So, someone told me they thought that Nurse Sims was Mary in disguise. She isn't, but she will come into the story again, as well as in the sequal. And yes, there will be a sequal. Bert-in-my-brain decided that this needed to happen. So it is. He's so demanding.
(London, 1923)
"It sounds like he was lucky to have Robby." James commented, a small smile on his face. Matthew nodded his agreement. At least Bert had found a friend to stick by him, much like he had found James when they were still in school before getting called up.
"Oh yes. Bert's always said that it was Robby who convinced him to start living his life again." Michael said. "They were quite a pair, even after they were on their way home. Robby's family lived near London so he and Bert rode most of the way together. And they got a good start on the first book."
"Book?" Davey asked quizzically.
Michael nodded, grinning. "Yes. With Bert's help, Robby had a decent enough start that he was able to take his ideas and with some help from his sister, he sent a finished draft over to a publisher in America. I assume you've heard of the Royce and Bertie mystery series?"
Matthew couldn't help but laugh. "Yes! The lord who solves mysteries with the help of his chimney sweep friend Bertie! I've read them all."
"Well, now you know how they came about." Michael said, sitting back in his chair. "Bert didn't have such an easy time deciding what he wanted to do with himself now that he was home...
(London, August, 1916)
It was a warm day and Bert wiped the sweat from his brow. Not many people were out in the park today, but he was still going to draw. He only had a few pennies left to his name and had been reduced to only eating one meal a day to even have enough to last the week. Still, he was getting by and that was what counted.
But he hated the pitying looks people gave him when they got close enough to see that his right foot was missing. His lips tightened as he tried to turn his attention back to the scene in front of him. It was the carousel and as he drew it, he couldn't help but feel a sense of sad nostalgia. If Mary Poppins ever came back this way again, he could at least ride the horse. Maybe save the fox again.
He smiled a little as he finished his drawing and leaned back, stretching a little as some children came around the corner and crowded closer for a better look. If nothing else, the little ones were enjoying what he did.
As he watched them, he found himself wondering if he was ever going to have a family of his own. Maybe a son with a big smile and a little girl with bright blue eyes like her mother's...
Shaking his head, he tried to squash these daydreams. That was all they would ever amount to, and he had more important things to worry about.
"Bert? Izzat you?" a voice called excitedly and he looked up to find young Gavin Brown, the younger brother of his best friend Jerry coming toward him.
Grinning, he got his crutch under his arm and used his left hand to pop himself up so he could stand. "Gav! Nice to see you, mate! Where's Jerry?"
Gavin's smile faded and Bert knew immediately what was coming next. "He didn't come back, did he?" Bert asked softly.
"No, he didn't." Gavin whispered, eyes on the ground. "It's just me and mum now, and Jer didn't 'ave much of a chance to show me how to sweep."
"Well, I might be able to help ya there, Gavin." Bert replied kindly. "I can tell ya what to do, and show you a few things but me sweeping days are over, as ya might've noticed."
Gavin's eyes widened as he fully took in the fact that Bert's right leg was missing. "Blimey, Bert! I'm sorry..."
He shook his head. "Don't take on so, Gav. Is what it is. But I'd be glad to help ya in any way I can."
Gavin nodded, looking relieved. "Come for dinner one night. Mum would love to see you again."
"I'll do that. And find me here tomorrow morning and we'll get started, yeah?"
The young man's brow furrowed. "Don't we need a chimney to work on?"
Bert smiled. "I think I know a family who'll let us practice on theirs. I knew the kids when they were little and I see them around once in a while. It's 17 Cherry Tree Lane, the Banks family."
"All right then, I'll be here bright and early." Gavin said, thrusting his hands into his pockets.
"See ya then, Gav."
"See ya, Bert."
As he watched Gavin walk away, Bert let the smile fade from his face. Eight of the chimney sweeps, including himself had gone away to war and only three of them had come back. He'd known Jerome Brown even longer than Mary Poppins and now he was gone.
Sighing, he picked up his chalks and moved around the park. He was able to make a few bob, enough for two meals on Friday, provided he accepted Gavin's offer to eat with him and Mrs. Brown. But it was the least he could do to make sure they were okay. He would do it for Jerry.
Night fell eventually and Bert moved to his particular bench, old army coat wrapped around himself as he used his old bag for a pillow. It wasn't any way to live, but he was still saving some like Robby and Nurse Sims had told him.
Closing his eyes, Bert could only hope that tomorrow would be better than today.