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Peter found a sad grin. ‘A very good answer for all ailments.’
Together they got him to his feet, where he wobbled slightly and took a moment to steady himself. He allowed her father to loop his arm around his strong shoulder and take his crutch, and began a slow walk back down the hill with his carers.
‘Thank you, sweet Valentina,’ he called over his shoulder, and her heart felt even lighter in her chest.
She would never love another man again.
SIX
When Valentina returned to the bar, there were no patrons other than her airman. She could see that Peter had more colour in his face, even from a distance, and was seated at a table opposite her father. Her mother was hovering nearby, smiling. Clearly the nurse and the teacher had been sent on their way.
‘He’s a good man,’ her mother murmured when Valentina sidled up to her.
‘What do you mean?’
‘He said he will get us food and other essentials.’
Valentina smiled faintly, glad for his kindness and all too aware of her mother’s worries about her family’s health. ‘He looks better than he did half an hour ago,’ she said.
Her mother nodded. ‘I had to tear the boys away from him. They were exhausting him with their questions about fighting the Luftwaffe pilots. I gave him some of our soup from the kitchen, and your father is insisting he drink a second whisky.’
‘What are they talking about?’
‘I don’t know. I don’t presume to join in unless your father invites me to, but no harm in you wandering up.’ Her mother nodded again, encouraging her.
Valentina didn’t need any further persuasion. ‘Hello again,’ she said, arriving at the table in a few steps.
‘Oh, hello.’ Peter smiled at her. ‘I’m glad you’re here, because I want to thank your family properly for their kindness. Will you translate, please, so it comes out absolutely as I say it?’
Peter spoke in English, and Valentina quickly told her father what he said.
‘He’s promised to help us,’ her father said, sounding impressed. ‘I’ve told him you children are hungry all the time and I have two boys to feed, even if you do eat like a bird. But we must repay the generosity.’
‘He won’t want—’
‘Tell him what I said,’ her father instructed.
She did so, watching Peter’s expression cloud. Then he put up his good hand. ‘Thank you, but I don’t need anything from your family. It is my pleasure to get you some supplies.’ He also put money down. ‘For the food and whisky.’
They objected politely, but he insisted and they gave in. Valentina was pleased; she knew her parents needed the money.
‘I’ll send more people to this bar,’ Peter promised. He drained his glass, wincing slightly as the liquor hit the back of his throat, and then stood awkwardly and gave a sort of bow to her mother. ‘Stella, your soup is delicious and has revived me.’
Valentina saw her mother all but tremble at the praise. Meanwhile her father stood to steady their guest.
‘I hate having to go back to the hospital,’ Peter admitted. ‘Will you walk me there, Valentina?’
She couldn’t in that moment think of anything she’d rather do than let him place a hand on her shoulder to steady him.
Her father cast a glance her mother’s way and then back at Peter. ‘I’ll come too. And, Peter, please visit us anytime you like.’
Peter looked to her for explanation.
She was still scowling that her father was coming with them to the hospital and hurriedly changed her expression as she translated, adding, ‘He hopes you’ll come to the bar again. I hope you will too. It’s so boring here otherwise. And if you’re here, I’ll have an excuse not to be underground.’
‘Do you all have to live there? Can’t you move to one of the villages? I know others have.’
‘We do actually have a tiny house in the village of Marsaxlokk, which belonged to my great-grandparents, but it’s too far to travel here to the bar. Besides, we all want to stay together.’ She told her parents what they were saying.
