The Uncertain Years by Beryl Matthews Page B

he told her about Bob’s leave, then followed up with all the family news. She missed them all terribly, but even if she was at home things wouldn’t be the same, and she really enjoyed army life. It was stretching her talents, and she loved striving to improve her skills as a mechanic. It was much more interesting than working in a shoe shop.
    Her smile faded when the tone of the letter changed, and she gasped, unable to believe what Will was going to do. He was going to be a war correspondent! Her emotions were mixed – pleased that he had found something he wanted to do, and worry about the danger he would be in by doing such a job. But he was well qualified, and she was so proud of him. She had always supported and encouraged him to go for what he wanted, and he would have her wholehearted backing for this as well.
    After reading the next few pages of the letter, she was scrambling to her feet. If she went without breakfast she might just have time.
    With the letter clasped in her hand, she ran as fast as she could, muttering to herself, ‘Please be there!’
    Alice was already working when Becky burst through the door. ‘Is Major Brent here?’ she gasped. ‘I must see him.’
    Her friend didn’t ask any questions, and disappeared immediately into the adjoining office. She was back again almost at once. ‘Come in, Becky.’
    ‘What’s all this about?’ the major demanded the moment she stopped in front of his desk.
    ‘Sorry to disturb you, sir.’ Becky stood to attention. ‘I’ve just received a letter from my brother. He went over to Dunkirk in one of the little boats.’ Still breathless from her mad dash to get there, Becky held out the letter. ‘It’s the last three pages, sir. Read what he says.’
    She waited impatiently as the officer read Will’s account of how he’d tried to make an officer come into their boat.
    He read it once, and then, much to Becky’s frustration,he began again. She was anxious not to be late reporting for duty.
    Unable to remain silent any longer, she said, ‘I know it doesn’t tell us what happened to him after that, sir, but it might give his family some comfort to know he was seen, and was trying to get his men to safety.’
    ‘This is an excellent description of what it must have been like.’
    ‘Yes, sir.’ Becky’s eyes shone with pride. ‘He’s a reporter, and is going to be a war correspondent. Do you think Dav— Colonel Hammond’s family would like to know my brother actually spoke to him?’
    He carefully folded the letter, then looked at Becky as if seeing her for the first time. ‘May I take this to show his parents?’
    ‘Yes, sir.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘Can I go, please, sir? I’m on duty in five minutes.’
    ‘Of course, and if you get into any trouble, refer them to me.’
    ‘I’ll run all the way.’ She gave him a genuine smile, so pleased he’d liked the letter.
    ‘Off you go then. And thank you for bringing this to me.’ Still smiling, she saluted smartly, turned and hurtled out of the room, determined not to be late.
     
    Major Brent waited until the sound of running footsteps faded into the distance, then he turned his attention to Alice. ‘I believe you’re a friend of that young woman. What do you think was between them?’
    ‘Well, if you ask Rebecca she’ll tell you ColonelHammond put in a good word for her, helping to get the posting she wanted, and she likes him. But I suspect that her feelings go deeper than that. She wouldn’t admit it though, because she’s aware he’s upper class, and he’s an officer. There’s also an age difference of about ten years, but I don’t believe that worries her. She told me there are eight years between her parents, and it has never bothered them.’
    ‘Hmm.’ Major Brent tucked the letter safely in his pocket. ‘She seems a sensible girl, and rather appealing. I can understand David taking an interest in her.’
    ‘If they’d had more time together I think it might