Page 109 of Neighbors at War

As soon as they were outside, she noticed a strange look on her sister’s face. ‘What’s the matter?’

‘Um, there’s a soldier.’ Babs stared at the man in front of her.

A soldier? She stepped past her sister, surprised to see a British uniform. ‘I didn’t think they were disembarking until a bit later.’ The man was staring at them. A lieutenant. Her heart raced.

‘I’m sorry to interrupt you, when you’re probably on your way to the celebrations,’ he said.

He was looking at each of them in turn, clearly searching for someone. She barely dared to believe what she was thinking.

‘I’m Lieutenant Richard Stanley.’ None of them spoke, and his hopeful expression faded.

Finally, Tony reacted. ‘I’m Tony Le Gresley.’ He gave a wide smile. ‘It’s good to meet you finally, Richard.’ He stepped forward and shook Richard’s hand vigorously.

‘I have so much to thank you for, Tony,’ Richard replied, one hand on Tony’s shoulder. ‘So very much.’

‘You can buy me a drink to celebrate one day, if you like.’

‘I’d like that very much.’

Peggy couldn’t believe it. Helen’s Richard was standing in front of her. Outside their home.

Babs squealed, ‘This really is the best day.’

Peggy studied the man’s weary face. ‘Bobby has your eyes,’ she said almost to herself.

Realising what his presence would mean for Helen and Bobby, she turned to Tony. ‘Why don’t you accompany Mum and Babs to the Royal Square. I’ll find you there as soon as I can.’

Tony hesitated. ‘I’m not sure you’ll be able to spot us in the crowds.’

Richard took off his cap. ‘Please, if you don’t mind me going into your home, I’m happy to find Helen and Bobby myself.’

Streams of islanders passed them on both sides of the road, singing and cheering and waving the Union Jacks and Jersey flags they had kept hidden since the island was occupied.

Peggy sensed Richard’s desperation to see the two people he loved. ‘Tony, take Mum and Babs. I promise I’ll be a couple of minutes and will catch you up.’

They hesitated briefly and then left.

‘Come along, Richard,’ she said, beyond excited to imagine how much this would mean to Helen. ‘I’ll show you where to find them.’ She ran back up the steps to the house. ‘This way.’ She led him some way upstairs, then pointed upwards. ‘You’ll find them up there in the attic.’

He glanced up, then looked at her for a moment. ‘Why are they still there?’

Peggy cleared her throat. ‘I don’t think Helen believed they were truly safe just yet.’

He nodded. ‘I see.’

Not wanting to delay him a moment longer, she said, ‘I’d better catch up with the others.’

She ran out of the house trying to take in all that was happening. She almost tripped as she struggled to pass islanders making their way to the town, intoxicated with excitement.

She didn’t know whether to cheer, sing or cry as she hurried to catch up with Tony and her family. She thought she spotted the top of Tony’s head, then the person turned and peered back through the hordes of people and waved. It was him. Ecstatic, she shouted her apologies and pushed her way past people until she ran into his arms.

‘You found us,’ he shouted, grabbing hold of her hand.

‘I told you she would,’ Babs said, laughing and rolling her eyes at Peggy.

‘We should go to the harbour,’ Tony insisted.

‘Why?’ Ida glared at him. ‘Everyone’s going to the Royal Square, or that’s what I heard anyway.’