‘Well, yes, but I like that in a wife. Makes me feel I’m getting my money’s worth.’
Bobby smiled. ‘Tea’s nearly ready. How was work, love?’
He sighed. ‘Humiliating.’
‘Why, what happened?’
‘Ugh. Bill Lawrence came in for an appointment with Miller. He wants to arrange a mortgage so he can move his practice to bigger premises.’
‘Why should that be humiliating?’
‘It’s humiliating when I’ve told everyone I’m a clerk and Bill finds me taking dictation. He just had this expression on his face, you know? Like “how the mighty have fallen”.’ Charlie rested his forehead against hers. ‘We always had a healthy rivalry when we were running neighbouring veterinary practices, and now I have to see that look of pity where there used to be respect.’
‘I’m sure there wasn’t anything of that nature. Bill knows why you had to stop practising. That alone merits his respect.’
‘Perhaps it was my imagination, but I couldn’t help feeling that way.’ He closed his eyes. ‘And then there was Phil Reynolds.’
‘Who?’
‘A farmer from Skipton way I know a little. He came into the bank today too. He didn’t know I’d left the Air Force. Of course, the first thing he wanted to know after we’d exchanged “good mornings” was why.’
‘What did you tell him?’
‘That they’d invalided me out. Phil took one look at me trembling and drew his own conclusions.’ Charlie laughed bleakly. ‘Didn’t even shake my hand. No doubt it’s all over Skipton by now that the RAF kicked me out as an LMF case.’
Bobby felt her protective hackles rise. She scowled at the unknown Farmer Reynolds.
What right did this man have to judge Charlie when he knew nothing of his injuries? When he had no idea of the horrors her husband had seen, or the friends he’d lost? And that went for Bill Lawrence too, if he’d really dared to show Charlie pity. It was easy for men in reserved occupations to stand in judgement, when they got to remain safe at home.
It made her wish Charlie would accept the DFC, and wear it with pride. Then men like Phil Reynolds would be forced to acknowledge him a hero. She knew it was no good saying this to him, though. He would rather accept Reynolds’ sneers than exploit his decoration to score points.
‘I know I ought to be grateful to have a job,’ Charlie said. ‘And I am, Bob, honestly. The work’s not exactly enthralling but it’s comfortable. But when someone turns up from my old world, it does bring it home that this is a long way from what I wanted to be doing with my life.’
‘Oh Charlie, I’m sorry.’
‘Well, one good thing came of it. After Bill had seen Miller, he stopped to pass the time of day and I asked if he’d have any interest in those instruments. I’ve been trying to get hold of him for ages.’
‘And he did?’
‘No, but he told me there’s a friend of his son’s from veterinary college who’s opening a new practice ten miles away – Roger Turner. He’s starting from scratch so he’ll need a full set of everything. Bill thinks he’ll take the lot.’
‘That’s good news. When will you see him?’
‘Bill gave me his number and I rang him from the box outside the bank. I’m meeting him in the Hart Tuesday week,’ Charlie told her. ‘Do you think your sister would mind me taking him round? I doubt he’ll agree a price without seeing the condition.’
‘I’m sure she won’t, if it means there’s the chance of an extra room,’ Bobby said with a smile. ‘Annie’s finally got her nursery now my dad’s moved out, but I know Lil’s dying for somewhere to hide the clothes horses. I’ll ask for you.’ She kissed his nose. ‘Now sit down and rest your leg. I’ll serve up in ten minutes.’
‘All right.’
‘Oh,’ Bobby said as he turned to leave. ‘There’s a letter on the coffee table. OHMS.’
Charlie frowned. ‘OHMS?’
‘I’m afraid so. Could it be about the DFC?’
He sighed. ‘I should open it and find out, I suppose. I thought once I left the RAF, I’d never have to see that miserable set of letters ever again. Some hope.’
Bobby found Charlie looking rather grim when she entered the parlour to let him know his stew was ready. The letter lay open on the table.
