Battles Lost and Won by Beryl Matthews

That man has decided to get his own back on me.’
    ‘So it seems.’ Jim studied the tall boy in front of him carefully. ‘Just what did happen at your interview?’
    ‘We had words.’ Bob shrugged and changed the subject. ‘How old is the girl?’
    ‘She’s just turned seven, and another one is due soon. That’s why we haven’t seen much of his wife lately. She’s had a worrying time since the captain returned. He was in quite a state, but it looks as if he’s over that now. Thank goodness. He’s a fine man, and his wife is a gracious lady.’ Jim grinned. ‘We’re all hoping the baby will be a boy this time.’
    ‘That would be good.’ Bob rubbed his hands together in anticipation. ‘When do I get my first lesson? I wouldn’t like to deprive Midnight, or the master, of their fun.’
    ‘Did you enjoy your ride?’ Emma held out her hand to her husband.
    ‘Very much.’ Benjamin Russell kissed his wife’s cheek. ‘Lilly is quite an accomplished rider already. How are you feeling, my dear?’
    ‘I’m fine. The doctor said all is well and the baby should be born within the next month.’ She gave her husband a relieved smile. ‘You are looking much better, Ben.’
    He nodded and sat down. ‘That young lad made me see what I was doing to myself – and you. I’m sorry, my dear.’
    ‘You were troubled, but I knew you were strong enough to come through it.’
    ‘Maybe I would have eventually come to my senses, but young Robert Hunter gave me quite a lecture on the evils of drink.’ Ben gave a grimace. ‘When I saw the pain in those stormy grey eyes as he told me about his father, it almost tore me apart. Poor little devil.’
    ‘Not so little,’ Emma remarked.
    ‘True, and that’s why I’ve told Jim to teach him to ride – on Midnight.’
    ‘You haven’t! Oh, Ben, that’s wicked of you. That animal enjoys being hard to manage.’
    They were both laughing at the thought, and Ben sat back, relaxed and happy for the first time since the war. ‘He’s the tallest animal in the stables, and that boy tops six feet already. He’ll cope with Midnight.’
    ‘I just hope you’re right.’ Emma gave him a speculative look. ‘You have faith in him?’
    ‘I do, but I’m also concerned about him.’ Ben was suddenly serious. ‘He’s full of anger, and although he would deny it, I believe he’s also feeling guilty about leaving his father. There was such anguish in his voice when he said, “What else could I do?”’
    ‘It sounds as if he’s as much a casualty of the war as those of you who fought in it.’
    ‘You’re quite right. So many men have returned damaged, mentally and physically, and it’s their families who are bearing the burden as their loved ones try to adjust.’ Ben stood up and began to pace the room. ‘I was too lost in my own nightmare to realize that there are hundreds – thousands – of men suffering the aftermath of the war like Bob’s father. I would like to do something to help. But what?’
    ‘It’s an enormous problem, darling, and there is little one man can do on his own.’
    ‘You’re right, of course, but if I could give support to a few . . .’ Ben sat down again, deep in thought for a while, and then he rang the bell. When the butler arrived, he said, ‘Ask Jim to come and see me, Green.’
    ‘At once, sir.’
    Jim arrived within ten minutes, flustered, but with a grin on his face.
    ‘How are the riding lessons going?’ Ben asked, immediately guessing what was causing his groom so much amusement.
    Jim shook his head, still smiling. ‘You had to see it to believe it, sir. Midnight had him off twice and then galloped around the field kicking his legs in delight. Bob dusted himself down, stalked over to the animal, and stood right in front of him with his hands on his hips. Then he said, “All right, you’ve had your fun, but now it’s time to get something straight. As far as you are concerned I’m the boss! I know I’m inexperienced, but