Page 80 of Neighbors at War

She opened the trunk and Peggy helped her pull out the mattress and bedding and set them down on the floor so they had somewhere comfortable to sit. Peggy was rubbing her arms to warm up so Helen picked up one of the blankets and handed it to her. ‘You’d better wrap this around your shoulders, it’s pretty chilly up here.’

‘It’s more than chilly,’ Peggy said giving her a sympathetic look. ‘I thought it was cold downstairs, but this is perishing.’

‘Which is why Bobby is wearing three layers of clothes and the woolly hat your mum knitted for him – and also why we go to bed earlier when it’s colder like this.’

‘You sound down,’ Peggy said. ‘Not that I’m surprised with what you have to deal with each day.’

‘I am a bit.’ Not wanting her friend to think her ungrateful, she added. ‘I always find the winters more difficult, although sunny winter days are fine.’ She noticed Peggy studying her hands thoughtfully. ‘Is something up?’

Her friend looked at her. ‘I’ve had an idea but I’m not sure what you’ll think about it.’

Intrigued, Helen widened her eyes. ‘Well, are you going to tell me or keep it to yourself?’ she teased, desperate to hear something interesting.

‘You’ll need to hear me out before deciding.’

Helen raised her hands. ‘You have my undivided attention.’

She listened in stunned silence as Peggy explained her plan, excitement mounting with every word.

‘What do you think?’ Peggy asked when she had finished.

Helen wasn’t sure. ‘I want to go out, desperately. Although I can’t help worrying that if I do and something happens, your family and Tony will be in terrible trouble. You could be imprisoned or even sent away. Tony in particular. He’s already spent time in prison, and he’s known to the authorities – and he’s already been extremely kind to Bobby and me.’

‘I know, and if I’m honest it worries me, too. However, it bothers me seeing you become more withdrawn, and it’s not healthy for you to be stuck inside all day. It’s not right. I’m sure that even if you only have one evening outside it will do you the world of good.’

Helen loved the idea of a change of scenery. ‘Never mind an evening, an hour would be heavenly.’ She pictured herself walking along the pavement, breathing in the night air, as most people had the freedom to do. ‘But what if I’m caught and separated from Bobby? Who would look after him?’ A sob caught in her throat at the prospect and her enthusiasm for the idea dissipated.

They turned to Bobby and watched him playing quietly.

‘He’s such a lovely child,’ Peggy said quietly before addressing her again. ‘I hope it goes without saying that Mum, Babs and I would always make sure Bobby was cared for. We love him almost as much as you do, and he feels like family to us. We would never allow anything to happen to him, I promise you that from the bottom of my heart.’

Helen reached out, took her friend’s hand and gave it a squeeze. ‘I know you would. You three are closer to me than my actual family now.’

She saw how her words touched Peggy, who wiped away a stray tear. ‘Babs and I see you as a sister and Mum definitely sees Bobby as her grandchild.’

Reassured, Helen pictured her two friends. ‘I could certainly pass as you from a distance,’ she said. ‘I might not be as dark-haired as you but I’m almost as tall.’

‘And a similar shape,’ Peggy said. ‘Unlike Babs, who’s several inches shorter and fairer like Mum.’

Helen watched Bobby for a little longer. Should she not rather remain in the safety of the house with him?

Peggy patted her knee. ‘If you’re worried about going out⁠—’

‘Am I being selfish wanting to do this when Bobby can’t go anywhere?’

Peggy shook her head and frowned. ‘No. He’s sensitive to your feelings and if you’re happy and content then he will be, too. Don’t you think that if I’ve picked up on your sadness, he’s bound to have, given that he’s with you all the time?’

She had a point. ‘Now you’re making me feel guilty.’

‘That’s not what I meant. Anyway, you mustn’t think that way. These are terrible times, especially for people in hiding. I think you should go out. It will give you something different to think about when you’re stuck up here.’

‘I’ll do it,’ Helen said, realising her longing to be outside was increasing by the second. ‘Tell me what to do.’

‘I’m so pleased.’ Peggy stood up. ‘And I know the others will be, too. I’ll go and tell Tony and Babs now.’

‘Now?’ Helen asked, shocked at the immediacy. ‘You mean he’s waiting downstairs to go out tonight?’

Peggy shrugged. ‘Why wait another day? It’s freezing cold now that the sun has set and everyone will be wrapped up in hats and scarves. It will be easier to hide in all that clothing and far less likely that you’ll be recognised.’