An Orphan’s Courage - Cathy Sharp

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her job. She would probably be considered unfit to have charge of the girls in her care, just because she wanted to be held and kissed by a woman rather than a man. The thought made her frustrated and angry, because for Ruby the love of another woman was as natural as breathing … In fact, Ruby felt at odds with the world and fed up with her life – and so she’d drunk the whole bottle of wine. And this morning she felt like death warmed up!

      Never again, she groaned as she swallowed two Aspro and drank a glass of water. She was never going to touch wine again as long as she lived …

      ‘Well, that is rather splendid of you, to come up and take her down yourself,’ Beatrice said to Angela on the telephone. ‘And thank you for responding so quickly to my request.’

      ‘You know we all trust your judgement,’ Angela said. ‘Besides, I think we’ve had similar cases in the past. It sounds to me as if Emmeline needs some loving care, which is what we always try to give our children – and Mark agrees with me.’

      ‘Yes, well, we all have him to thank for a great deal,’ Beatrice said. ‘It was his drive and concern for the children that got St Saviour’s up and running.’

      ‘So are you getting on better with Miss Saunders?’

      ‘Well, I wouldn’t quite say that,’ Beatrice replied. ‘At least it shows she has a heart … I’m afraid I offended her by saying that to her face, but it surprised me and the words were out without my realising …’

      ‘That isn’t like you.’

      ‘No, but I had been used to thinking her rather a monster, and I suppose it shocked me that she came to me for help. I thought she was just one of those smart modern young women who care for nothing but getting on, but now … I think she is very unhappy. She normally doesn’t let anyone see it, but it surfaced as she spoke of Emmeline. Her guard went up immediately, of course – but I think perhaps we can begin to understand one another better, and work together for the good of the children. I know her children are difficult … but we’ve had some difficult ones ourselves and with love and trust …’ Beatrice sighed. ‘I can only hope …’

      ‘Yes, well, I’ll see you next week then. I do need to talk to you face to face because we have important decisions to make,’ Angela said. ‘Give Miss Saunders the good news and I’ll look forward to seeing you and bringing Emmeline back with me.’

      Beatrice smiled as she replaced the receiver carefully. It was good that she had some happy news to pass on, she thought as she went down the stairs and out into the street. Children were just starting to come home for their tea, and she saw that some of the girls from the probationary centre were talking to her children. Some of them had actually entered the hall of St Saviour’s and she could hear the sound of laughter, though one or two looked at her apprehensively, as if they feared she would be angry because they’d dared to step inside her domain. She nodded as she passed them and entered what had once been her new wing, feeling a pang at its loss – but perhaps it was being put to good use. If her influence could help Miss Saunders to make the right decisions for these girls, perhaps a lot of unhappiness could be saved in the future, especially if Angela’s fears came to pass – and that was surely worth the loss of a few beds for her …

       CHAPTER 8

      Andy saw the man he most wanted to avoid hanging round the school gates and hung back, feeling panic as his eyes moved from side to side, wondering how he could avoid passing his step-father.

      ‘You three …’ Mr Barton, the sports teacher, appeared from nowhere, blocking their path. ‘I want volunteers for sorting out the cricket and rounders stuff for Saturday morning. If you all give a hand it won’t take more than twenty minutes.’

      ‘I’ve got to meet my mum,’ Sandy Jones said. ‘We’re goin’ ter get some new boots and this is the only time she can go after work.’

      ‘Off you go then,’ Mr Barton said. ‘What about the rest of you? I’ll run you back to St Saviour’s afterwards so you’re not late.’

      ‘Yes, sir,’ both Andy and Keith Roberts, the other lad the master had cornered, agreed with alacrity. The promise of a ride in his old but beautiful sports car would have made them agree to almost anything.

      For Andy it was a reprieve. His step-father would give up and go home long before he was finished helping the sports master and since they would be leaving by the back entrance, the Beast wouldn’t know he was here. He just hoped he hadn’t spotted him amongst the crowd of boys and girls in the school playground.

      ‘Come on then,’ Mr Barton said and smiled in his genial way. ‘It’s a chore but we have to pack the gear up ready to take on the coach with us. You’re in the rounders team, aren’t you, Roberts’

      ‘Yes, sir,’ Keith said and looked pleased. ‘Andy is real good at catching balls, sir. You ought to put him in the team too …’

      The master’s dark intelligent eyes centred on Andy’s face. ‘Would you like to join either the cricket or the rounders team?’

      ‘Yes, sir. Keith is a mate of mine and I’d like to play with him.’

      ‘In that case we’ll take you with us on Saturday,’ the master said, leading the way into the gym where piles of equipment were waiting to be sorted and packed into canvas bags to make it easier to carry and stow on the bus that was to take them to the fixture with a rival school that weekend.

      Keith grinned at him and gave him a little poke in the ribs as they followed Mr Barton’s instructions. They soon had all the sports gear stacked and ready to be loaded the next morning. Mr Barton was in good form, cracking jokes and getting stuck into the task himself, looking pleased when they had it done in double quick time.

      ‘Thanks, lads,’ he said. ‘I’m grateful for the help. I’ll run you both home now and don’t forget to be bright and early on Saturday morning.’

      They thanked him, following eagerly to the red Morgan that was parked at the rear of the school, scrambling into the passenger seat, squeezing up together. Their teacher gave them a nod of approval and shot off at speed, making them both crow with delight as the car gave a throaty roar and its wheels crunched on gravel.

      ‘Wow! I want a car like this when I’m old enough to drive,’ Keith cried excitedly.

      Andy didn’t say anything, but he felt as if he’d reached the gates of heaven and suddenly the world was a golden place. He’d been glad to stay behind because he hadn’t wanted his step-father to see him, but now he felt on fire with a new longing. He knew that it wasn’t likely a boy like him would ever own a car like this, but he wanted to drive it – and other cars like it. He decided that he would learn to drive as soon as he was old enough and he would find some kind of work that involved cars for a living.

      They stopped outside the home and Mr Barton turned to look at them as both boys thanked him for the ride. He grinned and nodded, lifting a hand as he drove away.

      ‘That was fantastic,’ Keith said. ‘I’ve always wanted a ride in his car.’

      ‘I hadn’t thought it about it much,’ Andy replied, ‘but it was great. I’d like to drive cars like that for a living …’

      ‘Who wouldn’t,’ Keith said and punched him lightly on the arm. ‘You’d need to be good to be a racing driver. Come on, I’ll beat you in to tea …’

      Jinny stood behind the counter as the children walked in for their meal. She saw the group of three, two of whom who had criticised the selection at supper on her first evening and waited for some comment as she saw their faces and the look of surprise. Nancy had spent two hours that afternoon showing Jinny how to make almond biscuits and a Victoria sponge cake. They’d also made gooseberry crumble with custard and there were some squeals of excitement as the kids grabbed for the fresh crispy biscuits and a crumble that looked

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