A Time To Keep

By Morgan Cheshire

It's 1909, and on leaving the workhouse young lovers Ben and Matthew must find their places in the world. Luck brings jobs and somewhere to live, but their security is short-lived when England begins to prepare for war. Ben can't wait to go to France and fight for his country, and it isn't long before Matthew receives the news he's dreaded. Ineligible for military service Matthew must stay at home, his life disintegrating – until, years later, the arrival of a stranger helps him learn to live for the future again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: satis fiction
• Release date: Nov 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201660987

Book preview

Chapter 1

June 1909

Sixteen-year-old Ben turned to watch the heavy wooden gates of the workhouse yard swing shut behind them; six years of his life left behind. We're free! he exclaimed joyously.

Aye, free to starve if we're not careful, replied the rather more cautious Matthew.

Ben grinned. You don't mean that, he said. As they began walking along the driveway towards the road, one of a group of boys stopped working in the garden to wave to them. Do you think Albie will be all right? asked Ben.

Matthew glanced over. Albie had always been slow to learn, although lately Ben had been helping him with his reading. You've done more for him than the school ever did, he replied. He should be able to get a decent job - maybe gardening at a big house somewhere, since that's what he likes doing.

He'd be a good hard worker, but I hope they'll look after him.

Matthew noticed the caretaker glancing towards them. Mr Carter's looking over, he said. We'd better get moving before we get into trouble.

They watched Albie start work again thinning rows of carrots, and then quickly left the grounds of the workhouse and came out onto the lane.

Which way shall we go? asked Ben.

Church tower's that way, we'll go the other. Matthew glanced back over his shoulder. I don't like leaving Albie behind, though.

He'll be all right, especially if we can find a way to help him.

Matthew sighed. First we have to help ourselves, he reminded his friend.

Come on, grump - we'll be all right, we have each other.

Matthew's smile transformed his face. That we do, he agreed, happily.

*

Danebridge Workhouse and the town were far behind them later when the boys stood on a bridge looking over a low wall at the fast flowing water below. They were still in the salt country of Cheshire, but following the road for most of the day had brought them to a place they were not familiar with; beyond the bridge the road divided, and they had paused to consider which way to go.

Never seen a river this big before, said Ben. You?

Matthew shook his head, remembering the stream that flowed past the cottage where he'd lived as a child; before the workhouse, before he knew Benjamin Evans.

Left or right? asked Ben.

Matthew shrugged. We could just follow the sun.

Westward Ho! quoted Ben enthusiastically.

Matthew grimaced at the reference to the novel the schoolmaster had made them read the previous year. No more books for me, he declared with some firmness.

I'll read to you, said Ben. He looked sideways at his friend. At night, in front of the fire.

Matthew smiled. We might have something better than reading to do.

Ben returned the smile. We might, at that. Come on. He set off towards the fork in the road.

Happy anticipation thrilled through Matthew's body and settled into his groin. Now that they were free there was nothing and no one to prevent him and Ben from loving each other physically, in ways they had been unable to do before, and he was looking forward to enjoying that freedom fully.

*

An hour later Ben stopped at the entrance to a field, and Matthew was glad of the opportunity to lean against the five-barred gate and take the weight off his aching leg. The injury he'd suffered at the beginning of the year had taken a long time to heal, but even though he did now have a limp he could at least walk - and keep up with Ben - and he was thankful for that.

Ben rested his arms on the gate, staring across the ripening wheat-field. We could stop here for the night, it's not going to rain. What do you think?

Should be all right, agreed Matthew, straightening up.

Ben opened the gate and they walked along the edge of the field to where the hedge turned sharply, making a sheltered corner. Won't be seen here. It was as good a place as any to settle for the night, and better than some. They pulled down some tall plants to cushion the ground before sitting down, Matthew dropping awkwardly beside Ben and leaning forward to massage his lower leg and ankle.

Here. Ben had opened his bag and produced a parcel in brown paper, which Matthew unwrapped to reveal a meat pie.

Where did you get this?

Ben smiled and helped himself to a slice. Ivy, in the kitchen.

Did you ask?

No, she offered.

And what did you have to pay for it?

A kiss, but it didn't mean anything - at least, not to me. I'd rather kiss you any day. He reached out to turn Matthew's face towards him. You do believe me?

Yes, I know you mean it ... for now, anyway.

I'll always mean it.

Matthew sighed. He'd often wondered if Ben was aware of how attractive he was, and the effect his gentle poet's face and blue eyes had on other people - especially women. Ben, however, seemed oblivious, and unaware of the potential for misunderstandings.

We'll be meeting a lot of new people, who knows what ... ?

"I said, 'I'll always mean it'. Ben pushed Matthew onto his back in the soft greenery and rolled towards him, the length of his body pressed close so that Matthew was left in no doubt about his reaction. You see, this is what you do to me." He reached up to clasp the back of Matthew's head, threading his fingers through the tangled dark hair.

And now we can do something about it, he whispered, pulling Matthew closer to kiss him.

Without breaking the kiss Matthew manoeuvred Ben onto his back and stared down at him, Only if you're sure.

Ben began to unbuckle Matthew's belt. Oh, I'm sure. We've waited for this long enough.

*

Matthew woke with the sun in his eyes, Ben half-across him; he was not quite snoring, it was more of a snuffle. Stroking the soft mouse- brown hair, Matthew was careful not to wake him. Back in the workhouse this was all he'd been able to do to comfort and show affection to his friend, but now they were both sixteen and - as long as they kept it secret - free to express their feelings for each other in any way they chose.

Ben stirred slightly against him and slowly woke up. Wasn't a dream, he said, sleepily.

No.

Ben's long sigh made Matthew smile. Yesterday was a holiday.

Yes.

Ben sat up. Now we have to be serious. We need to look for work.

There's some pie left for breakfast, but after that we'll have to find some food somewhere.

We'll be all right. But after this, Ben was silent for such a long time that in the end Matthew asked him what he was thinking about. The salt works. I don't think I could do that.

The Danebridge Salt Works, the biggest local employer, was where most of the other boys who had left the workhouse ended up, and they both hated the idea. There had to be a pleasanter way of earning a living than that.

You'll never have to. I promise. We'll find something better.

If you say so. Fondly, Ben finger-combed Matthew's hair. So where's this breakfast, then?

*

Later the same day they were able to get casual work on a local farm, and after that the summer passed in a procession of similar short-term jobs; strawberry and raspberry picking, gooseberries and blackcurrants.

They helped to harvest peas and potatoes, filled a coal cellar, and on one memorable day they looked after three children. The mother had been sent for by her sister who was unwell, and her neighbour was away visiting, so she was desperate for help and decided to trust the two boys who had been chopping firewood for her. That had been like a holiday for them; Matthew - who was used to youngsters - devised games, and Ben told the children stories. The mother returned before dark, and that night they slept in the empty stable before setting off the next day after a breakfast of fried eggs, bread and butter, with the children waving until they were out of sight.

The arrival of September made little difference to their life except that there was top fruit to pick - plums, damsons, apples and pears - and logs to saw ready for winter firing. The nights were cooler, and some nights they slept rough; other times they were lucky to find shelter in a barn or abandoned farm building, but they both knew winter was only a matter of weeks away.

*

I'm getting tired, said Ben. Let's stop. We can sit over here for a minute.

Matthew did not argue; he knew Ben had stopped because of him, because his limp was getting worse.

I think it's time we began asking about proper jobs, Ben said, when Matthew was settled. Permanent ones, I mean.

Matthew shrugged. I don't know. Asking's one thing, getting's another.

But asking doesn't hurt, though. Why don't we try the next place we come to?

Shortly after that Matthew struggled to his feet. Best keep moving, then, he said.

*

The next place they came to was a single cottage set back from the road. In the garden an elderly woman was attempting to tie up some straggling Michaelmas Daisies, but the string kept slipping out of her hands.

Ben leaned over the gate. Excuse me, ma'am. Can we help?

She looked up in surprise, hesitated for a second, and then nodded. Come in.

Under her supervision, Matthew and Ben tied up the purple flowers to her satisfaction.

I don't know what's wrong with me today, she said. I can usually manage perfectly well.

Ben smiled at her. Well, never mind, it's all done now.

Thank you. She looked them over again. Have you lads walked a long way?

Long enough, replied Ben. We've been picking up work here and there, but what we really need is something permanent.

Yes, it's the wrong time of year for casual work. Would you like a glass of milk?

Thank you, ma'am.

She went into the cottage and they sat together on the bench beside the front door.

She reminds me of Grandy, said Ben.

Matthew smiled. I wish I could have met your grandmother; from what you've told me I'm sure she'd have had plenty to say about you.

The woman came back carrying a tray with two glasses of milk and two slices of fruit cake on it.

Thank you, said Ben, taking it from her.

There's a farm further down the lane, she said. Spencer's Farm. I know one of their men has left, so you could ask there for work. Tell Mr Spencer Mrs Reynolds sent you.

Ben glanced at Matthew. Thank you very much.

Just leave the tray on the bench when you've finished.

Yes ma'am, and thank you again.

When she had gone in Ben could hardly sit still. It's a chance, Matt.

Matthew nodded, and bit into his fruit cake.

*

It wasn't too much further to the farm, where the yard gate opened onto the lane. A path ran through a tidy garden to the front door of the farmhouse.

Ready? asked Ben.

Matthew nodded and unlatched the wide gate to the yard. A dog began to bark, but he was tied up beside a kennel and no threat to them.

Quiet! Ben and Matthew turned to face the man, who must have come out of the barn. What do you want? We don't give to beggars!

Ben straightened up. Are you Mr Spencer? We're looking for work. Mrs Reynolds sent us.

The man looked them up and down. I'll tell the boss, he said, and went back into the barn.

A minute or so later an older man came out. He was tall and stern-looking, with grey hair and faded blue eyes. What's all this?

We're looking for work, sir, said Ben. Mrs Reynolds said you might have a place.

Oh yes? And how do you know Edie Reynolds?

We only met her today, was the reply. She needed help tying up some flowers and we were passing the house.

Not much of an explanation. Spencer took a breath. Come over by the house out of the way. They walked a few paces together, and then he stopped and looked at them speculatively. So, what can you do?

We're strong, said Ben, and we learn quick. We know about growing vegetables.

It didn't sound like much, even to Matthew.

It's a general labourer I need. You'd fit the bill, but I only need one.

We'd like to stay together if we can.

Spencer shook his head. Can't afford to hire two, he said regretfully. I can give you twelve shillings a week to start with.

Take it, urged Matthew. It's twelve shillings we don't have now.

No, not without you. He turned back to the farmer. Sir?

Spencer shook his head again. Sorry.

Thank you for the offer, said Ben. But I think we'll be on our way.

Arthur? called a woman from within the house.

Aye, what is it?

Ask them to wait, will you, I'm just making up some bread and cheese.

Spencer looked at the two lads and sighed. She'll have me in the workhouse, she will. Get your food, then, and take it with you.

Yes, sir.

Spencer went back to the barn, and a few minutes later his wife came out with a parcel tied up with string.

There you are. I hope you find something soon.

Thank you, ma'am.

They closed the yard gate behind them and began walking away from Spencer's Farm.

There's other places, said Ben. There'll be other jobs. And at least we can eat today.

*

A short time after that they came to a bridge over a canal and went down onto the towpath. Beyond the bridge to the south they could see a pair of lock gates and two cottages.

Here. Ben scrambled into the undergrowth bordering the path and began taking fruit from a bramble bush, testing its ripeness by eating the first handful. Give me your hat to put them in.

Can't you use your own? Matthew grumbled, but handed it over anyway.

Leaving Ben to pick blackberries he found a clear spot on a grassy slope that led up to a field and sat down, glad of a chance to rest. He loosened his boots, pushed his hair back out of his eyes and rummaged in his bag for the packet of sandwiches Mrs Spencer had given them at the farm. They could have one each now and save the rest for later.

Ben was still fighting the bramble, but Matthew was more interested in eating. Come and sit down, we might as well have a sandwich now that we've stopped.

Disentangling himself from the briar, Ben was careful not to lose any of the fruit. Not a bad haul, he said as he sat down beside Matthew, who had divided up the sandwiches and handed one to Ben before re-wrapping the remainder and returning them to the bag. We'll be glad of these later.

I suppose you're right, you usually are; good job I found us something for pudding. Ben bit into his sandwich appreciatively.

The autumn sun was warm enough to make resting on the bank a pleasure. Listening to the birds squabbling in the hedgerow above them and the sound of children's voices from around the bend in the canal, Matthew lay back and closed his eyes.

Ben, restless as always, stood up. I'll go and check in the field, he announced. There could be mushrooms. We could have them for our tea.

Matthew opened his eyes. Be careful.

I'm only looking for mushrooms, said Ben. He scrambled up the bank to find a way into the field.

Matthew wriggled into a more comfortable position, relaxed, and settled down to doze.

*

Lizzie! The shriek of alarm startled Matthew fully awake. Lizzie!

He got to his feet awkwardly and stumbled towards the voice.

*

Chapter 2

Rounding the bend, Matthew realised that the cry had come from a child standing on the towpath; then he noticed a disturbance in the water and tried to run faster. As he reached the child's side he dropped to the ground to pull off his boots. What happened?

We made a raft, she hiccupped. Lizzie was testing it. She pointed to the mass of broken leaves where something had gone into the canal.

Matthew lowered himself over the side and began to wade out to where a little girl was struggling, flailing her arms and kicking as she tried to keep her head above the surface. Matthew, who had never learned to swim, fought down panic as the water got deeper and deeper; by the time he was able to catch the girl, the level of the water had reached his chest.

It's all right, he said, I've got you. You're safe now. He put his arm around her but she struggled even more. Hold off fighting, you'll have me in as well!

Turning towards the bank, he was thrown off balance when his foot caught in the weeds. Lizzie squirmed and squealed in his grasp as he stumbled.

Be still, damn it!

Ben skidded to a halt beside them as they reached the bank, knelt down and held out his hands. Give her to me.

Unceremoniously Matthew heaved the child up into Ben's arms, but before he could haul himself out of the water pain knifed into his ankle and he sank back, overbalancing into the canal and vanishing beneath the surface.

Ben, who had been concentrating on wrapping his coat around the shivering Lizzie, turned back in alarm at a piercing scream from the other child and was just in time to see Matthew reappearing, spitting out a mouthful of canal water.

Are you all right? he called, knowing it was a stupid question even

as he asked it.

No, I'm bloody not, you idiot! was the exasperated response. Give us a hand out of here, will you?

Pushing Lizzie towards her friend, Ben reached down to haul Matthew out of the water and onto the towpath where he slumped, exhausted. In exasperation Ben turned to the two howling children. Where do you two live? he demanded, curtly.

She's staying with her granny at Spencer's Farm, said the first child. She's Lizzie Spencer, I'm Peggy Watson and I live at Hollybush Cottage.

Which one's nearest?

The farm. It's just over there. Peggy pointed towards the lane down which they had walked earlier.

I know! He looked to Matthew, who was pulling on his boots again. The place where they gave us the sandwiches!

You go on ahead, said Matthew. Take the children. I'll catch up with you.

Right. Ben hoisted Lizzie into his arms. Peggy, you lead the way. And they were off up the lane before Matthew had even had time to tie his bootlaces.

Watching them go, Matthew picked up his coat and slung it around his shoulders, then went back to rescue his bag and hurried after Ben, pain jarring through his ankle with every step.

*

Up here. Peggy caught hold of Ben's arm and steered him towards the lane. It's just up here.

I think we've already met your granny, Ben said to Lizzie as they reached the farm gateway. She was very kind to us. She'll be glad to know you're safe.

Peggy ran ahead to the house, calling out to Mrs Spencer as she went, and Ben followed with Lizzie. Hearing the commotion, Mrs Spencer pulled open the kitchen door and came out to meet them.

Whatever's happened? she asked, anxiously. Is Lizzie hurt?

She fell in't canal! exclaimed Peggy, before Ben could speak. T'other man pulled her out and he got all wet!

Mrs Spencer was quick to react. Take her in and put her in the chair by the fire, she told Ben, taking command of the situation. Peggy, run home now and tell your mother to send the doctor to us. Can you do that?

Yes, Mrs Spencer.

Off you go then and don't forget, we don't want Lizzie taking pneumonia. Peggy ran off, and Mrs Spencer stepped back inside the house. Where's your friend? she asked Ben.

He was following us up the lane. He'll be here in a moment.

You go and wait for him outside, then. Alice, go and fetch Mr Spencer, then get back here as quick as you can.

The young woman she had spoken to, who had been chopping up vegetables in the kitchen, flew out of the door and across the yard out of sight.

*

As Ben left the house, Matthew was just coming in through the farm gate. He slumped onto a bench set on paving in front of the kitchen window in full sunshine, his ankle throbbing in time with