Softly Grow the Poppies Read Online Free PDF Page A

him, but, having filled his belly and recognising Rose, he allowed himself to be led along the side entrance of the hotel and into Lime Street. Rose spoke soothingly into his ear since as soon as he was drawn into the bustle of soldiers who were to board the next troop train he began to object, pulling back on his rein.
    With an expertise and calm that Harry watched with hidden admiration, Rose settled Sparky in a way that told him she was used to horses and with trust the animal followed her and plodded towards the station platform where the last of the horses were being loaded.
    Charlie and Alice were still standing, hands clasped, in the middle of the mêlée, Lady fidgeting nervously at Charlie’s back. They appeared to be oblivious to those around them and Harry tutted with annoyance.
    ‘Dear God in heaven, would you look at the pair of them,’ he muttered, then without more ado he took Rose’s hand and led her to the corner where Charlie and Alice were marooned, Sparky trailing behind them.
    ‘Charlie.’ His brother’s voice brought the young officer from his reverent contemplation of the girl he loved. ‘What in hell’s name do you think you’re doing, you young fool?’ Harry snapped, ‘standing there like some love-sick calf when there is so much to be done. If Jimmy Bentley catches sight of you mooning about you’ll be for it.’ The name of the major Jimmy Bentley, brought Charlie out of his trance and he straightened up immediately. ‘Quickly,’ Harry continued, ‘get the pony to Lady and let us try to get this animal and you on the bloody train.’
    Several ladies in their vicinity were extremely shocked by this language, and from someone they had taken for a gentleman, and looked aghast, not just at his words but at the woman he was with.
    His voice softened and he bowed to them apologetically then turned back to the little group and the two animals. ‘I’m sorry, Alice, but you must say goodbye. Move over here next to Miss Beechworth. Come along, my dear, Charlie will be all right, won’t you, Charlie. Now, Miss Beechworth, will you . . .’ but Rose was already fastening Sparky’s bridle to Lady’s muzzle strap and with a gentle word and watched by the open-mouthed cavalry men, began to lead the pony up the steep ramp. Despite what he had been through that day Sparky went obediently since he had known and trusted her since his birth, which Rose had witnessed. The mare followed him placidly.
    Harry Summers was also open-mouthed with what he was beginning to recognise was more than admiration for an attractive, intelligent and spirited woman. She was, besides these attributes, calm, sensible, practical with none of the airs and graces and the desire for praise that seemed to abound in other young women. She had seen what needed to be done and without any fuss had done it. He wanted to take her hands and say, ‘Good work,’ and perhaps, ‘When can we meet again?’ but he damped down his enthusiasm, merely watching as, the problem solved, she led the gig pony back down the ramp and on to the platform. There was a small cheer from the men around her and she acknowledged it with a nod and a smile. God, she was amazing!
    Charlie had dragged himself from Alice’s clinging arms. He raced up the ramp after Lady who was being lovingly tended by a soldier-groom. She was ready to panic again, he could see, the rowdiness that still could be heard from the platform unsettling her once more even though she was comfortably tethered between two other animals who were quiet. The band played a rousing tune, cries of ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Take care of yourself,’ and ‘Don’t worry, Ma, I’ll write soon,’ echoed along the platform, the whistles and hooting from other platforms alarming the animals who had been quiet, their distress conveying itself to the highly strung grey and Charlie forgot for a moment the woman who wept for him. If the horses were like this now how would they react to the long