A Year of Marvellous Ways Read Online Free PDF

the grass and pulled out a cigarette. The soldier’s face was peaceful, resigned. It was quite beautiful really, and he wondered if he was actually dead, but then the soldier opened his eyes and spoke. Got one for me? he said. Drake lit a cigarette for him. Can’t move my hands, said the soldier, so Drake placed the cigarette between the man’s lips. He took deep drags and never coughed and said, Tastes good, thank you.
    You’ll be getting out of here soon, said Drake.
    Not sure about that. It’s not over yet.
    ’Tis for you, mate. Lucky sod.
    The soldier smiled, gestured for another puff.
    It’s not bad here, is it? said Drake, looking around. Sun’s out. Flowers are out. Birds are singing.
    What kind of flowers?
    Drake picked a yellow trumpet close to his boot and held it up in front of the soldier’s face.
    Cowslip, said the soldier.
    Cowslip, repeated Drake. He held the cigarette to the soldier’s lips. So, what’s the first thing you’ll do when you get back? he said.
    Swim.
    I fuckin’ hate water, said Drake.
    We’re sixty per cent water. Our bodies, that is. Did you know that?
    Probably why I’m not good with people.
    The soldier smiled. Dougie Arnold. Please to meet you.
    Francis Drake, said Drake.
    Ahoy there!
    I’ve heard it all before.
    You’re kidding, right?
    My father was a sailor.
    Gets better.
    Never met him, though. The name was my mum’s idea. Still romantic about the sea by the time I came along. Drake placed the cigarette between the soldier’s lips. He began to cough. Easy there, Drake said. Come on, slow breaths. That’s better.
    Will you do something for me? said the soldier.
    ’Course.
    In my pocket, in the front, there’s a letter. I can’t reach it. Can you get it out?
    Drake stubbed out the cigarette and leant over Dougie Arnold. He pulled back the blanket carefully and the smell made him gag. Where arms should have been were tied-off stumps, ragged and charred above the elbow. He held his breath and hoped his face gave nothing away as he gently unbuttoned the tunic pocket.
    Here, said Drake, lifting it up. It’s to Dr Arnold?
    Yeah. My father.
    Cornwall?
    My home.
    Never been.
    You’d like it. Lots of water, and Dougie smiled.
    Drake pulled a small hip flask out of his kit and waved it in front of the soldier’s face.
    The soldier said, Fucking marvellous, the Cavalry’s arrived.
    There you go, said Drake as he poured the liquid in.
    Cheers, said Dougie.
    Cheers. To better days.
    Better days, and the soldier gently closed his eyes.
    Drake stared at him. They were about the same age, he thought. Wondered if he had a girl. Probably not. The letter was to a father, wasn’t it? He undid another button on the soldier’s collar. Noticed a faint pulse at his neck.
    Deliver, said the soldier weakly.
    You what? said Drake, leaning in.
    Deliver.
    Deliver? Deliver what?
    You deliver the letter.
    Me?
    To my father. In Cornwall. When it’s all over. When you get back. Tell him I was all right –
    – you are all right –
    – tell him good things.
    Tanks rolled past, soldiers began shouting. On the move again. Allies taking back France.
    Promise me, Francis Drake. I can’t hear you.
    I’m here, said Drake. He leant in close.
    Promise me, said Dougie Arnold.
    I promise you, said Drake. I’ll deliver your letter.

5

    F rom Victoria Station Drake took the underground to Farringdon and came up the stairs into a chill misty dusk. A large rat passed in front and looked at him with indignation. Yeah, I’m back, said Drake and he walked up Turnmill Street with the constant rumble of trains to his left, the ever-watchful dome of St Paul’s behind. The air smelt grubby, tasted dusty. He’d forgotten what it was like. So many people rushing towards him heading for home. But he hadn’t forgotten, not really; it was in his marrow, this city, and had given him life. The air stirred as a dark cloud-front moved briskly across the rooftops. He picked up speed and crossed the road into