Tom Hereward knew for sure after the slideshow ended. He would be joining Arthur Gilbert in New Guinea. It was almost as if seeing his late wife's sweet smile on screen was the urging he needed. It would be difficult, but after returning to Poplar he knew he needed to get away.
The announcement was made at Sunday lunch. After lunch, Phyllis promised him copies of the photos used in the slideshow. He requested two each of them- one for him and one for Arthur. Phyllis nodded and said she would have them ready before he sailed. She said she would be honored to drive him to the port in London and he agreed.
Fred smiled at his young friend. He couldn't imagine losing his first wife even before their two daughters had been born. It helped in a way having the reminders of her living in the house. It did make it more difficult, but it was better. He promised Tom that he and Reggie would look after the grave. Tom smiled and once again thanked Reggie for the gift of the carousel. Reggie simply wrapped his arms around his friend and hugged him. He may not have known Nurse Barbara well but she had always greeted him with a smile. She had been there the day of his mum's funeral, and that he would always remember.
As Tom once again packed up the rectory, he found several leatherbound journals in the bookcase. He knew his wife had kept the journals, but he hadn't remembered where she had placed them. It only seemed fitting that he would find them this close to the day he left. He rubbed his hands over the covers and placed them in his suitcase. They would make the journey to New Guinea with him. It would be another way to take his wife with him.
As Tom settled into the journey, he found himself with some free moments. He didn't have to worry about his girlfriend and then fiancee getting sick over his trousers. She wasn't beside him. Something inside him urged him to open the first journal. So, he settled into a seat and opened the first one.
"I found out my assignment. I'm going to Poplar to a place called Nonnatus House. I'm to live with a group of nuns. Papa was quite pleased when he heard the news. He has been so protective of me since my mother died...
Anyways, I'm almost packed. I spent my graduation money on a beautiful green jacket. Margaret thought it ghastly looking, but I love the bright color. It reminds me of my mother's green eyes. It will be nice to have at least one new thing when I go to Poplar. Everything else is either given to me by one of the other girls or something Margaret has tired of... the joys of being a baby sister."
Tom smiled at the memories. He remembered the green jacket. It was a bit bright for Poplar, but it suited her. And she was right about her wardrobe. She had told him after the wedding that Phyllis had gifted her with the new undergarments... and that she had said with an adorable blush. She rarely bought anything else new choosing instead to either make it or finding ways to darn dresses she found in the charity box. For someone who didn't make much money, it truly endeared him to her to see her finding even this simple way to save money.
The supper bell tolled and Tom got up to go eat. The journey would take several weeks, and the journals would help pass the time.