Page 73 of Neighbors at War

‘It is.’ Ida proudly read the telegram. ‘He’s a good lad. His parents would have been proud of him if they were still with us.’ She wiped a tear from her eye.

Fit, well and missing you all. Hope all coping and safe. To be married. Know you will love Wendy. Hugs and love to all, Martin

Ida held up the telegram. ‘I’d like to meet this Wendy of his.’ She frowned. ‘It comes to something when your nephew gets married and you can’t be there to witness such an important event in his life.’

Helen saw Peggy and Babs exchange looks.

‘Yes, Mum,’ Babs said, going to sit on the arm of her chair. ‘But we now know he’s healthy and in love and that although he doesn’t have us nearby, he does have someone.’

Peggy nodded. ‘He sounds happy.’

Ida stared at the telegram. ‘You’re right. That’s the most important thing to remember. Martin is well and happy. We’ll meet his Wendy after this is all over, won’t we?’

‘I’m sure we will, Mum,’ Peggy agreed.

Helen wondered if now was the right time to mention her telegram dilemma. ‘I hope you don’t mind me asking for your help about something?’

Four faces turned to her expectantly. ‘What is it?’ Tony asked. ‘Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.’

‘I’m not sure.’

‘Why don’t you go ahead and tell us what’s on your mind,’ Peggy suggested.

Helen told her about the telegram she had sent to Richard. ‘I was upset when he didn’t reply then I realised that if he did send me one he would have addressed it to number 2. And obviously there’s no way I can go there and ask if they’ve received one.’

Peggy groaned. ‘And we can hardly go and ask on your behalf, either. Not if we don’t want them to know you’re here. What a shame.’

‘There must be something we can do,’ Babs said, resting an arm on the back of her mother’s chair.

‘I could send one to him,’ Tony suggested.

Helen was grateful for the offer but couldn’t see how that might work. ‘But he won’t know who you are, and you only have twenty-five words to get your message across.’

Tony shifted slightly in his seat and rubbed his chin as he gave the matter some thought. His face brightened after a few seconds. ‘I know. You can tell me the name of his school, or where he worked. Something familiar. He’ll see it’s come from Jersey and will be able to work out that you’re unable to send it for some reason. The difficulty is going to be saying all you need me to.’

She wasn’t sure it would work. ‘Maybe I should leave it for now.’

‘I think you should try. There’s no point in delaying something during wartime, Helen,’ he added, his voice gentle.

Helen wasn’t sure what difference it would make if the chances of Richard receiving the telegram were already slim.

Tony continued, ‘My point is that we never know from one week to the next what new changes or restrictions these Jerries will enforce. Who knows, they might find a way to stop us receiving or sending telegrams next. And imagine how you’ll feel if you leave it too late to send one.’

Helen hated to think that might happen and knew her aunt would have given her the same advice. ‘I can tell you’re a lawyer,’ she said smiling. ‘You make a very good argument. Thank you. I will take you up on your offer.’

‘I think you’ve made the right decision,’ Peggy said. ‘Now all we need to do is work out what to say to convey the message in the best way.’

Helen was relieved when Tony read through the final draft of her message and promised to send it to Richard first thing on Monday morning.

‘Read it to us one more time,’ Peggy suggested. ‘Just in case we notice something missing.’

Helen lifted her notepad and began reading to herself.

Our friends next-door well. Send best. Missing loved ones and waiting for news. Hoping all fine. Please respond soonest to Ida Hamel. Your schoolfriend, Tony

She reread it aloud. Ida’s knitting needles clicked away as she nodded her approval. ‘I can’t see what else you might say.’ She looked over at Helen. ‘And you think Richard will work this out, do you?’

‘He’ll have to, Mum.’ Babs patted her mother’s shoulder.