© Copyright 2005, Benjamin Timothy Dyer
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

The transport turned out to be a motorbike and sidecar. The thing wasn't that bad looking; in fact in hindsight it was kept cleaner than old Guppy who was looking rather worse for wear. It was most perturbing when he kept swerving across the road and back again.

Jack noted this very early on and shouted; “Do ya want me to drive?”

Guppy shouted back; “I'm not drunk man! Just haven't rode this beauty for a while; wow that was close, almost a ditch there!”

“I'm sorry son; it seemed a good idea at the time.”

Jason said little as he was in the little round capsule that had just had a near miss with a seasoned oak tree.

 

The bike huffed itself to a stop just across from the town hall and all got off.

“Coming in old man?” Jack asked Guppy who nodded in the negative.

“Ah, me and dancing don't get; got two left feet. Na, there's a pub up tut road and that's where I'll be when you have had your fun.”

Jason leaned down to his father's ear and whispered; “Got two left hands as well with that so called driv'in.”

Jack sniggered as he bid Guppy a farewell before straightening his Sunday best and took a short stroll over to the hall.

“Grand hall this; used to come here with your mother once in a while. Ballroom dancing we did and boy was she good at it.”

“I'm sure she was.” Jason placed his hands inside his pockets as he watched the old glint in his father's eyes when he talked about mom. “Are we go'in in?”

“Ah, yes, sure. Just hope it don't cost too much to enter.”

As it transpired it didn't. They entered and found the room semi full of smoke and full of members from the near by R.A.F base. The place buzzed with youth and excitement of mixing with the opposite sex. Jack remembered the days of his adolescence when he and a few friends used to buzz the local hall in search of a dance with a dream date. Though he was more shy than the rest and so ended up propping up the bar with a shandy in hand.

“Bit crowded in here ain't it?” Jason shouted as he was almost knocked aside by a couple doing some kind of dance.

“No more than in my day though. Come on I spy with my little eye a pretty girl alone by the drinks table.”

“Ah no da, I cannot…” He was dragged almost unceremoniously to the place where the girl stood tapping her feet.

“Go on then; talk to the girl.”

She was very tall and thin wearing a check type dress, heavy black looking shoes and had white thick looking ankle socks. When she turned she smiled and her face lit up her blue eyes. Jason felt his dad lean into him giving him a push.

“And who might you be? Not with the boys then?” She eyed him up and down.

“Come on Fay you know who I am.”

“Yes and I can see your dad giving you a push in my direction. You haven't come here to chat me up; you could have done that down pub.”

“Aye.” He inhaled before letting it out through his teeth along with an offer; “Just wondered if you'd like to dance?”

She smiled and battered her eyelids before confessing; “I would but Ferris gets real jealous when men hang around me.”

“Who's the lucky guy then?” It is one of those things you say when you feel the very person slide up to you and the shadow shows you that he ain't a small chap.

“This person bothering you Fay?”

“Oh no, he just asked me for a dance and…”

Jason was listening to the girl's explanation when suddenly it took a nasty turn as the lug grabbed him by the scruff of the neck; “Hey what the?”

“No one picks on my girl and gets away with it!”

Jack had found his son in a bit of a sticky position and this was all his fault; “Come now man, let the guy go he ain't pulling your lady friend.” Jack went to place a friendly hand round the chap but found a flash of a fist and as he fell to the floor he saw the look in his son's eyes.

“Uniform or nowt; you don't hit my father like that!” Jason saw red as his big fist connected with the lumps jaw and to his surprise the man joined his dad on the floor. Both men were getting up when the whole place became filled with RAF members.

“Time to take you outside and teach you a lesson pal.” The lump replied as he rubbed his jaw whilst drawing himself up to his full height.

“He's a friend of mine Dave; they are both friends of mine!” Fay replied as she stepped in between the two men.

“My, my; what have we here?” A man all regal looking and young stepped into the circle which had formed. The man received a salute from the big man.

“Sir! This civilian was accosting me bird. He assaulted me and I was just about to have words out in the street.”

“Along with your other fellow mechanics I see.”

Dave followed his superior's eyes as he noted his friends looking for retribution; “Um, not exactly sir.”

“Rubbish man.” He looked at the tall man with very dark hair and the bluest eyes he had ever seen apart from on the girl standing by him. “Now what have you to say for yourself?”

“I was just talking to a fellow friend Fay here. I asked her for a dance; she informed me she was engaged for the evening and I was just about to take my leave when this man assaulted my father.”

“So you hit him?”

“Yes I did.”

The man kept a straight face until he smiled, turned to the circle and announced; “This is a night for dancing and enjoying ourselves! Let's not ruin it; shake hands and leave the past misunderstandings behind.”

Jason held out a hand and rather reluctantly he thought the other man took it.

“Aye good thing.” Jack replied as he wiped a little blood from a few sore teeth. “Now we best be going; sorry about that son.”

“Don't be. It was my fault.”

“You'll not leaving are you?” The posh sounding man said as he stepped into their exit path. “Be a shame to waste the champers I have over at the officer's table as all the others are dancing or; well, you know what.”

Both Jason and his father looked at each other and gawped like fish out of water until the silence was broken again.

“Here, take my handkerchief.” He offered the white freshly pressed cotton to the bleeding mouthed older man; then looked over at the bar. “Excuse me my good fellow, a whiskey if you please.” He looked back and smiled at them both; “Always good for a sore tooth or two; so my grandmother always swore by.” He frowned; “Then again she was always drunk.”

Again Jack caught his son's look and knew what he was thinking; this captain or whoever he was of the higher rank was treating them like long lost friends. He had to carry on with the comradeship; “I had a relative like that; under the sauce all the time.”

The man gestured for them to sit down; “As all should have in the family; a source of amusement that helps while away cold evenings by the fire.”

“You don't sound like a person who has had a poor upbringing if you don't mind me saying.”

“No, no, very good upbringing; one of England's finest, schooling at Eton and all that rot. To me it was just an excuse to have a bally well good time; life's too short for studying.” He fixed them with his pale blue eyes. “Sorry, haven't introduced oneself. My name is Peterson, Wolfgang Peterson.”

Jack shook the guys hand while his son came out with; “German first name that.”

“Actually Austrian, or is it German?” He leant forward beckoning them closer; “My mother wanted me to have that name; said it was in honour of a great man.”

“Aye!” Jack cried out before frowning and having to say; “Who?”

“Wolfgang Amadeus of course! Famous composer.” He frowned as the two shrugged their shoulders. “No? Well mark my words he was a very good egg who could move the hearts of mortal man from a whimper to a rapturous applause within a heartbeat. I have some gramophone music in my quarters, remind me to send it round for you.”

“Ah, thanks but no thanks mister Wolfgang sir; we hardly know you.”

He sat back as the whiskey turned up; “Now that is where you are both wrong.”

Jason narrowed his eyes; “Just how wrong are we sir?”

The man laughed as he replied; “Call me Wolfie all my chumbs do!”

“Just how do you know us?” Jason asked again feeling the need to refrain from smiling.

“Oh my, you are definitely a serious person my good man as a friend of mine said you were.”

“Ah Joey's sister told him!” Jack felt he had fitted the last piece into this jigsaw of mystery until he noted the man laugh even more.

“Here my dear fellow take the whiskey to sort out that tooth and stop talking gibberish. I'm a friend of a good friend of yours Jason.”

Jason didn't like being toyed with as a feeling of unease fell over the expectation of what was going to be divulged here. “In all honesty Wolfgang I cannot see anyone who'd I know that you would know. I have no one in the service that wants to convey the thought they know me.”

“Lady Claybourne you chump! She and I… well we know each other. She had a private schooling near by and I had a private schooling nearby; you know how it goes.”

“And you just happened to get posted nearby?”

“That's what having the influential parents are all about, being able to choose the right course for you to take.”

“So how far do you go back with Miss Claybourne?” Jack asked through a partial mouthful of handkerchief soaked in alcohol.

“As I said; we were almost school friends. I left and moved straight into the RAF while Miss Claybourne completed her schooling to return back here.” He poured Jason a half-flat glass of champers as he continued; “She took a year away from her father and spent it in London. My father and mother were overjoyed to have her come over for tea in Highbury.”

“What future plans do you have Wolfie?” Jack asked as he saw his son visibly stiffen.

“I plan to do my stint in the RAF and pass with flying colours; I want to move up to plans of attack and all do all those mapping bits and pieces. Though before they pack me off, I plan to marry the girl; if she'll have me of course.” He laughed out loud once again. “Do you think I should grow a tash? Seems to becoming the rage amongst the officers.”

“I wouldn't it makes you…”

Jason cut in; “Why not? It will help you fit in with the officers and get you a promotion.”

Jack saw the jealousy running through normally his son's red veins; it was turning green with envy knowing how women loved a man in uniform.

“Yes why the bally well not.” Wolfgang laughed once again before becoming serious. “Not a captain as such. I only watch over the mechanics and report back to my boss. Still they love me as if they love me.”

“What?” Jack frowned over the riddle.

“They love me only when I am around buying drinks and being the proverbial playboy. Once my back is turned I feel the knives sharpening; if you follow my drift?”

“Quite clear Wolfgang, very clear, I think I understand them.” Jason added with a mock laugh.

“Not drinking the champers?”

Jason nodded; “No, not for me thanks.”

“Another drink perhaps?” He went to get up and was stopped by his friends coming back.

“Time for us to leave your table; thanks for the whiskey.” Jack expressed gratitude whilst edging out of the other guy's ways. “Maybe we will see you up at Clayboure; doing some work there.”

“Okay my friends!” Wolfgang shouted as the noise at the table began to roar as loud as a hungry lion. “I won't forget about the gramophone!”

Jason headed out of there and with his dad they hot footed it round to the pub where their ride was drinking.

This particular public house was full of the same kind of people. An awful lot of military types along with the locals who frequented this side of town. There was nothing much happening; all except a game of darts with money being exchanged to the winners from the losers and that was that.

“No luck at the dance then?”

Jack looked at Guppy and pulled a pained smiled; “Nowt worth write'in about. A bit of a waste of time for both of us.”

“Should have stayed local I say; more fun at our village hall functions and pub than here.”

“Not enjoying yourself then?”

“Nah, beer's rubbish and so is the company. Come on let's head back home.”

The journey back was just as fraught with danger as the way there. The dusk was settling in and it transpired the bike had no front light and Guppy insisted on going over a field as a short cut. Both Jack and Jason felt it was longer than the route down road.

 

“Fancy a hot milk?” Jack asked as he headed for the kitchen. Not a lot had been said since a certain dark greying blue cloud formed.

“No thanks; I'll just head on up if that's okay?”

“Look, I am sorry about tonight.”

“It wasn't your fault; you always know best da.”

Jack lean't against the doorpost; “Would you take it from me that I know my best about that lassie you love.”

“He's not the right one for her; he's all flash and no substance.”

Jack grinned feeling his front teeth ache as he did so; “That's what a city gent and country gents are; all mouth and no trousers. But the question is; are you any better for Miss Carrie?”

Jason stopped his motions allowing his emotions to take over; “Of course I am; I'm hard work'in, kind, caring and can be a man ten times over him!”

“Aye, you are hard working and kind but…”

“But?”

“You are not rich; you, sad to say it are born into this house. We are your common men; not fancy fish in a fancy gold fish bowl; we are your average gold fish in a common pond. Way out of our league they are son; and if you carry on this foolish course; it will end up in heartbreak for you and Carrie.”

“What are you suggesting; I just let her marry the wrong man?”

“Who said she was going to marry him? The girl is only eighteen years of age; and who says she ain't got a brain of her own. She will eventually marry son and the question is who will it be?” He didn't like doing this but it had to be said; “As it will not be you.”

The tall young man stood there as those words of truth settled into his head. He was poor and he was out of his depth. But hadn't something like this happened in the past? Or was it always in tales from books? The trouble was; he loved Carrie from childhood and he could swear in his heart of hearts that she felt the same for him. But then, a man by the name of Gerald Claybourne would see to it that it would never be. All flash and no substance he was and a stuffed shirt he will always be.

“Aye; I know you are right. It's just hard.”

“Who ever said love would be easy.”

Exactly the point; love was never easy and Jason knew all too well that was the case.

 

“You are not worth it!” A voice called out into the darkness of his mind.

“Are you talking to me?”

“Who else would I be talking to?” The voice came again; “You are definitely not worth it.”

Jason found himself walking through the dense black of his mind to find a small light flickering on and off; much like a candle or gas lamp about to go out.

“Do I know you?”

“Yes and we know you.”

“We?” He asked as the person looked up at him and he could see it was Wolfgang but as he looked harder it was changing to Claybourne and slowly onto Carrie.

“We know you are not worth it.”

“Worth what?”

“Two things from us in actuality.”

The voice kept changing as well. It was much like watching a merry go round and seeing the same painted horse come round and round while the ride was running. The question was; when was this ride going to stop and with what outcome?

“What two things?”

“Questions, questions.”

“Those are all I have; if one does not have the answer.”

“Find the answer; or are you so stupid and low that we have to spell it out to you.”

“Look! I don't need this from you!” He went for the person sat on the floor staring up at him and when he did; the person just disappeared and reappeared a little distance away. They sat cross legged as if nothing had happened.

“As you are in a temper it will be best to get to the point.”

“Aye, I think it would as I am of little education.”

The voices seamed to mingle more now as the answer came; “The first thing is Love; you are not worthy of it.”

“How come?”

“Ah! Another question in a pool of them.” The vision changed just slightly to a body of water with questions swimming around like fish.

“Because you won't let me go and love another.” Carrie's face appeared.

“Only because he ain't right for you.”

“How do you know I am not right?”

Because I have seen your like before; much like…”

“Me.” Jason watched the new face of Gerald Clayboure; “That is what you were going to say.”

“Yes I was going to.”

“That is why you are not worth of love; because you begrudge others of showing this in their lives.” Carrie said as the head changed to Wolfgang; “That is why you are not worth the other thing.”

“And what other thing is this?”

“I did try to warn you about this; it's not mine or Carrie's fault it came to this.” Wolfgang carried on as his voice echoed into the darkness at the same time as his face changed slowly.

“What?”

“If only you had allowed the people you claimed to love spread their wings and fly; my wings Jason.” Carrie came and went into the same void as Wolfgang.

“I am worthy of loving; I am worthy of…”

“You are not worthy of life!” Claybourne spat as he came out of the darkness along with the gun; “You are never worthy to live!”

Jason tired to move as the hand gun this time opened up and spat its deadly object. He felt the pain in his head and his body falling through the darkness, He now knew how it felt to freefall like those boys did at the RAF base from a plane.

 

“Oh my giddy aunt!” Jack shouted as one moment his son was fast asleep; then the next he was moving erratically.

“Okay mister Jones, no need to panic; just a fit.”

Jack felt himself voluntary move out of the way as the nursing staff went to work. He was speechless as he watched helpless as his son writhed about.

“I think you will have to expect this Mister Jones.” One of the doctors replied as he watched the team deal with this. “Fitting will be part of his life from now on.”

He stood by and with tears in his eyes he mumbled; “I told you that girl would be the death of you.”

 

CHAPTER 3: MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE MIND.

 

 

“All I am saying is that she will be your undoing if you get involved lad!”

“Like what? What harm can be done?” Jason spat as he took charge of the horse on their way to Claybourne manor. The world about him seemed hazy once more.

“Gerald Claybourne is a nasty spiteful man and if he finds out you have been making advances to his daughter he will find a way to deal with you.”

The younger man snorted and decided to laugh scornfully; “It's not as if he could kill me da.”

Jack shouted at Hercules to halt which the horse did. Staring his son in the eyes he replied in a very serious way; “That's exactly what he could do. Now mark my words; that girl will be the death of you.”

Jason had heard enough; “Ah rubbish!”

Jack watched him get down; “Now where are you going?”

“For a long walk; best do that than get angry with you and argue all day.”

Jack had seen his son on many occasions do this; “Okay you can bloom'in well walk. I'll see you later and don't think you will be paid for being late mister.”

Jason just waved a non committal hand into the air as he took a long walk and a hard think over all which had been said or shouted out this morning.

He found the spinney right where he'd left it all those years ago. The water still looked murky and full of living swarming creatures either in the water or hovering just above it. He took his mind further back to those days of summer's past.

“Do you love me?” She had asked out of nowhere as they sat upon the top of a haystack watching the world go by.

“Excuse me?” Jason had replied dazed by this sudden change of conversation.

“Do you love me; like parents love each other?”

He remembered being twelve at the time which on hindsight wasn't that long ago.

“I love you.” His emotions were confused as a boy's can be at that age and love wasn't a serious thing; or was it? Still quite unable to decide on that one; then again if he looks back on it at thirty Jason knew he would have the savvy to answer.

Carrie laughed a girlish nine going ten year old laugh; “Yuck!”

“I mean as a brother; not as adults do!” Jason hit back with and for once being light on his feet when playing with words.

She stopped laughing and cuddled up to him and as he and she looked out at the fields; the sun beginning it's descent towards the horizon she added, “I love you too my brother and always will.”

Jason found a stone and threw it into the green water watching as it stirred up the soup at the bottom. It was like his heart all thick and full of deep emotions; just when you went to settle it down along came another person to chuck a stone of thought into it and stir it all up again. The last stone to do this was blasted Wolfgang Peterson.

 

“Just you today master Jones?” Henry asked as he looked at the quaint horse and cart before addressing the man upon it.

“Aye Henry; just me for now, Jason will be long in a while.”

Henry being the perceptive type knew a problem when he saw one; “Anything I can help with?”

Jack opened his mouth before deciding in being discrete with family affairs; “Nowt you can deal with; just me and me boy.” He smiled feeling those tender teeth playing up again; “Just trouble at mill if you know what I mean. Boys will be boys and my Jason is no exception.”

Henry took a look at the goods on the back; “Do you require assistance with your things?”

“Not yet; but if my lad doesn't show I trust I can ask again later.”

“Of course Jack sir; a pleasure.”

“Is the master of house in?” Jack asked as he secured his horse with the food it required to keep it happy for a few hours.

“Yes; he's in the back garden polishing one of his rifles. Shall I get him for you; or take you round?”

Jack was just about to say he'd like that when the postman turned up on his bike. Henry rushed over and Jack took a walk round back.

“If she's not well then it is my duty to see her!” A raised voice came from the garden; “Did you or did you not ask to see me?”

“On quite a different matter Bates.” The lord of the manor replied.

“Then what is it?” The man hastily replied as he looked at his watch; “My time and my money.”

“And I will pay you for it; handsomely.”

The good doctor backed down a little; “What is it you require?”

“Records.”

“Records?”

“My medical records; the ones you know about.”

“You are asking me to get your details and do what?”

“Hand them to me; all of the original ones.”

Jack edged a little closer to the wall as he listened on.

“I cannot and will not do that.”

“If you don't I will tell them about your little secret.”

Bates snarled; “As a close friend you don't arf push it! What makes you think I won't spill the beans on you?”

Gerald laughed before becoming dead serious when talking on a subject about just that; “Because I will tell the coroner to release the report on how you murdered a close friend of ours.”

Bates stepped back; “You wouldn't; not that! It was…”

“Murder; plain and simple and punishable with a death sentence on you.”

Bates took a seat and began playing with his hat as it was being held in his fingers. Jack moved closer.

“Okay Gerald; you have a deal.” Bates replied with a definite sigh of resignation in his voice.

“Ah there you are Mister Jones I was looking all around for you!” Henry shouted as Jack spun round leaping into the air like a shocked jack rabbit.

“I was…”

Gerald too stood up to see the pair now out in the open.

“What do you want carpenter?” Gerald shouted at Jack.

“I was…”

Doctor Bates chose this time to get out of here by excusing himself with; “I must be about my business. I still urge you sir to allow me to examine your daughter; if she is as unwell as you say.”

Gerald waved an irritable hand at the doctor; “Go on! She's in the lounge…reading or being sick or something.”

Jack watched the man's evil looking eyes burn into his soul; as if searching for the truth about the conversation he wasn't supposed to hear.

“I… I brought round a sample of the seasoned oak I wish to use on your doors. Then with your approval I'd like to do a proper measuring up job.”

Claybourne looked about him; “Where's your lad; not annoying my girl is he? Like he does others”

Jack knew he'd been informed about last night. “No sir; he's on his way…walking in with a few extra tools.”

Suddenly the expression on the man's face changed; “Good! Let's take a look at the wood then shall we?”

 

Carrie felt tired and drawn; her day had been one of feeling sick to the bone. A nightmare of last night and how things hadn't turned out like they should. Her mind was churning over the events when a voice called to her across the room.

“Nice to see you again Miss Claybourne.”

She turned her head and winced as the days brightness created too brighter vision for her to see in her current state. “Who is that?”

“Not so full of yourself unlike yesterday.”

“Jason; is that you?”

“Aye; the same man that you ignored till leaving.”

Her head throbbed and her body felt lifeless until he appeared with his strong features.

“More man than young boy now I see before me.”

He smiled; “And you are more woman than girl.”

The fainting couch was an old leather affair which creaked as she pulled her legs up to allow him to sit besides her.

“Where did all those younger years go my brother?”

He stared down at her pale features. “I imagine the years will pass by more quickly as we get older.”

Carrie stared up at his kind face; “I wish they would do that sometimes. Or we could go back and spend an eternity in a chosen year of our past.”

“I can see the wisdom in that; though what year would it be for you?”

She rested her head upon the semi-cold leather and as her head tilted back she found her answer; “The first day I met you in the spinney would be my day, an eternity of being friends and learning about nature and all its diversions.”

“I think I'd have to agree; though avoiding Henry and your da.”

Carrie laughed; “The look on Henry's face when he caught us skinny dipping.”

“I thought he was going to come on in there and give me a thrashing!”

“Henry is not that kind of man; he's kind, generous and loving.” She looked at the blue eyed man; “Much like you Jason; no, a lot like you.”

He suddenly found her eyes boring into his soul and so he looked down at the wooden flooring with a question in his mind.

“Do you love him?”

Carrie frowned before finding the answer to the proper question here; “You mean Wolfgang.”

“The very one.” He let slip a little hostility towards that man.

Her head pounded; “I… can't say.” And as soon as she said this her friend stood up.

“Can't or won't?”

“There's no need to take that attitude with me.” She replied to his stern question with tempered words of her own.

“If you love him and plan to wed it is of concern to me as we…”

“Oh I see! Brotherly affection and concern over who might be an ideal suitor?”

He had backed himself into a corner without saying his true feelings here and Carrie was going to make sure he gave out his answer without exploring the possibility of his affections.

“Well my dear brother; do you like him?”

He wanted to say ‘yes' but lying about it wasn't going to help here. Taking a deep breath he sighed; “No I don't; I think he is an ill suitor.”

She sat upright feeling dizzy with this news; “Why? He's kind, considerate and in a well paid job with an inheritance waiting.”

Jason wanted to back away and re-think his strategy here; only he was never any good at such games as Carrie was and still is by the looks of it.

“Aye he may be kind and considerate for now.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly that! He may be kind but soon he will turn into a control freak over you; watching you turning you into someone you are not.”

“How can you tell that by meeting the man once?”

“Because I have seen his look in a man's face before. Outside all pleasantries and inside full of ravenous wolves. Mark these words my dear; he will lure you in and eat you alive.”

“Very long words from a common boy who has no idea about life; a country bumpkin with little aims in life than to be a humble carpenter.”

So the words were turning into a war. “Best to be the man I am on the outside as in; than a grand charade masking the hollow person within. So I have never been to London to see the King and I have not dined at Lords and Ladies houses. I may not know a soup spoon from a dessert spoon and how to hold a napkin up to my face and be polite to ones enemy. But I do know about folk whether jumped up or plain and I know you don't love him and this is your father's wishes because of who he is and what he will become. Oh and the title his father holds.”

“You know nothing about my father and you know nothing about mankind.”

“You once told me about a French member of royalty who spied the poor and many were starving. Now when she enquired about their state she was told they had no bread to eat. She then misunderstood the reply and the people's need and said for them to eat cake.”

Carrie frowned, her heart pounding as her annoyance of one who she clearly admired was coming to the fore; “Where are you going with this sir?”

“That French member of royalty knew little about the folk who she thought she knew a lot about. Like that member of royalty you know nothing about people or their motives and feelings.”

“And this coming from a man who lives with his father in a small cottage?”

Jason drew himself up to his full height as he towered over the pale pretty lady. He wanted to cave in but to do so would be wrong and his point would be conceded.

“I know enough to understand that your father sent your mother away to a mental institute where he never visited her and allowed her to die there alone and stripped of all her pride.”

“Mother was mad; quite mad and I don't…”

“If you marry this man and allow your father to bully you into this alliance; you will end up exactly where your mother spent her final days.” There! He had said it all and the truth made his heart sing until he saw the one he admired collapse into a well of tears.

He went to comfort her along with a few words; “Carrie…I'm…I'm….”

She raised her head and through tears of anger and rage she screamed at him to; “Get out! I never want to see you again! You judge everyone by your own sick standards. Bitter because you lost your mummy and my father was always suspected of changing her. This is not about my family it's about your own personal vendetta against mine. Now leave!”

He felt those words crackle in his ears much like a raging fire burning seasoned wood from a building down about him. He went to say more when the man of the moment appeared; well the one whom had the most influence.

“What the hell is going on here?” Gerald Claybourne shouted from across the room as he stood by the door to the hallway.

“I meant no harm sir.” Jason replied caught in two minds as to which way to go.

Gerald wasn't so happy and swiftly removed his belt; “Time you got what you deserved harassing my daughter like this.” He moved quickly over; wrapping the buckle and part of the belt around his hand he used the belt as a whip.

Jason stood feeling the first crack of the leather hit his skin and felt it cut. This guy Lord or not wasn't going to get another shot in. As the belt came for the second blow he reached out and caught it physically lifting the belt along with the man into the air before he came down hitting the polished floor.

“Aye and don't pretend to be hurt Claybourne; you just lie there like a miserable worm. No one beats me with a belt as if a dumb animal.”

“What the merry hell is going on here?” Jack asked as he saw the gent who was going to pay their wages face down on the floor before slowly picking himself up.

“Your boy is a bully and I suggest he takes leave of my property before I call the police.”

Jack blinked hard as his head raced for an answer as he looked at the sobbing lady; “And you Miss, do you wish us gone?”

Carrie had got up and helped her father dust himself off before looking over. With bloodshot eyes and replied; “I think it is for the best that your son doesn't come around here for a while.”

Jason felt as if he had somehow ended up back in school and facing the headmaster and two fellow teachers as he tried to explain; “I was only trying to get Miss Claybourne to see the error of her ways. Trust me; she will never be happy if she marries that Peterson or is allowed to be bullied into thinking she loves him by you sir!”

“That is enough! Control you're boy or I will have him thrown out.”

Jack felt as if this was a nightmare and soon he'd wake with a start but as the bell rang there was no alarm clock to wake him.

“Do as Mister Claybourne says Jason and take your leave.”

“One thing else…” Jason shouted as he was suddenly grabbed by four burly looking men; hired muscle just in case that slime had trouble. As he was dragged away past the door he shouted his last words; “I love you Miss Claybourne…I'll love you for all eternity; like you wanted….one day…my love for all…”

Gerald eyed up the father of the monster. “You my dear sir have created a man out of control. You promised me he wasn't here and yet he is in this very room harassing my daughter.”

Carrie felt a little damage control was needed after Jason's outburst; “It wasn't as bad as it looked father. We had to have a heart to heart and the outcome was a hard one.”

“As you have seen; man cannot marry into common blood as they are all ill educated and Neanderthal in emotion.”

“That I understand father.” She looked at Jack Jones; “That I perfectly understand.”

Jack hurt at all that was said; he also was experiencing anger at all parties here; “What would you like me to do Mister Claybourne sir?”

“I want you and your so called work force gone. I will be generous enough to pay you half a days wage for services rendered.”

Jack blinked; “What about the wood and other items purchased for job?”

“You will just have to use them on another man's door; if they will have you after this incident.”

What could he do? Jack boy had to take this on the chin and so nodded and was just about to walk away when Miss Carrie spoke up.

“If Mister Jones can do the work alone; then we can still render his services. After all he is the best carpenter in this area and by far the most economical of all.”

Gerald chewed his daughters words around before coming to a logical answer; “No, I will get a team up from London.”

“But wouldn't it be fine if the doors were ready for my engagement party and the floors repaired and polished.”

Gerald spun round to see his daughter's watery eyes. This was good news and one that would put pay to the son of Jack Jones!

“You are going to marry Wolfgang?”

She smiled; “As long as it makes you happy father I will accept.”

“Happy? Why yes; I'll be the happiest man alive!” Then for some strange reason he started to dance around with his daughter before realising that Jones was still there waiting for a reply.

“May I beg your permission to leave while you are all celebrating?” Jones muttered before adding to Miss Claybourne soon to be Peterson; “Congratulations my dear, I hope you will be happy.”

“Thank you Jack.” She saw her father frown a little; “Um, Jones.”

“Yes Jones you may stay and complete the work. But don't take too long about it, as the engagement party must be completed in just over two weeks.”

“Two weeks?” Jack asked as he suddenly realised time was of the essence here. But why the hurry?

“Yes in two weeks because Wolfgang is going on a training mission to France and will be absent for as long as the powers that be require of him. So as you can see my good man I need the work completed by then.”

Jack gave Carrie a look who gave him one back. It was then he realised she had been playing for a little more time. Sadly much like shaking an egg timer; the time was now dramatically shortened.

“I'll need my son's services if I am to complete the work required.”

Gerald's face changed as he barked; “Did you hear what I have been saying? Are you as stupid as your son?”

Carrie stepped in though her head was still pounding and with every move she felt sick. This had to end here.

“If it will be done on the time stated; I can endure your son's unwanted presence.”

There was that look again; as if she didn't mean it. Jack had seen this when he met his wife. She was promised to someone else and yet had fallen for him. This other person like most casualties of war went missing. He remembered that evening of the worst day of her life; up to that point…

 

The office was cold and the oil fire kept the room bearable; he had been working till late and was still there when he awoke flat out on his desk. It was early and as he rubbed his eyes he saw the time. His work colleagues wouldn't be in until at least another hour or so. Then what had woken him?

Jack looked up to see the vision of a lady he'd grown fond of. Though not much of a looker himself he knew he stood little chance of wooing this catch.

“What's up my dear; what's gone down?”

She walked in looking as if she had seen a ghost; “Got a cigarette?”

“Aye; but you don't smoke.”

“Feel like starting.”

“How about a brandy? I have some kept in my draw for medical purposes. General Hatton gave it to me when I was honoured to give him a lift to Paddington.” He pulled a seat for her to sit down before rushing over and getting the medicine. As he handed her back a glass he could see she was holding one of those standard letters of bad news.

Jack took the letter out of the shaking girl's hands and replaced it with the glass of brandy. He took a look at the bad news and sat down.

“Oh no; it's not your boyfriend?”

“Yes; we were…”

Jack pulled a handkerchief and raced round to comfort her. She reciprocated by clutching hold of him and sobbing. He just held her for what seemed ages until she broke the silence.

“He was on the frontline as the enemy attacked; his unit stood little chance just marching up to the German's.” She looked up at him; “I have no one left Jack, no one at all.”

He remembered the girl scarred and battered, frightened and lost. It took very little for him to say what he said that day; “I'll take care of you my sweet lady. I'll keep you from the shadows and allow you to bask in the light. Nothing will happen to you while I'm around; I promise.”

 

He swallowed back the need to feel like crying. This was stupid! The love of his life had been dead for many, many years and yet he still cried sometimes for her loss.

Jack shook the memories away and addressed the two; “It will be complete on time and once more my congratulations.” He hurried out of there before the Lord of the Manor changed his mind.

 

Jason was manhandled to the edge of the land which was signalled on the main path by two iron gates. He was slammed up against one of them and held as a big man who looked to be the gamekeeper spat in his face.

“Don't ever strike my master again do you hear me?”

“Aye I hear you; though I did it in self defence.” He replied as he felt the moist discharge slide down his face.

“Then this is a present from my master and a reminder of who you are and who he is.” The man took the rifle from off his shoulder and using the butt he rammed it hard into the troublesome man's stomach.

Jason felt the blow and the need to catch his breath but he couldn't as his stomach folded with the blow. He was let go to crumple onto the stony floor and as he laid there another man kicked him in the ribs.

“Don't come back unless you have an invite.” This was deemed funny by the small group of thugs as they kicked stones at the downed man before walking back up the path.

Jack raced down the long pathway towards the group who stopped him.

“Don't worry pop he ain't hurt…much.” The group laughed again as they headed on their way.

“Jason…Jason!” Jack shouted feeling relieved to see the man stumbling around before resting on his knees.

Jason was gasping for air still, though it was getting easier as each minute passed.

Jack got to the lad and helped him to sit upon a small cobbled looking wall.

“Now just take it easy; slow deep breaths will ease the pain.” He pulled out a small flask and felt as little as if he'd said this in the past. “Take a little brandy; for medicinal purposes such as this.”

Jason took the opened flask and took a small swig. If burned but seamed to do a good job of numbing his insides.

“By heck son; you have a way with people. I think you should learn to keep your thoughts inside your noggin.”

“Are feelings not allowed to be expressed in this free country?”

“As gentry informed me; you never show your feelings unless in an intimate embrace of a lover.”

“Rubbish da that is.” Jason felt sick; both for himself and Carrie. He hated gentry and so stated; “Enough of them and their stuck up ways. We can do without them; we can travel and work our way round country.”

Jack patted his son on the back; “If that's what you want to do by all means. But I ain't go'in round with you. I ain't getting any younger and I love my little cottage.” He pulled his son close. “If Miss Clayboure come Patterson is breaking your heart then best stay away. As for me I have a job to do here and I have to do it in two weeks.”

Jason took another swig before his dad took the canister out of his hands.

“That's for medicinal and only one swig per accident.”

“She is getting married then?”

Jack sighed; “Yeah, to Wolfgang; that's why I have to have the job done in two weeks. The engagement is then.” If you could hear a man's heart breaking you would have done so right there and then. It comes in the form of a sigh before the man himself crumbles and gives way to tears.

“But I love her da, so much it hurts.”

Jack held onto his son letting the flask drop into the mud; “I know and it hurts damn well more than a slug to the guts. But we have to move on; we have to keep our eyes on getting the job done.”

“How can I? When she is all I see every waking hour of the day.”

“Because life moves on.” Jack paused as if allowing the seconds to pass would ease what he was trying to explain here; “If the world stopped every time someone lost a loved one, nowt would get done. You lost your grandparents in the last war and still I had to move on. I lost your mother while you were young and if I'd stopped then you would not be with me today. A home they'd put you in and then you'd be cleaning chimneys of something.”

“May be it would have been better than to be sat here mourning the love of my life.”

“Jason, Jason, Jason. You'd be somewhere else mourning the love of a woman if I know my son well enough.” He let go of his own and stood up. “I have to go back and start work. I have been counted lucky enough to be still in employment. Miss Claybourne is not so upset as to be adverse to you work'in alongside me. That's the agreement; no more harassing and just sheer working. Now what do you say?”

Jason stood up wiping the tears from his eyes. Even though his stomach hurt he gave his final say on this matter; “You go on and work for them as for me I'll go and search for work somewhere else thank you father.”

Jack pulled a lopsided grin at his boy; “Aye, I knew you'd say something like that. Think it over and let me know at tea what your final decision would be. But bear this in mind; I'd rather have my boy besides me than a strange labourer who doesn't know how I work.”

 

Jack worked hard for an hour or two till lunch beckoned his body to stop and take a few minutes off. He was a man who hated wasting time; he loathed the days of his secondment to a smelly office during the past war. He hated their strict regimented ritual. In at nine till five and in between stop off for a tea break at ten, lunch from twelve till one and then another tea break at three. He was always criticized for his working through tea breaks and only having half an hour for lunch. The work floor thought him to be odd and a creep. Then again the senior men in their own offices thought him to be aiming for one of their jobs and despised him just as much.

Now Jack was back to being his own boss; he allowed himself as much or little time as possible. He always chose to stop off just the once. When he was in the building game when young he always watched and observed the ones trying to get as much time off. They were always trying to get him to do the same. While the cat's away the mice shall play was a very common saying. He never indulged in that game and either did a band of loyal fellow workers who stuck with him. It showed in the end because when the economy slowed so did the work and his band of merry men he called them worked through; none were lost to unemployment.

It was hard work that got him his cottage and that was where he planned to see out his life. Okay so he had this mansion looking over the countryside from its hilly view point but he didn't mind living in its shadow. Jack had saved and been a saver all his life and soon he if he kept his head down could afford to retire; though in his heart of hearts he knew that he'd carry on and work hard so he could also secure his son's future. So old Jack boy; you'd have to work till he settled down with some lass and made his way.

He loved his son more than life itself; it sounded sentimental but it was true. All father's though how strict, sober or stern loved their sons. Those who said to the contrary in his book were either short up top or just buried their emotions deep down so no other man would see them a vulnerable.

Jack took out his small leather bag and found his lunch all wrapped up in grease paper. He unfolded the paper and saw spam mixed in with a bit of fresh butter from Ivor the local farmer. He was just about to tuck in whilst sitting on the back of his cart when he heard footsteps upon the lose stony floor.

“Ah, I brought you some lunch. I didn't think you'd brought some.”

“If a man forgets his food then he ain't a man.”

“Sorry?” Carrie questioned.

“A way into a man's heart is through his stomach.”

“Then I hope this peace offering will appease you and Jason.”

Jack took a look at the food all posh looking and sweet to the smell. “Nice spread Miss Carrie, though my boy has gone on home; bad stomach and sick of heart.”

“Then please partake of this food and please give Jason a doggy bag full.” She looked into his eyes then added; “I hope he feels better.”

“Oh he'll recover from that beating your father's boys did to him. A swipe to the gut with a butt of a gun sure makes you cough up some stuff. But as for his heart I think you know full well how he feels about you lass.”

Carrie took the tray and kept looking at his feet as she replied; “There is little I can do about that now.”

He reached out and as his rough fingers caught her delicate skin he drew her eyes to his and took a good look at the lie.

“Well there is; if you love my boy like I'm sure you do.”

She caught his concern in those yellowing older eyes and found the courage to reply; “Trust me sir there is nothing I can do. My plans are set and my future sealed. Anyway you full well know that a rich man cannot marry a poor woman or visa versa.”

“Not even for love?”

She drew her chin away from him; “Not even for love sir; it's not enough to get through life.”

“That's your father speaking.”

Carrie threw him a cursory look as she made her reply; “That's because I am his daughter. Please convey my sympathies to your son and my apologies for my father's men and their actions.”

Jack saw her turn in that elegant way she did so well; but he had one more point; “Just one more thing Miss Carrie.”

She turned back; “What is that Mister Jones?”

“Who broke you?”

Like an eye to the soul he had seen something which she hoped to keep to herself.

“I don't quite follow?”

“The Carrie I once knew had such a headstrong spirit. You were always sure of your path and had such a keen vision for the future. Do you remember the time I tried to talk you out of becoming a doctor like Bates.” He smiled as he reminisced those days before she went away. “You were so confident of becoming one that even your father couldn't shake that from you; especially that time you were going to perform an operation on a sick dog.”

“That was a long time ago and I've grown up.”

“Nah that spirit you had lass would never be given up willingly; much like Hercules here. He'd take a lot of beating to break his spirit. So who broke you?”

She felt uncomfortable over this turn in conversation; “I have to go now and be with my father. Good day Mister Jones.”

As she left he sniffed at the salmon sandwiches and looked over to see a shadow of a man looking on. It was the silhouette of Carrie's father.

“Aye; don't think I know who broke your spirit girl and there's more than one who did.”

 

The place was quiet and Jason must have dozed off when he heard someone enter round back.

“Who is it?”

“It's only me! Not a strange pretty gypsy woman coming to give you a bath.” Jack shouted back and laughed as he heard his son's reply.

“Oh.”.

“How's that stomach of yours?”

Jason felt the bruising as he got out of the tin bath and grabbed a large towel.

“Oh I will survive; just don't go asking me to lift too much heavy stuff about like built doors.”

Jack felt the need to smile as he put kettle on stove; “Does that mean you'll coming back to work with me then?”

“Aye da; it does. I figure I will have to live with Carrie's decision and carry on.”

“What makes you think I want you back? I may have hired a strong man who's not in love with the bosses' daughter.”

“Because my father knows me and understands that love for him will overcome the difficulties of up there.” The voice echoed back from off the old oak beams and modern plaster.

“Okay son no worries. The only thing is we won't be up there for couple of days.”

Jason came through in his bath robe with a furrow of the brow; “How come?”

“I plan to get those doors built down here in our workshop. Save messing around up there.”

“So you measured up well then?”

“Oh yes son; remember to measure twice and cut once.”

“Ah that will help me keep a low profile and help calm things down at manor.” He looked at his father who stopped what he was doing and he was staring out of the window.

“What's that you got in bag?” He asked as he tried to jog his father from just staring out at nothing.

Jack watched his memory maize follow the steam of the kettle as it boiled and whistled away. He saw the steam of the train as it headed towards his wife. The look she gave him as he shouted to her to get out of the way. Then again she wasn't looking at him but over his shoulder. The matter was the look; the same look that Miss Carrie had given him.

“The son of a gun; he broke my wife like he's broken Carrie Claybourne.”

Jason reached over and wrapping a cloth over the handle of the kettle he pulled if off the stove.

“Da! What are you talking about?”

The steam faded and so did the horror of watching his wife collide with the fast moving train; “Oh, nothing.”

“Some nothing if you go and leave the kettle boiling and go staring out of window.”

“I was recalling your mother's death.”

Now he understood; “Oh dad I'm sorry about not understanding.”

“No; you don't understand. She's was broken by him.”

“Ma was broken by who?” Jason rubbed his forehead as his beloved wasn't making much sense.

“She was a good woman a kind woman and an attentive lass when she was here. It was only when she went to work for Claybourne that she changed. I always wondered why I had an inner mistrust of that place and now I know why.”

“I've always loved and hated Clayboure. Sin and perfection dwells there together.” Jason replied as he watched his father pull out a bag of sandwiches; posh ones by the look of them

“Carrie wanted you to have these; a peace offering from earlier.”

Jason sniffed at them; “Not poisoned?”

Jack grinned; “She bares you no ill will for what happened.”

It was as if a heavy weight had just been taken off of his heart as he breathed a sigh of relief and felt the tug of pain from his stomach.

“Though she is under the thumb of her father and the look she gave me today as she handed me these sandwiches showed me why.”

Jason felt cold and it wasn't down to being partially damp still; “That Carrie like mum was broken by Claybourne.”

“Yes…yes she has been broken by him and this Wolfgang. Something must have transpired after we left.”

“But how? He was at that dance and there was no sign of Carrie.”

“Well we know he went up to Claybourne last night because Mister Claybourne hinted about knowing about our little bust up in the hall.”

“I must go and find out.” Jason went to move before feeling his father's arm upon his shoulder.

“You can't go up there; Gerald will have his men watching and any sign of you and I think… no I'd hate to think what he might do.”

“You really think he'd have the bottle to beat me up or shoot me?”

“I believe he would do exactly that. It's not for us to stick our noses into.” He held his son's arms. “We cannot afford this to wreck our lives. Just be content that she has a special place in her heart for you.”

“But she will ruin her life and we can't let her do that; not for Claybourne, Peterson or even us.”

“Jason you are not listening to me!” Jack shouted losing his cool; “Carrie has made her decision; good or bad. Now we have to stand by that decision and if it's a wrong one we help her if she comes to us. But and this is a big but; if she has made the right decision and Wolfgang is the right person for her; she will be happy and we have to be happy for her, no matter what you feel.” He poked a finger at his boy's chest; “In there.”

He watched his father move away and continued to put the sandwiches upon a plate.

“Yes, you are right and it will be a hard one not wanting to come to her rescue like one of those damned knights in shining armour she always talked to me about.”

“Just listen to your father for once and less of the cursing as well.”

Jason smiled; “I listened to him last night and he got us almost embroiled in a fight.”

“It just goes to show you one thing don't it.” Jack replied as he put the plate onto the wooden table.

“What be that then?”

“That your father is only human and can make mistakes; like tak'in his son to a dance full of RAF boys.”