Fic: Troubled Times chapter 27

[emeraldreeve.livejournal.com]

Title: Troubled Times
Chapter 27
Author: Emerald
Beta : jestana and windysame Thank you very much! I greatly appreciate your work and advice!
Inspiration and Encourager: ironicbees
Rating: Mature.
Disclaimer: Wooster and Jeeves belong to Wodehouse.
Summary: The story deals with the time before, during, and after WWII.
A/N:October 1940

The next part of Interlude with Heffie and Wright is here:

emeraldreeve.livejournal.com/4058.html#cutid1

 

 

 

The second week of October began with good news. Shortly before dinner, Mr. Heflner visited. He greeted me with his joyful report as soon as I had opened the door, and he had stepped inside.

 

He said, “I have to wait for some results to come in, but the physician said that he could hear both my lungs, and they're working as they should. Isn't that wonderful?”

 

“Certainly, sir. However, there are those that would feel it would have been better to leave matters as they were.”

 

He beamed up at me and said, “Rather, because now I'm going to be shot at again and likely killed, and I'll have to do things I hate and that give me nightmares, but if I get to be with Wright then all is fine with me. And if they won't let me go with Wright, surely they'll agree to me being with Bertie. Either way, I win.”

 

He took an envelope from a pocket and said, “Wright said you would help me, but you'd need this. It's an official copy of certification that I qualify for duty from the physician. He cleared me as he is certain that my test results will be fine.”

 

Mr. Heflner sighed now. “If those results don't come back good, I'll find myself slapped down with restrictions again. At least this time I'll remember being given them. Still, I'm going to fight to serve for as long as I can.”

 

“I will aid you all I can, sir.”

 

“Thank you, Jeeves.”

 

“You need to be prepared to leave for London on short notice. My friend, who will help me with this matter, will get you an appointment with an influential military physician. He will be working you into his busy schedule, and you will need to be able to be there when he can give you the time.”

 

“I'll be ready. And Jeeves, Wright and I are going to have a gentleman's agreement. He wants to ask you something about that. We set a date for exactly one month from now.”

 

“Congratulations, sir. I am glad to hear it.”

 

Then, for our friendship's sake, I met his eyes and said, “I am truly happy that you have found love again.”

 

“Thank you, Jeeves. You're a good friend!”

 

As Mr. Heflner shared the news with Mr. Wooster, I went and made a few telephone calls. After I had finished talking with Erlin, I hung up the telephone with a sigh. I felt as if I was sending Mr. Heflner into battle.

 

**********************************************

 

Later that afternoon while Mr. Heflner and Mr. Wooster were in town playing golf with Mr. Little, Wright came by. We sat together and talked for a short time. He said, “Mr. Heflner has agreed to a gentleman's agreement. Will you stand at my side during the ceremony?”

 

“I would be honoured to.”

 

“Thank you! My Dad is going to serve as a justice.”

 

“So your parents know. How did they take it?”

 

“Well, Mum cried. That's actually not so bad as she has cried every time one of us has announced an engagement. The only difference with me is that it was not just happiness that brought tears. It was also from fear that I will pay for my love by being sent to jail. But they are supportive and my brothers are, too. So I am very fortunate, and I know it.”

 

“You are indeed. Will your brothers be there for the ceremony?”

 

“Yes, and Dave's and George's wife. I haven't decided about Charlie's wife. She is very sweet, but her parents were missionaries for many long years. Charlie intends to sound her out on the matter first.”

 

“That is a good idea.”

 

“I have something I wish to give you.” I stood up and went to a cabinet where I had hidden two long envelopes, one sealed, the other not. I brought both to him and before sitting down again, I gave them to him.

 

I said, “These are false identity papers and documents, in case you and Mr. Heflner need to get out of the country quickly at any time. You will found two fake ID discs that match the false papers inside, too. There is also a note in the unsealed envelope with the name, address, and phone number of a physician in London, who is most discreet and has been known to help those who have a reason to hide from a certain law.

 

“The second envelope I give to you with my trust in you attached to it. Do not open it unless the day comes when you and Mr. Heflner must indeed flee. It contains the name and contact information of a man who can get you both out of England quickly. He will not ask for real names, and it is possible that you would never need to use the false papers. His price is high, or so I have been told. Naturally he wants his name known to as few people as possible.”

 

“I understand. I will not open the envelope unless forced to by circumstances. Thank you very much!”

 

“You are welcome. Let us hope that you never have to use either envelope.”

 

*****************************************************

 

When Mr. Wooster came home that afternoon, he was overflowing with happiness. He came into the kitchen and took a seat at the table. He said, “Did you see Wright today?”

 

“Yes, sir, and to answer your unspoken question; he did ask me to stand at his side, and I agreed. I take it that Mr. Heflner requested the same of you?”

 

“Rather, and of course I said yes. Bingo was with us most of the day. I was a bit worried about Heffie. He's so happy these days that just before we met up with Bingo, I started thinking what a shame it would be to have to warn him to be less full of joy. After all the sorrow, the old master didn't want to have to throw water on the sunshine. But I shouldn't have worried. He did a remarkable job of putting on the old mask. He and I pushed off the bus in the usual spot and chatted on the way home.”

 

Having placed the first course on the table, I took a seat. I stated, “Wright's family is truly going to accept his relationship with Mr. Heflner. He is very fortunate.”

 

“Rather. Heffie says that Albie would probably rather have him serve a few in the jug than find love with another cove. He thinks his own brother might actually turn him in. That's hard, Jeeves. Dashed rummy, it is. You've never met Albie, have you?”

 

“I have never had the pleasure, sir.”

 

“You might not think it a pleasure, old chap. He's very different from Heffie. I've only visited with him a few times when he came by to see Heffie. He does care for Heffie, as he always comes up from the metrop. on the anniversary of Emily and Edward's funeral. He spends a couple of hours with Heffie and then goes to their grave and puts flowers on it.”

 

“He does not sound unpleasant. What is it that gives you a bad impression of him, if I may ask?”

 

“Well...” Mr. Wooster sat down his spoon and took a deep breath. “I don't like the way the chap speaks to Wright, but there's no point in asking how he talks. The Wooster lemon can't put the needle on it. He's told Heffie that he's grateful to Wright, but there's something... it's not conden... what's that word, old chap, that starts with a c and means to look down on?”

 

“I believe you are searching for condescending, which means to display an attitude of superiority.”

 

“That's the one. Thank you, Jeeves. It's not that his tone is condescending, it's more like it's his opinion that he believes Wright must be a dimwit, or he'd be back working with his father. And the man's attitude toward Heffie isn't much better. There's either a hint of criticism in the voice or a 'you should listen to your older brother,' suggestion in the tone whenever he speaks to Heffie. I had to bite the Wooster tongue more than once to keep from reminding him that Heffie is the oldest.”

 

Mr. Wooster picked up his spoon, only to drop it again. “I've seen Wright and his brothers together, and they never use that tone on each other.”

 

“They have had their disagreements, as you know. Does Mr. Heflner object to his brother's manner?”

 

Mr. Wooster hesitated. “Well, what Heffie feels and what he admits to feeling is two different matters. He doesn't like to say anything bad about Albie. I don't think he's offended by his brother's attitude toward him, though.”

 

My employer said no more, and I did not ask, understanding what was not spoken from Mr. Wooster's choice of words. Mr. Heflner had no objection to his brother's attitude when it was directed at him. Wright, however, was a different matter. Mr. Heflner might have complained to Mr. Wooster, probably after Wright had told him not to have an argument with his brother over a servant.

 

I asked, “How does Mr. Albert Heflner address you, sir?”

 

Mr. Wooster considered the question for a moment and then said, “Cautiously friendly. Yes, I think that's the best way to describe it. His view seems to be that all people must be approached with caution, but he's not unfriendly about it.”

 

After the second course had been set upon the table, and I had re-joined Mr. Wooster, I said, “I gave Wright the documents he will need, if he and Mr. Heflner ever have to leave the country quickly. Do you remember where all of your important papers are?”

 

Mr. Wooster laughed. “There's something in the Jeeves' lemon that keeps tract and every three months it tells you to ask the old master if he has managed to retain the information you've so patiently had him repeat many times over.

 

“Right-ho then. My correct papers including birth cert. and such are in the brown bag; on the shelf above the hat rack by the door. If we are bombed or have to leave the house in a hurry for any reason, I'm to grab the bag and gas mask box, and push off. I'm not to get sentimental about anything else. Just the b. and b.; nothing more. You were very clear about that.”

 

“You are correct, so far, sir.” As Mr. Wooster paused to eat some more, my mind went to my additions to his papers. Mrs. Travers had, upon my request, managed to find a small picture of his parents. I had located a light frame to put it in and wrapping it in two handkerchiefs had placed it in the bottom of his bag. I had also put a small picture of myself into it. In order to make my reasoning look innocent, I had enclosed it in an envelope along with pertinent information about myself that an employer might need in a time of crisis.

 

He continued, “Yours are in the same place, only it's a black bag. Box with false docs. and other thingummys that could get one time in the chokey are in your room in the little hidden cubbyhole in the back of the bottom shelf, same bureau. Has to be pressed in a way that puts the uttermost strain on the wrigglers in order to get it opened. Probably would help if I could stand upside down while opening c. So how did I do?”

 

“Perfectly, sir. If you would like, I will show you again the trick to opening the cabinet.”

 

“Might as well, but I maintain that fingers were not meant to stretch so far and push at the same time.”

 

I smiled. “It was meant to be difficult, so it could not be discovered easily. You need to be able to know how to open it quickly, however.”

 

Despite Mr. Wooster's complaints, I had practised with him before and knew he could open the secret compartment speedily enough.

 

It was not until dessert was served that I brought up the matter troubling me. I said, “Do you remember Erlin, sir?”

 

“Tall cove, brown hair and eyes. You're quite chummy with him.”

 

“Yes, sir. His employer is the one that will be obtaining an appointment with a military physician for Mr. Heflner.”

 

“Do I detect a bit of I'd rather soak the head than do this, old chap?”

 

“Perhaps there is some reluctance on my part, sir.”

 

“Because it means that Heffie might actually be called to serve?”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Mr. Wooster sighed. “It's rummy, I know. I've tossed it about the Wooster onion myself. The notion of Heffie seeing battle again doesn't sit well with the old master. It isn't you sending him into conflict, though, old chap. Hitler already did that for you. I know you're probably thinking that if you didn't help Heffie, he might have to stay home, but he'd fight the restrictions once he knew about them, anyway. He hates war, but he does feel it's his duty to serve.

 

“No matter what might happen, you should help Heffie. Being left while Wright goes off to war would about break him and if his valet was killed... They might as well bury him with Wright. He says he can't go through it twice, and I'm inclined to believe him.

 

“The nub of it is that you didn't bring this bad show upon us. All anyone can do now is deal with what we've been given. What's that saying of Shakespeare's? Something about fates imposing and men's clunkers?”

 

“ 'What fates impose, that men must needs abide; It boots not to resist both wind and tide'.”

 

“That's the one. Best to help him and let him go. That's a far better course to take than to have him stay here, and Wright be killed in battle, leaving Heffie to wonder if the man would have survived if he had been there. He's lost one good friend to war while he was at home. He'd rather not repeat history. Besides, Heffie needs to be with Wright. You're giving him a chance to do so.

 

“Lastly...” Mr. Wooster waved his fork in the air, “you and I and Wright tend to be protective toward Heffie, but...”

 

My employer sighed, and his voice lowered, “... he's entitled to serve, too, if he is fit. It's not for us to take that from him.”

 

“I am sorry, sir, to ask you this, but could you send him into the service if Wright had to go and you knew that he could be with his valet? You do not have to answer.”

 

Mr. Wooster's eyes filled with sorrow, but he held my gaze as he answered, “I've already fought this one because of being made his commander in the Guard. Yes, Jeeves, I would, since he feels the obligation to Ol' Blighty as strongly as I do, and because I don't want him to have to endure again what he went through when Emily died. He would far rather be killed and buried next to Wright and I... when I think of how I'd feel if I lost you... I understand. I...”

 

Mr. Wooster was looking down now, and his voice first caught then halted. Wishing I had never asked such a difficult question, I went to his side. He stood and quickly came into my arms. He said in a choked voice, “Heffie should be given a chance to serve at Wright's side.”

 

I discerned then that we were not truly discussing Mr. Heflner and Wright; my employer felt he was fighting for his friend, but he also saw himself in the situation and how he would feel in the same circumstances. And with that realisation came the certainty that whatever happened in the future, I was doing the best thing I could possibly do for Mr. Heflner. I would hate it, if something prevented me from serving at Mr. Wooster's side. I would feel just as strongly about it as he did.

 

I held him tightly and said, “I am sorry!”

 

At the same time, he said, “Dashed sorry, love! Here I'm trying to comfort you and instead I get watery on you.”

 

“You have comforted me. I understand that you feel that anything that could happen would not be as bad to Mr. Heflner as having to be parted from Wright would be. I will do my best to keep us together, too. I wish I could promise you that we will be able to stay together, but I can not. Know always, though, that you not only have my heart; you are my heart. I love you dearly.”

 

“I love you, too. Now I've interrupted your meal.”

 

“My fault for bringing up a distressing subject.”

 

******************************************************

 

The letter from Mr. Winship arrived a week later. Mr. Wooster was eating his breakfast, and I had left the room to prepare his bath. I knew something was wrong the instance I returned to the room. His entire body was held in a defeated slump. I went to his side, removed his tray, and took the missive from his fingers.

 

I glanced over what Mr. Winship had written. He was well and assured Mr. Wooster that he was always in a safe place when London was bombed. It was his next words that had distressed my employer. The Drones Club had been bombed. It was still standing, but there was no longer a roof over the pool. No one had been in the building at the time of the bombing.

 

I placed the letter on the stand by the bed and sat down next to Mr. Wooster. Taking him into my arms, I said, “I am so sorry, love.”

 

He held himself stiff, and I knew it was in an effort to hold back tears. “Go ahead, if you need to, Bertie.”

 

He shook his head. “No. If I start now, how will I ever make it through the war? Because it's going to get worse before it gets better. And no one was hurt. It's only a building.”

 

Mr. Wooster's voice broke over his last words, and I pulled him down onto the bed with me. “Then at least rest in my arms until the pain has eased a little.”

 

His head burrowed into my shoulder and nothing was said between us for a time. An occasional tremble ran through his body. I held him tightly and rubbed his back.

 

Some time later, he said quietly, “I won't let them make me hate, Jeeves. No matter what they do, I won't hate.”

 

I continued to massage his back. I replied, “That is a good policy, sir. There is no point in hate. It does not harm them, but it damages the heart that holds it.”

 

Despite my words, I was not certain that I would be able to follow my own advice. I loved London, and I thought hate for those that harmed the city might come far too easily.

 

Mr. Wooster sighed. “You're right, old chap. Still it's dashed hard.”

 

“I know, love.”

 

He said, “When I knew we might biff off from London, I started walking around and memorising all the places I love. I told myself that I needed to remember for my writing's sake, but I knew I was saying good-bye. I didn't think about what might happen to the metrop., though. Because there was no point crossing that bridge until we got to it. Now here we are.”

 

“We all have things we tell ourselves to help us endure.”

 

Mr. Wooster looked at me quizzically, and I said, “I tell myself that the flat is no longer ours. I should not worry about it. This cottage is my home. I have lived without the Junior Ganymede Club. I will be fine, no matter what happens.”

 

His eyes filled with compassionate understanding. “I said that about the Drones, too, but it still hurts like the dickens.”

 

I nodded.

 

“Well, there's nothing for it but to be glad that no one was at the Drones at the time. And brace up and bear it.”

 

Later that night, as we rested in each other's arms, we talked about our memories of London. He fell asleep in my embrace, and I placed one hand over his heart. I recalled the anguish in his voice as he had spoken of the city he loved and the way he had struggled to hold back the grief as he talked about the Drones Club. I could hate, I thought. I could easily hate anyone or anything that caused him such misery.

 

*************************************************************

 

Mr. Little called early the next afternoon. His face held the same sorrowful, resigned expression that I had seen on Mr. Wooster's countenance the previous day.

 

The two discussed the Drones for some time before Mr. Little said, “I wrote Rosie and asked her to let me find a place in London. Ginger says they need ambulance drivers. I haven't mailed the letter, though. If you want me to stay here, Bertie, I will.”

 

“Bunny about it with Rosie and then decide, old chap. You're needed at the factory, but it's a fact that we probably won't see action there. I'd hate to see you biff off, especially to the metrop., but Ginger is there. I can't keep all my friends in safe places.”

 

Mr. Little was silent for a moment. Then he said, “Heffie always causes me to think. I tell myself that Rosie wouldn't take it so hard if something happened to me; that she wouldn't grieve as he did over Emily. Still, I wouldn't wish something even half as difficult on my wife. I know I rush ahead in the exercises, sometimes. I'm trying to remember not to do that.”

 

“You've been doing jolly well lately.”

 

Mr. Little smiled. “I have you to thank for that, Bertie. Putting me with Roy so much helps. He's always so calm. His whole manner says, 'this is war now, boys, best be serious'. His attitude has a sobering effect on a chap.”

 

Mr. Wooster said, “I'm aware that the section isn't going to stay together for the duration of the war. Oscar and Wright are both in their thirties, and it's likely that they'll receive papers before too long.”

 

They talked for some time, but I returned to my tasks and did not hear more of the conversation.

 

***************************

 

I was getting our uniforms ready for our return to the factory the next day when the telephone rang. After speaking with Erlin for a few minutes, I hung up and called Wright.

 

“Mr. Heflner's residence. Wright speaking. May I help you?”

 

“This is Jeeves.”

 

“What can I do for you, Reg?”

 

“Could you get Mr. Heflner to London by Tuesday at three-thirty?”

 

“Yes, that is possible, if Mr. Wooster allows us leave from the factory.”

 

“He will.” I gave him the name and location of the physician and said, “Mr. Wooster will not be expecting either of you at the factory this week. You may need to stay in London several days, as Dr. Bridgeman might wish Mr. Heflner to come back in after the test results return.

 

“Also the friend that is aiding me has given me permission to share his name and information. His name is Joseph Erlin. His master works for the SSI, however, you are safe with Erlin. If you understand me?”

 

“I do.”

 

I gave him Erlin's phone number and address and added, “His employer, Mr. Margesson is a kind man and will not be annoyed should you need Erlin at an inconvenient time. If you have trouble finding a safe place to stay or whatever you require, Erlin would be glad to help you. I hope, in fact, that you get a chance to meet him.”

 

“I will certainly do my best to meet him. I would like to give him my thanks in person.”

 

“I know I do not need to tell you to keep Mr. Heflner safe, but be sure to stay safe yourself.”

 

“I will. Tell Mr. Wooster not to worry, please. I have every intention of bringing Mr. Heflner back safe and sound.”

 

Wright thanked me several times before we said our farewells. I knew that for both of us, Mr. Heflner's efforts were a double-edged sword. Neither of us wished for his employer to experience battle again. After my conversation with Mr. Wooster, I had found peace with my decisions, however. No matter what the years ahead had in store, I felt I had made the best choices possible under the circumstances.

 

*****************************************************

 

We were only at the factory for two days that week, as Chandler was sending my employer to a weekend school for the Home Guard. His plan was that Mr. Wooster would return and teach his section what he had been taught.

 

It was a difficult parting for me when he left late Friday afternoon, as I was anxious for his welfare. Accidents during training were far too commonplace for my liking. He assured me that he would be careful, but I knew that I would not be happy until he was home again.

 

Mr. Wooster had been gone for less than an hour when the telephone rang. Upon my answering, Mrs. Gregson said, “Bring Bertie to the phone.”

 

“I regret that I can not do so, madam. Mr. Wooster has just departed for weekend training for the Home Guard.”

 

My reply earned me a second of silence and then she said, “Really? Dahlia told me he was in the Guard, but I hardly expected him to take it seriously. When does he come home?”

 

For a moment, I considered being dishonest but realised that there was little point in doing so as I did not know her intentions yet. “He will arrive home Sunday afternoon around four.”

 

“I'll come by then. Good-bye.”

 

After I had set the receiver in its place, I stood there planning my next steps.