Page 78 of Neighbors at War

Helen reread his message, conscious that Richard’s fingertips had touched this piece of paper. It was far more than she had ever hoped for, or expected to need, especially from the man she had promised never to bother with again.

She folded the piece of paper and slipped it neatly into its envelope and set it down on the table next to her. Then, her legs feeling like they might give way beneath her, she sat on the nearest chair and took a steadying breath as she opened the next envelope and unfolded the single sheet of paper it had been holding.

Ecstatic to know you are both well. Missing you dreadfully. Sorry for everything. Determined to make amends to you both. Deepest love and hugs, Richard

Helen read it several times before flattening the telegram against her chest and closing her eyes. ‘Oh, Richard, why didn’t you let me know you weren’t getting married before I ran away?’ she whispered. They could have been married by now. Bobby wouldn’t be hidden away and, she thought tearfully, he’d have a father to spend time with and learn from.

She sat trying to absorb the sentiments Richard had attempted to convey. Maybe things might be all right in the end. Whenever that end might come. If they came. No, she thought, angry with herself, this wasn’t the time to overthink. She needed to take the good things as they came and make the most of them. Relish them. There were so few things to be excited about these days, and receiving these messages from Richard was like getting all her birthday and Christmas presents at the same time.

Chapter Fifty

PEGGY

December 1943

Another Christmas was on its way but, like everyone she knew, Peggy had little enthusiasm for it. What was there to be cheerful about? And it must be worse for poor Helen, not being able to go outside. Peggy could tell her friend was finding each day more difficult, despite the respite of receiving the two telegrams from Richard. That had been three months ago now, though. She wondered when another one might arrive.

She was looking forward to spending the day with Tony. They planned to walk to his parents’ house and cycle to Grouville together to deliver a birthday present to his aunt. His mother had offered Peggy the use of her bicycle when Tony suggested she join him for the ride and she had been delighted to accept. She had something she wanted to talk to him about. She wasn’t sure if it was a silly idea or not.

She arrived at his home and sat with his parents enjoying a glass of water before they set off. She let Tony lead the way, glad she had wrapped up warm. The weather was much cooler lately and she wasn’t sure if snow was on its way. As long as it didn’t arrive while they were out, she would be happy.

‘I think we could have chosen a better day to do this,’ she said with a laugh as they rode along St Clement’s Coast Road, his aunt’s present wrapped in a cloth bag sitting in the basket attached to Peggy’s handlebars. ‘It would have been more fun in the summer.’

‘Certainly would be,’ he agreed, waving at a friend who was coming in the opposite direction.

Several German military cars passed them going towards the town and Peggy wondered if there would ever be a day when they could go out and not see these stark reminders of their unfortunate circumstances.

They arrived at Gorey Village in good time, no doubt because they were too cold to want to stop for a break.

‘It’s this way,’ Tony said, getting off his bike in front of a sweet little cottage and wheeling it through the small gate before propping it up next to the front door. ‘We don’t have to stay long,’ he said, lifting the gift out of Peggy’s basket and giving her a quick peck on the lips.

Forgetting the cold and happy to be spending this time alone with the man she loved, Peggy said, ‘It’s fine. She’s your aunt and it’s her birthday. We’ll stay for as long as you like.’

‘I suppose you’re right. She’s a sweet lady, although she can be a little over the top sometimes.’

He knocked on the door and soon afterwards a woman who looked almost exactly like his mother but with grey hair opened the door and pulled Tony into a tight hug. ‘It’s marvellous to see you, young man.’ She noticed Helen standing behind him. ‘And who is this pretty girl?’ She let go of him and waved them inside. ‘Come inside, it’s perishing out there, and I’d rather not let the cold in.’

Helen followed them into the living room, which was only slightly warmer than outside, and was glad she had raised her body temperature with the cycle ride.

Not wishing to use up any of his aunt’s rations, they both insisted they were happy with a glass of water.

When they were seated in the pretty, floral living room, he passed the present to his aunt.

‘This is for you. Mum said to make sure you open it when we’re with you so that she knows for certain you like it. Apparently you’ll know what it is.’ He grinned. ‘I’m interested to see it.’

‘As am I,’ his aunt said, placing the gift on her lap and slowly withdrawing it from the cotton bag. It was wrapped in brown paper and tied with string and Peggy noted how carefully she untied the string and paper and put them aside before looking at her gift.

Perched on the edge of their seats, Peggy and Tony exchanged amused looks, wishing his aunt would hurry up and let them see what his mother had given her.

‘It’s a wooden box,’ Tony said, forced enthusiasm in his voice. ‘How nice.’

It was a mahogany box, well polished and beautifully cared for, with exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay in a flower pattern on the top. Peggy didn’t think she had ever seen anything quite so lovely. ‘It’s beautiful,’ she said, fascinated.

‘You have good taste,’ his aunt said, then pursed her lips. ‘It’s more than a box, dear boy, as I think your friend already realises. Let me show you.’

They sat watching in silence as she made a production of slowly turning the box to face them then gradually lifted the lid.

‘A sewing box,’ Peggy said, delighted. ‘My mum would love something that beautiful.’