Day Will Come by Beryl Matthews Read Free Book Online Page A

that.’
    ‘Would you like a beer to go with that, Dan?’ Ted asked.
    ‘I would, thank you.’
    The stew was delicious, and the dumplings light and fluffy. Grace hadn’t realised how hungry she was. Dan obviously felt the same because he had two large helpings.
    ‘That’s the best meal I’ve had in ages, Jean. Thank you very much.’
    ‘I’m pleased you enjoyed it after your busy day.’ She smiled at her daughter. ‘I know Grace is always ready for her dinner in the evenings. You look very nice in that outfit, darling. It suits her, doesn’t it, Dan?’
    Grace nearly choked on a mouthful of tea, and she could sense Dan trying to control his laughter. Her mother had no intention of giving up, though.
    ‘She was such a tomboy as a child, always climbing trees and getting into mischief. Helen, her friend, was the same, but they had to smarten up when they started work.’
    ‘Ah, I nearly forgot,’ her father said before Dan could answer. ‘Helen left a message for you, Grace. She said to tell you that she’s had the letter she was waiting for, and has an appointment tomorrow at the War Office.’
    ‘Did she say what time and who with?’
    ‘Ten o’clock with a Mr Graham, I believe.’
    Grace frowned, and looked at Dan. ‘I haven’t heard of anyone by that name, have you?’
    ‘Not that I can recall.’
    ‘I expect they are interested in her fluent French,’ hermother said. ‘They probably want her to be an interpreter – or something.’
    ‘Most likely. I’ll try and catch her when she arrives.’
    ‘Is your friend French?’ Dan asked.
    ‘Her grandmother is. They speak French nearly all the time.’
    ‘Grace talks to Helen in that language sometimes,’ Jean told Dan proudly. ‘They chatter away and no one can understand what they are saying. They were little devils as children.’
    ‘Grace speaks German, as well,’ her father added.
    ‘Oh, Dad! I’m not very good.’
    ‘I wouldn’t know, dear. It’s all foreign to me,’ Jean said and chuckled when they all laughed at the joke.
    Dan stood up. ‘I must be on my way. Thank you for your hospitality, and an excellent meal, Jean.’
    When Grace returned to the kitchen after seeing Dan out, her mother was smiling happily. ‘What a charming boy. Such lovely manners.’
    ‘Boy! Mum, that’s a full-grown, tough man!’
    ‘Anyone from thirty down is a boy to us, dear. Remember we had you late in life, so we’re getting on in years. The water’s hot, so have a quick bath and get some sleep. You must be tired out. Leave those clothes out and I’ll wash them for you.’
    Grace kissed her parents goodnight and went up to the bathroom. What a day it had been!

Chapter Six
    At seven o’clock the next morning, Dan went along to his uncle’s office, knowing he would already be there.
    ‘Morning, Dan. Finished running around, have you?’
    ‘For the moment.’ He pulled up a chair and sat down. ‘Do you know a Mr Graham who works here?’
    ‘Can’t place him. Why do you want to know?’
    Dan explained about Grace’s friend.
    ‘Interesting.’ The colonel took a large sheet of paper out of his desk drawer and studied it for a while. ‘This is a floor plan of all the offices and who occupies them. I can’t see anyone by that name.’
    ‘Perhaps he’s a new arrival.’
    ‘Must be.’ George pursed his lips. ‘A French grandmother, you said?’
    Dan nodded. ‘Are they recruiting interpreters?’
    ‘Well, they will always be needed, and if the girl is fluent, then she could be valuable.’
    ‘See if you can find out. I’m curious. I know Grace declared French as another language when she joined us, but I found out last night that she also knows German.’
    ‘Does she? How good?’
    ‘Not very, according to her.’
    ‘Find out. That should be easy for you. You speak it like a native.’ He paused for a moment. ‘Is that what made you take that risky dash for the forest?’
    Dan’s jaw tightened before answering. ‘They were