Sam assisted Rose into the much-needed wheelchair and then shoved the bags into the willing hands of the two flunkies.
‘Thank you, I doubt I could have reached the hotel without this,’ Rose said as she collapsed into the waiting chair. ‘I’m almost sure that I’m in labour. My father isn’t going to be here in time to deliver his next grandchild.’
Sam was pushing her at the double and he tried not to think about how much trouble he and Ruth were going to be in. If Rose did have the baby, it was unlikely they’d be able to reach their respective sections today and would almost certainly be considered as AWOL. Being absent without leave was a serious offence but he was fairly confident they wouldn’t be classed as deserters, which would be even worse. A deserter could be shot.
The doorman was there to help carry the patient and chair up the steps and into the foyer. Sam caught a glimpse of Ruth and the twins before they vanished.
‘Mrs Drummond is in labour. Is the doctor on his way?’ Sam spoke to the man in charge. Rose was gritting her teeth and clenching her hands, unable to speak.
‘Yes, Sergeant, all arranged. The housekeeping staff are making a room ready. The lift is waiting.’
Rose looked up at him, her eyes wet, and nodded. He squeezed her shoulder. ‘You’ll be somewhere comfortable soon and the doctor will be here any minute.’
After a short journey, the lift rattled to a stop and Sam followed the manager towards an open door a little way down the wide carpeted corridor. This was an expensive establishment and he was glad he wouldn’t have to foot the bill.
He heard the lift descend behind him and hoped it was going back to collect the doctor. Just then, a youngish man in a rumpled suit arrived at the head of the stairs, swinging a battered medical bag.
‘Right in the nick of time, I’d say. I’ll take it from here, Sergeant.’ The doctor smiled down at Rose. ‘How close are the contractions?’
Sam didn’t hear the answer as the wheelchair and medic whisked though the open door and it was kicked shut behind them.
‘Blimey, that was close,’ he said to the manager.
‘Mrs Drummond will be well taken care of. Dr Otter is an excellent physician. He attends to any of our guests that require medical aid.’ The man smiled and looked less stiff. ‘This will the first baby born here and hopefully the last.’
Sam slapped him on the back. ‘Chin up, mate, it might be two babies. I believe Mrs Drummond has stayed here before; her father is Dr Munson from Lincoln.’
The man’s expression changed. ‘Good heavens, I’d no idea who she was. Thank God you weren’t turned away.’
‘You know the family?’
‘The Munson family own this hotel; her grandfather opened it fifty years ago. I’ve worked here for twenty years but Benson, under manager, on the desk only started last year and wouldn’t have recognised the name on the note.’ He straightened, looking shell-shocked, and rushed off. No doubt to ensure everything possible was thrown in their direction.
Sam wanted to find Ruth and thought she’d probably be with the children in the adjacent room. He knocked and a uniformed maid opened the door.
‘Come in, sir, Miss Ruth is just changing the babies in the bathroom. They’ll be out in a minute.’
‘Good, neither of us have eaten since breakfast…’
The girl beamed. ‘Don’t worry, nursery tea will be arriving at any moment and then Gladys is going straight down to fetch you and Miss Ruth a tray.’
‘I prefer tea but Bombardier Cox is a coffee drinker. If you’ve got the real stuff, a jug of that would be perfect. By the way,’ he said with a smile, ‘I’m Sergeant Johnson – makes it easier to address us correctly, don’t you think?’
‘Beg your pardon, Sarge, I’ll mind me Ps and Qs in future,’ the girl giggled and dashed back into the bathroom to offer her assistance. From the racket in there, it was urgently needed.
* * *
The food for the babies arrived and also two highchairs – this hotel was certainly well equipped. Small wonder Rose had said she knew of an excellent hotel – why hadn’t she told them it was a family-owned business? Mind you, he couldn’t complain about the service he’d got, even when they hadn’t known exactly who they were dealing with.
Sally, the maid who’d let him in, was looking after the children, who were gabbling, laughing and eating, not at all bothered about their missing mother. Rose had said she hadn’t spent a lot of time with them so perhaps they were used to her not being there.
Gladys had brought up a tray with tea, coffee, and a delicious array of sandwiches, cakes and savoury items. Ruth joined him at the table on the far side of the room that had been set out with a white cloth and silver cutlery.
‘Golly, this is a spread – the concierge wasn’t too pleased to see me initially but has obviously mellowed for some reason.’
He quickly explained and she laughed.
‘I bet Benson’s worried about his employment after the way he behaved when I first arrived. I hope Rose is going to be all right and the baby too. I can’t believe that anyone could be so cruel to an expectant mother.’
‘She’ll be safe now and if I’d realised how important her family are, I’d not have insisted we got off the train early. I think it highly unlikely the Lincoln constabulary would have interfered, don’t you?’
‘Well, we didn’t know and acted in what we thought were her best interests. Anyway, imagine if we’d had to try and deliver a baby on the train.’
‘Then we did the right thing.’
Ruth poured herself another brimming cup of coffee. ‘We can’t leave until her father gets here and then it might take us hours to get to our bases. Are we going to be AWOL?’
‘That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. I think we should telephone our respective officers and explain why we’re going to be late. Even if they demand that we return instantly, they won’t be any the wiser if we remain here until Rose’s father turns up.’
‘I agree, in fact I’ve been thinking that myself. What a shame we weren’t travelling with Jill as I covered for her and I’m sure she would have done the same for me. I hope she’s all right.’
‘She’s the least of our problems right now. As the senior NCO, I’m going to volunteer to make both calls. You stay here in case the babies need you.’
‘I gave them a top-to-toe wash standing up in the bath and the housekeeper found those nighties from somewhere. After they’ve finished their tea, I’ll let them play for a while and then put them to bed. Gladys and Sally have been assigned to take care of them. I think, on balance, all we’ve got to do is have a brief chat with Dr Munson and then we can leave. Lily and Iris will be perfectly safe without me here.’
‘You’re right, we’ve done everything we can and must now put our duty first. I’ll go and make those calls.’
‘I’ll send for more coffee and another pot of tea. Good luck – I think you’re going to need it.’
Sam ignored the lift and took the stairs. He headed for the reception desk and was somewhat taken aback to be immediately escorted into the office at the rear.
‘How fortuitous, Sergeant Johnson, I was just coming in search of you. I’ve spoken to Sir John – Sir John Munson that is – Mrs Drummond’s grandfather and explained the situation and told him how much worse things would have been if you and your friend hadn’t stepped in to help.’
‘We just did what any decent folk would do.’
‘You’ve done far more than that. Sir John is contacting someone senior in the War Office on your behalf. He assures me that however late you and Corporal Cox are reporting for duty, there will be no charges laid against you.’
‘Crikey, that’s the best possible news. I was just coming down to ask if I could use your telephone and make the necessary calls. We didn’t want to be AWOL, or worse, considered deserters.’
The telephone on the desk jangled and Mr Reynolds – he’d now identified himself as the manager – immediately picked up the receiver. He listened, nodded, smiled and then turned and held it out to Sam.
‘Sir John would like to speak to you, Sergeant.’
* * *
Ruth had just got the twins settled – one in each single bed – pillows and cushions strategically arranged in case they rolled out, when Sam appeared at the door and beckoned her.
‘Can you two sit with them, please? I won’t be long.’
The helpful maids nodded and shooed her out.
Sam looked elated and took her hand, shaking his head when she asked what was going on. ‘We’re going to have a large drink on the house – in fact we can have anything we want on the house.’
‘Gracious, has Dr Munson turned up?’
‘Not as far as I know. I’ve just been speaking to – wait for it – Sir John Munson, Rose’s grandfather, who owns the hotel.’
‘That’s all very interesting but did you manage to speak to somebody at our bases?’
The manager was waiting to escort them to the bar, where a bottle of champagne was waiting. Ruth didn’t really like this but was hardly going to say so.
‘I know you’ve both had sandwiches,’ the manager said, ‘but the kitchen will be available to serve you dinner whenever you’re hungry.’ He bowed and backed away.
Sam was grinning. ‘Sir John knows people in high places and has squared things for us. We don’t have to report until tomorrow – as long as we’re back before curfew, they don’t mind what time it is. Therefore, we’re spending the night here in the lap of luxury – how about that?’
‘That’s absolutely spiffing. Couldn’t be better – all we need now is to hear that Rose has delivered a healthy baby and that both of them are doing well.’
‘I’m sure someone will come and tell us when there’s any news.’ He nodded at the unopened bottle. ‘Shall we ask them to bring something else? Pity to waste it if neither of us like it.’
‘How did you know I wasn’t keen on champagne?’
‘You’ve a very expressive face, love, and didn’t hide your distaste quickly enough. I want a beer – preferably a pint of bitter – what’s your tipple?’
‘I don’t like strong alcohol as it makes me feel peculiar, but I do like a lemonade shandy. Do you think such a grand place as this will have bitter and shandy available? The guests here are more sherry and champagne drinkers, I suppose.’
A smart waiter was approaching them, presumably with the intention of opening the bottle and pouring them both a glass. Sam explained they didn’t want it and gave him their fresh order and he smiled.
‘No problem at all, Sergeant Johnson, whilst you’re here you can have anything you want.’ The young man – more a youth really, and probably too young to be conscripted – grinned. ‘Even if it means I’ve got to nip down to the local pub and get your order.’
Ruth laughed, as did Sam. ‘How long is that likely to take?’
‘You’ve got time to explore the hotel, as I think I’ll be gone for fifteen minutes.’
‘Right, Ruth, let’s do that.’ Sam glanced down at his somewhat rumpled uniform. ‘At least because we’re not in civvies we don’t have to feel inferior to the other guests in their mink and dinner jackets.’
There was music from what sounded like a string quartet coming from an open door on the far side of the bar. ‘Shall we investigate? It doesn’t sound like something we can dance to, but you never know.’
The quartet were playing in the dining room and they listened for a while and then took another door and found themselves in a second salon – this one with booklined walls.
‘This is more like it. I’d love to sit here and read but I suppose we’d better go back to the bar or our drinks will never reach us.’
Sam ignored her suggestion and flopped out in one of the deep-seated leather armchairs. ‘He’ll find us – we’re the most important guests here apart from Rose and her children.’
Ruth squeaked. ‘Golly, I’d forgotten all about them. I said I’d only be a few minutes. Look, you stay here and I’ll run back and check everything’s tickety-boo. I won’t be long.’
He went to stand but she waved him back. ‘No, you’ve done all the heavy lifting, literally, today. You deserve a rest.’
It took her a few minutes to find her way back to somewhere she recognised and she was crossing the foyer when a man carrying a medical bag bounded through the front door.
He saw her at once and rushed over. He threw his arms around her and she was lifted from her feet in a bear hug. ‘My daughter probably owes her life to you, and possibly that of her babies. Whatever I can do for you and Sergeant Johnson now or in the future, you only have to ask.’
‘Babies? Has Rose had twins again?’
‘She has, this time one of each. Considering the lack of maternity care she had, it’s a miracle they’ve all survived. Excuse me, Corporal Cox, I want to meet my new grandchildren. Where will I find you and your young man?’
‘In the library.’
He pumped her hands and then raced off and vanished up the stairs, taking them two at a time. This was the best possible news. Ruth had expected Rose to be in labour for hours and yet now it seemed she was the proud mother of two more children.
Ruth almost forgot the reason she’d left Sam but dashed after Lily and Iris’s grandfather, like him ignoring the lift as it was quicker to use the stairs.
The bedroom was quiet apart from the gentle breathing of the babies. The door to the communicating bathroom was closed and there were bangs and the sound of water running coming from there.
She crept across the room using the glimmer of light from under the bathroom door to guide her. ‘Any problems?’
‘No,’ Sally whispered back. ‘The two of them are sleeping like little angels. The housekeeper came in to check and two of us are in charge tonight.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Drummond has had a little boy and girl and they’re all doing well.’
‘That’s grand. You go off, Corporal, you don’t have to worry about these babies any more.’
Ruth whispered her thanks and left them to it. She retraced her steps to burst into the library to see Sam happily slurping a brimming pint of beer. A pint of shandy waited for her on the table next to him.
‘Twins again – and all of them are well. I just met Dr Munson.’ She paused and frowned. ‘I don’t understand how he could have known about the babies when he must’ve been travelling in his car. They don’t have telephones in cars, do they?’
‘Some military vehicles have two-way radios, but I don’t suppose he’s got one of those. Does it matter? Shall we drink to the new arrivals?’
An hour later, a maid came in and drew the blackouts. ‘Mrs Rigby has asked me to show you to the suite you’ll be staying in. Your belongings have already been transferred.’
The suite was on the second floor. Ruth wasn’t quite sure she and Sam should be sharing even something as large as a suite. However, when they were ushered in, she saw it was a similar layout to the one she’d shared with her friend Grace – but much more luxurious and larger. This meant it had two bedrooms separated by a large sitting room. There was bound to be a lock on the door, but she was certain she wouldn’t need to use it.
The girl who’d taken them pointed to the left. ‘That’s your room, Corporal, got its own bathroom too.’
‘Thank you, I’ll go and explore,’ Ruth said.
She used the facilities, washed her face and hands and re-pinned her hair. By the time she emerged, Sam was waiting for her.
‘This is a bit of all right, I’ve never stayed anywhere as posh. Do you think you could eat again? I don’t want to miss what could be a memorable dinner.’
‘What I’d really like to do is see Rose and the new babies – do you think it would be acceptable to knock on the door so soon after delivery?’
‘Don’t ask me – I’m just a bloke. But there’s no reason why you can’t knock – they can always say no.’ He smiled. ‘Count me out, though, I’ll wait in the bar for you. Shall I ask for a couple of menus so we can see what’s on offer?’
‘Yes, do that. Even if I’m allowed in, it will only be for a few minutes so I won’t be long.’
He strode off and she turned left and knocked tentatively on the door, not wishing to wake Rose up if she was having a much-needed rest. The door opened and Dr Munson stepped out, beaming.
‘Good, I hoped it might be you. My daughter’s exhausted, as you might imagine, she’s not up to visitors tonight but was most insistent that both you and your young man pop in before you leave tomorrow.’
‘I’ll be delighted to do that but Sam’s a bit skittish about babies and new mothers.’
‘Then he’ll just have to grit his teeth because he’s not leaving without speaking to Rose. Now, have you had dinner?’
‘No, we were just about to do so. It would be lovely if you could join us and then we can tell you how we came to be involved and you can tell us about Rose’s situation.’
‘Splendid, I was going to suggest that myself. Lead the way, young lady, I’ve not eaten since I got a telephone call from my daughter that she was finally leaving that vile man at five o’clock this morning. I’ve been on tenterhooks since then.’
* * *
Ruth had no idea what she ate but it was all delicious. She was more interested in the conversation with Dr Munson than the food.
‘I did wonder why Rose had left it so late to run away but understand that today was the first opportunity she’d had. Could you not step in earlier and help them?’ This probably wasn’t a tactful question to ask but she wanted to know.
‘If I’d known what was going on, of course I’d have intervened. Rose didn’t tell me until this morning what that miserable little bastard had planned.’ He was lost in thought for a moment before continuing. ‘My wife and I tried to dissuade her from marrying him but he was charming, handsome and plausible and as she was overage, we couldn’t stop the wedding.’
‘Did you even know she was having another baby?’ Sam asked.
‘No, that too was a shock.’ He dropped his cutlery noisily on his empty dinner plate and sat back. ‘Drummond’s a ruined man. My father and I will make sure he’s homeless and destitute by the time we’ve finished with him.’
‘I’m curious as to how you knew about the babies before you arrived,’ Ruth asked.
‘I stopped and made a telephone call, Ruth, no mystery involved. That young Dr Otter did a splendid job. Sam is 5 lbs and Ruth is 5 lbs 4 oz. Excellent weights for twins.’ He smiled at their stunned faces. ‘Rose insists that they’re called after you and wants you to be their godparents. I hope you won’t say no.’
Ruth was overwhelmed at this piece of news. Having a child named after her was amazing.