A Mother Forever by Elaine Everest (free children's online books txt) 📕

there’s the matter of seeing where I’m heading. Not having decent eyesight could be a problem,’ he grinned.

Ruby marvelled at the way Derek had bounced back from his injuries. Only the love of a good woman could have created the miracle now standing in front of her.

They stood in respectful silence around the grave, paying their last respects. The gravediggers walked away, giving the family time alone to grieve.

Derek looked up from his thoughts and prayers. ‘She was a good mother, wasn’t she?’

‘I know she was a good friend to me,’ Ruby said, trying to dismiss all the hateful things Stella had said or done in the last couple of years.

‘I wish I’d got to know her, or even met her,’ Susannah said, dabbing her eyes with a delicate lace handkerchief.

Stephen nodded as they spoke. ‘I’ve only ever heard good things about Stella,’ he said, trying to avoid Ruby’s eyes as they both knew that wasn’t quite the truth.

As they walked away after thanking the gravediggers, Ruby asked Susannah when they had to head for home. ‘If you have time, would you like to come back to the house and I can give you some tea?’ Ruby had baked a cake and made sandwiches, imagining that she might have some guests. Stephen was also going back to the house because he wanted to meet baby Sarah.

Susannah looked towards Derek. ‘How do you feel about going back to Alexandra Road? I know I’d love to see the baby. Perhaps it would be good practice in holding a newborn?’ She noticed the grin spreading across Ruby’s face, and smiled in return. ‘Yes, you are the first people I’ve mentioned it to. We’ve not even told my parents yet.’

Ruby kissed Susannah’s cheek. ‘I’m so pleased for you; why, it’s like a new beginning!’ Ruby could see that this must be the reason Derek was so upbeat and positive about the future.

‘I think I’m ready to go back home,’ he said. ‘We need our child to have roots and family – and how can we teach a child that, when I have let go of my own?’

‘Does that mean you’ll see Wilf? I’m sure he’ll be thrilled with the news. He has so little left now,’ Ruby said.

‘I’m ready; that’s if we get back in one piece, as I insist you travel with us, and Susannah’s driving leaves a lot to be desired – being such a weak example of the female race.’

Susannah playfully slapped him on the arm. ‘I’ll have you know that in my time I’ve been a suffragette. I am one of these new women they talk about,’ she grinned, and winked at Ruby. ‘Don’t take any notice of my husband. He can be insufferable at times.’

‘Do we have any choice not to be?’ Ruby laughed. ‘I quite enjoy working for a living. If and when this war finishes, I shall continue with my own job.’

Stephen chuckled as he helped the ladies into the vehicle. ‘I hope you do, Ruby: your yellow face so becomes you.’ Ruby ignored his joke. She was used to it, and was proud of the yellow tinge her complexion had acquired. It showed everyone that she worked in munitions and was playing her part in the war effort.

She was impressed with Susannah’s driving. She’d hardly ever been in a motor vehicle before, so it was a thrill not only to be transported at such speed, but to see a woman operating a vehicle with such prowess. The two women sat in the front of the vehicle and ignored the playful jibes from the men, who joked about hiring a man with a red flag to walk in front.

Back at number thirteen, Susannah helped Ruby lay out the tea things while Stephen went next door to assist Irene in bringing the baby in to visit.

Pat, who had already run out of Irene’s house when she saw the motor vehicle pull up, was sitting with Derek, updating him on what she’d done since he went to war. He took it in good spirits, asking the little girl questions and admiring her dolly and pram.

Ruby beckoned to Susannah to get a little closer to her so Derek could not hear them talking in the kitchen. ‘Do you think I should go over the road and bring Wilf back here for tea?’

‘That’s an admirable idea. Why don’t I come with you? If you introduce me to Wilf in his house, at least he won’t be able to easily refuse the invitation.’

‘Why, Mrs Green, you seem to be a very cunning woman,’ Ruby joked.

‘Living with Derek, I have become adept at cajoling and being cunning enough to bring the best out of my husband,’ she smiled. ‘He still has moments of depression. I fear it is something we will live with for the rest of his life, but in between these times he is the most loving husband. I thank my lucky stars that I was the nurse assigned to care for him. I’d heard of romances between nurses and soldiers when I first volunteered to work at the hospital, never dreaming that it would happen to me. I’m truly blessed.’

After settling her guests with their tea and giving Susannah enough time to fuss over baby Sarah, the two women made their excuses and crossed the road to see Wilf. When he opened the door to them, he greeted Ruby with a gentle smile and looked quizzically at the stranger. ‘Please come in,’ he said. ‘You must excuse me; I’ve just undone my tie. I know Stella would have told me off, but it’s quite warm, and I’m ready to sit down and have a rest. It’s been such a tiring day. Are you going to introduce me to your friend?’ he said, offering them a seat.

‘Wilf, I think you ought to sit down for a moment. This may be rather a shock. My friend is married to someone you know.’

‘Really?’ Wilf said, with a little frown.

‘Yes – please meet Mrs