Page 90 of These Old Lies
“I’ve a question, Mr Villiers,” the labour representative interjected again. “Considering this past experience, why did you request an assignment to the Non-Combatant Corps on your application?”
“That’s my doing, I’m afraid.” Ned rose from his seat, his participation on this specific topic having been agreed on with Charlie. “Colonel Edmund Pinsent at your service.”
The panel could reach any number of verdicts today, including refusing Charlie’s request or requiring him to work in the National Service. Charlie had assumed the last option, but Ned had asked him to consider the NCC.
Ned made his way to the front of the room to stand beside Charlie. He ached to look at him directly but kept his focus on the stern men in front of them. “If I might be permitted to explain?”
The chair was sitting up straighter, clearly recognising Ned’s name and title. “Of course, Colonel, of course.”
“I am an advisor to the Cabinet on various elements of war strategy, in particular how we can make sure that the maximum effort is being applied to ensure victory for the Allied Forces. The NCC was established to make use of the talents of those whose consciences did not allow them to take a combat role. I’ll be honest with the panel, the stories I am hearing regarding the NCC are worrying. The Corps is filled with young idealists, who disagree with each other as much as with their country, and is staffed by officers who are desperate to go and shoot something. At this point any task they accomplish is considered a minor miracle by the War Office. We simply can’t afford that type of waste. What the NCC needs is some practical experience. Someone who understands the military, who understands men who object to military service, and who has held a bloody shovel once before in his life. In other words, it needs men like Mr Villiers.”
“Even with a service record this chequered?” The chair’s face was impossible to read.
Ned plunged into that question without a second thought. “I served with Corporal Villiers at the Somme, Amiens, and Ypres. Men ready to be heroeswere easy to find in the trenches. Men like Mr Villiers were far rarer. Yes, sometimes he got in trouble, telling a joke to lift spirits when everyone should be standing at attention, or ignoring orders because a lad was losing his lunch and needed someone to hold his hand. It’s a simple heroism to run into gunfire. Time and time again, Mr Villiers demonstrated a far more difficult heroism—telling the truth to authority. He helped me be a better soldier, man, and leader then, and continues to do the same now.”
Under his breath Charlie whispered, “Ned. Fuck.”
The same man now asked, “Mr Villiers, do you believe you can deliver what Colonel Pinsent is asking of you?”
“Get everyone to stop running around like chickens with their heads cut off and get the job done?” Charlie grinned. “I would be honoured.”
Charlie had been standing straight for the whole proceeding, but now his stance changed, no longer so defiant, but proud.
“Gentlemen, I think we have a resolution to Mr Villiers' application.”
Ned fought the urge to fall to his knees at the chair’s question.
There were four nods and the chair turned back to Charlie and Ned. “We will have the papers drawn up.”
???
“Jesus Christ,” Charlie exhaled on the steps of Islington Town Hall. “That was some speech, Ned.”
“Every word was true,” Ned replied with conviction.
“Still.”
They stopped on the steps, waiting for Betty, who was speaking with a former neighbour from Marylebone. “I know I was keen on the idea, but the NCC is what you want, isn’t it?”
Charlie’s broad grin erased any doubt. “Will be good to feel like my experience means something,” Charlie said, his face still turned towards the bustle on the street. “Kind of Hugh to come.”
“He always likes a bit of drama,” Ned said, and before he could say more, Charlie’s smile got even broader as his wife joined them.
“I swear that Mrs Patterson is the noisiest busybody that ever was,” Betty muttered, leaning up to give her husband a kiss on the cheek. To Ned’s complete surprise, she then did the same to him. “You were both marvellous.”
Ned cleared his throat while Charlie reached out to squeeze her hand.
The silence stretched out, comfortable and soothing in its own way. Understanding gently bounced between them has they slowly walked down towards the High Street.
“When will you need to report to this Conchie Corps?” Betty asked as they turned onto Upper Street.
“I’m to be in their barracks outside London in three weeks.” Charlie waived the papers in his other hand.
“Good. Give me a bit of time to fatten you up before you go. Also, if I remember anything about the army, you’re going to need about a dozen pairs of socks. And I’ll need the insurance information about the shop, I’m going to try to start getting that in order…”
Ned drifted out of the conversation, needing a moment to gather his thoughts. He rolled his shoulders to try to get the muscles to unlock.
Hugh’s words from earlier flitted through his mind. Had Ned really been less ambitious with his relationships than with the rest of his life?