretched, wincing as she did so. It would be a hard journey home, but worthwhile if she could get news of Derek and maybe even her Eddie.

The almoner returned and gave Ruby a gentle smile. ‘Derek is sitting in the rose garden with his nurse. His doctor wishes you to know that he may not be his old self, as he is prone to bouts of depression and his language can be quite volatile. Would you like to wait and speak to the doctor first?’

‘No, I’d rather go and see Derek. If there’s a problem, I promise I’ll leave him be. I really just need to see that he is well.’

The woman looked sad. ‘I’m afraid that many of the young men here will never be well again. For some, it is hard to accept their injuries. We like to encourage them to lead normal lives in between the many operations they need to have. This is a pioneering hospital: we are trying everything to bring back some sense of normality to these brave young men for whom life will never be the same again.’

Ruby was beginning to understand how special this hospital was. ‘I promise I’ll do my best not to upset him. Could you point the way to the rose garden, please?’

Trying hard to remember the directions, she left by the front door and followed a footpath around the grounds until she spotted a rose arbour. At this time of year there weren’t any roses blooming, but it was still a pretty garden. Up ahead, she could see a soldier sitting on a bench wearing an army greatcoat, his head swathed in white bandages. By his side sat a pretty nurse, holding his hand. Ruby approached slowly, wondering what to say now the time had come to talk to Derek. She was lost for words.

‘Can I help you?’ the nurse asked.

Ruby saw that she was no more than a girl – about the same age as Irene. ‘I was directed this way hoping to see Derek Green,’ she said.

The soldier’s head turned sideways towards her. ‘Ruby – is that you?’ he whispered, his voice frail. This was not the loud, boisterous lad she had known before the war.

Ruby sat on the bench at the other side of Derek. ‘Yes . . . yes, it’s me, Derek. I’ve come to see you.’

‘I would’ve preferred you stayed away. You haven’t brought my mother with you, have you?’

‘No, I’ve come alone. I dearly wanted to know how you were; I didn’t tell your mum I was coming. I hope you don’t mind?’

Ruby could see the nurse was following her every word. ‘I’m a neighbour,’ she tried to explain, ‘and his family are good friends. My husband, Eddie, joined up at the same time as Derek and their friend Ernie Minchin.’

Derek’s head bowed as if it were weighed down with many problems. ‘Please . . . please don’t mention their names,’ he cried out.

Derek’s bandages covered most of his head apart from one eye, which stared out blankly. Ruby noticed that as she moved to sit down he’d followed her movement as she spoke, but the eye didn’t focus. She looked to the nurse, who simply nodded as if to confirm her thoughts. Derek had lost his sight.

‘I don’t want Mum and Dad to see me like this. It’s better they don’t come; in fact, I don’t think I want to see them again. So much has changed for me, it’s best I don’t return to Erith. I’d rather stay here, where I have friends who understand,’ he said, reaching out for the nurse’s hand and gripping it tightly. Ruby smiled. There was obviously more between the couple than just a nurse looking after her patient.

‘May I ask what your injuries are? I promise not to tell your mum.’

‘It was a bullet from the gun of a sniper. I was told I am lucky to be alive, but I’m not so sure. I’ve had many operations on my face; I’ll never look the same again. Mr Gillies did his best for me, and for that I’m truly grateful, but