Page 85 of Neighbors at War

Ida turned to her. ‘I didn’t like to frighten you and I couldn’t warn you. It was all so unexpected. Anyway, you’re two flights up and you and Bobby are always quiet, walking in your stockinged feet.’

It was true, Helen thought, calming slightly. She was always careful not to drag one of the trunks across the floor during the day, and Bobby never wore shoes anymore, although that was mostly because he didn’t possess any that fitted. Another thing her son went without.

‘Why was he here?’ Tony asked. ‘Did he give a reason?’

Ida shrugged. ‘I think it was to frighten me. He didn’t stay long, or say much, just came into the house and through to the kitchen, had a look around and left.’

Helen had heard enough. ‘We’ll go,’ she said, without giving Mrs Edwards’ offer another thought. She might be slightly intimidated by the housekeeper, but clearly she and Bobby were in more danger than she had imagined. They needed to get away from the soldiers next door and not have to worry each time Bobby made a sound. Also, he needed to be able to play outside as any child should have the chance to do.

‘Are you certain, Helen?’ Mrs Edwards asked. ‘Please don’t feel obliged.’

‘I don’t,’ she said honestly. ‘I’m very grateful for your kind offer. Although I am slightly concerned that, as well-behaved as Bobby is now, he might become rowdier when he discovers your garden and is allowed to run around freely.’

The woman’s face broke into a smile. ‘I know I come across as rather staid.’ Helen was about to argue, but she raised her hand to stop her. ‘I’m aware how I appear to others. And to a certain extent that has been my aim, both to gain respect as housekeeper of an important house and because it helps keep people, especially soldiers, at arms’ length.’

It made perfect sense to Helen. ‘I can imagine why you’d want to do that. However, I worry that after living quietly with your mother, you might find Bobby more boisterous than you expect. I’d hate there to be any bad feeling between us.’

‘Helen,’ she said looking amused. ‘I’m the youngest of six children and the only girl. I’ve grown up with noisy, unruly boys.’ She looked at Bobby. ‘I think I’ll be able to cope with this little one, so please don’t worry on that score.’

Tony stood up. ‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to accompany Mrs Edwards home now. I have somewhere I need to be straight afterwards. Can I assume a decision has been made?’

‘You can,’ Helen confirmed, avoiding looking at any of the Hamels. ‘Please let me know when you want us.’

‘That’s settled, then. I have some ideas about how we might get you both to Mrs Edwards’ house,’ Tony said. ‘I’ll let you know more tomorrow.’ He looked at the wall dividing their house from number 2. ‘I don’t think we have any time to lose, especially now we know that both officers have been back to the house. I’ll let Peggy know what I need you to do in preparation.’ He gave Ida an apologetic look. ‘I’m afraid I think that we have little choice but to move Helen from here tomorrow night as soon as it’s dark.’

No one answered. Helen couldn’t imagine how Tony was going to slip Bobby away right under the Germans’ noses. She would just have to trust he would manage it, somehow.

Chapter Fifty-Four

RICHARD

He hadn’t heard anything from Tony for a while and presumed life must be getting more complicated for everyone on the island. If only he could be there with them. Deciding to let Helen know he was thinking about her and Bobby, he made the most of his brief leave and sent another telegram.

He forced himself to focus, aware he was addressing his message to Ida. If only he could share his feelings…but he needed to ensure that the message wouldn’t seem suspicious if it was intercepted. He would make it seem as if he was addressing the entire Hamel family.

All well here. Sending Christmas wishes to you all. Hope to celebrate with you next year. Always in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love, Richard

As he strolled back to his mother’s home Richard tried to picture how Bobby might look, saddened to think he had never met his own child, let alone hugged him. Was Bobby tall for his age, like he had been? He wished he had a photo of the pair of them.

He reminded himself that he wasn’t the only one in this situation. How many other soldiers must have had children born after they were sent away? The most important thing to do was try to make contact and let them know they were in his thoughts and that as soon as he could he would come to them.

He smiled, imagining the day when he would be able to hold Helen in his arms again and cuddle his son. He vowed silently to spend the rest of his life making up for the trouble he had caused by his stupidity. He wasn’t sure how, but he was determined he would find a way.

Chapter Fifty-Five

HELEN

Helen tried to remain calm as she listened to Peggy’s instructions.

‘Tony said to dress Bobby in as many of his clothes as you can manage. You must also take everything you’ll need with you. Mum, Babs and I intend visiting you as much as possible and can always bring bits along with us, so no need to panic.’

‘Thank you,’ Helen said, wishing she could control her trembling fingers and button up Bobby’s pyjamas more quickly.

‘Here, let me,’ Peggy said. ‘You sit and try to calm down. You’ll need all your energy when you go out with Tony. It’s still cold out there and you have quite a walk ahead of you, some of it uphill.’

Helen ran through all the things she had packed into her small bag and Peggy’s large coat pockets. ‘I feel terrible taking your coat. How will you get it back?’

Peggy shrugged. ‘Mum or Babs can fetch it for me. Or Tony. That’s the least of our worries.’ She finished doing up Bobby’s pyjamas and put two sweaters over them, then pulled on his coat. ‘There. You look very cosy in that lot,’ she said, taking his woolly hat from Helen and putting it on his head. ‘It won’t be for long, Bobby.’