Page 7 of Neighbors at War

They reached their respective homes and Helen was relieved to see Peggy chatting to Tony. She had known Peggy and her sister for a year now but was always struck by how different their appearances were: Babs, the younger sister, was blonde and bubbly, while Peggy was tall and dark. It made Helen think of her own brother, Stephen. Her mood dipped at the thought of how he might have reacted to her running away without saying goodbye to him. She pushed away the upsetting thought.

Babs waved at her sister and Tony before giving Helen a brief hug. ‘I’d better go and let Mum know I’ve dropped off the knitting.’

Peggy gave Helen a questioning look. ‘Is everything all right?’

‘Not really,’ Helen admitted quietly. She looked around and, seeing several people walking by, indicated her front door. ‘Would you and Tony come inside for a moment?’

They followed her in and, after Helen had been through to see her aunt and give Bobby a kiss, she returned to join them in the living room.

‘I was hoping to see you, Tony,’ she said keeping her voice down so as not to alert her aunt to what was happening. She quickly explained the situation at work and how she was hoping he might know what to do. ‘Whatever it is must be done this evening, I’m afraid, because the veg patch is being dug up first thing tomorrow. I’ve been trying to think how to move it all somewhere safe but I haven’t any ideas so far.’

She noticed that, instead of looking concerned, Tony seemed delighted to be involved.

He thought for a moment, then raised a finger. ‘I know exactly what to do.’

‘Already?’ Helen and Peggy asked in unison.

He laughed. ‘Yes, I’ve heard of someone else doing exactly what I’m going to suggest.’ He narrowed his eyes. ‘But we’re going to have to go back there around dusk so it can be done this evening.’

‘We’ll be cutting it fine if we want to be home again before curfew,’ Peggy said thoughtfully. ‘These summer nights don’t get dark until ten sometimes.’

Helen agreed. ‘I’ll need to go spend some time with Aunt Sylvia and Bobby before I can go back.’

Tony frowned. ‘What makes you think I’ll take either of you with me? This could be dangerous.’

Helen swapped glances with Peggy before addressing him. ‘I’m the one with the pass. I’ll need to get access to the house on some pretext, then I’ll be able to go and let you in through a hidden door in the garden wall.’

Peggy nodded. ‘Yes, and you’ll need me to help move everything.’

‘No.’ He shook his head. ‘I agree I need Helen’s help, but not yours, Peggy. I’ll not let you risk getting into trouble.’

Helen grimaced, knowing that her friend wasn’t going to be told what to do.

‘I don’t think that’s for you to decide, Tony,’ Peggy said before giving Helen a triumphant look. ‘Right, then, what time shall we meet outside?’

They arranged to meet up at nine-thirty.

‘Suits me,’ Tony said. ‘I can go home for supper and will be back here so we can make our way there slowly and gauge how soon the sun will be setting.’

‘Yes, I’d better get home now, too.’ Peggy rubbed Helen’s upper arm. ‘I’m looking forward to doing this tonight.’

‘It does feel good to know you’re fighting back somehow,’ Tony said. ‘Even if most of the time the Jerries are oblivious to what’s happening under their noses.’

Peggy sighed. ‘As long as it stays that way we’ll be fine.’

Helen heard the fear in her friend’s voice and felt the same way. ‘Thank you both so much. I know Tommy and Mrs Edwards will be very relieved to know we’re going to help them.’ Although nervous to be actively taking part in a blatant act of resistance, Helen did her best to hide her anticipation. ‘I’d better go and see how Bobby’s been for Aunt Sylvia today. I’ll see you both later.’

Chapter Four

PEGGY

Peggy held Tony’s hand as they walked along St Aubin’s Road on their way back to Villa Millbrook. Discussing hiding the silver was one thing, but physically digging a hole while trying not to alert the guards was going to be difficult. Her nerves increased with every step she took closer to Villa Millbrook. She was beginning to wish she hadn’t been so quick to volunteer to help.

‘You’re trembling,’ Tony whispered. ‘If you want to change your mind, just say so. I’m sure I’ll be fine doing this with Tommy and Helen.’

Feeling guilty for allowing her concerns to be obvious, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. ‘No,’ she said, determined to see it through. ‘I’m just a little nervous, that’s all. I’ll be fine and I know I’ll be glad I’ve done something to help.’

He leant over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. ‘You’re a brave girl, Peggy, and that’s partly why I love you so much.