Page 91 of Neighbors at War

Helen’s heartbeat slowly returned to normal as she brought out two chairs and glasses of water for their guests.

‘How delightful to see you both,’ Daphne was saying as Helen joined them.

‘We have wonderful news,’ Tony announced, keeping his voice low even though the nearest neighbour wasn’t very close.

‘We do,’ Peggy continued, obviously excited. Helen assumed it must be something to do with the noise that had disturbed them. ‘The British army is in Normandy. Isn’t that incredible?’

Helen covered her mouth, barely able to believe what she was hearing. ‘It is. Do you think they’ll be here soon?’ She saw Tony’s doubtful expression and her hope slipped. ‘You don’t think so?’

He shrugged. ‘I’ve no idea but I think we need to be prepared in case they do come.’

Peggy took a sip of water. ‘Gosh, I needed that.’ She looked at Helen, then Daphne. ‘There’s going to be a proclamation in the Evening Post tonight.’

Helen realised Peggy had probably been asked to translate it.

‘It’s from Kommandant der Festung, warning us that whether the British forces arrive or not, now that they are on the French mainland he expects islanders to behave.’

‘What a cheek,’ Helen groaned.

‘We do have to take note though,’ Daphne said sagely.

‘I agree. Sabotage or anything like that won’t be tolerated and if there is any he will give the order to close all the streets.’ She frowned. ‘Even more frightening is that he’s said he’ll punish any unrest by death.’

Helen couldn’t think what to say.

‘That sounds a bit harsh. Do you think the Bailiff will make an announcement?’ Daphne asked.

Tony shook his head. ‘I think if he was going to he would have done it by now.’

Peggy nodded. ‘I agree. Babs said that the Royal Square was packed with islanders earlier waiting in case he did.’

‘Don’t look so miserable,’ Tony said, smiling. ‘Whatever this means for us, it can only be good news for everyone eventually.’

‘I hope you’re right,’ Helen said, wondering if they dared start hoping that the end of the war was in sight. ‘It’s been such a long time now and we all ran out of luxuries long ago.’

‘Never mind luxuries,’ Peggy grumbled. ‘I’d be happy with the basics, although I wouldn’t mind some scented soap.’

‘Or shampoo,’ Helen sighed, wishing she had taken care to use what she had more sparingly.

‘For me, it’s the thought of a long, deep, luxurious bubble bath,’ Daphne added and they laughed.

‘I wonder if we’ll ever be able to enjoy those things again?’ Peggy said dreamily.

‘Aunty Peggy, Uncle Tony,’ Bobby called, keeping his voice low as he ran to greet them.

‘What a relief,’ Tony said, standing up, catching him in his arms and spinning him round a couple of times before lowering the little boy to his feet. ‘Someone cheerful to speak to.’

The women laughed.

Helen watched her son being hugged by Peggy, before being surprised by an apple from Tony. ‘It’s washed so you can eat it straightaway.’

He sat on a step and began munching happily.

‘We do need to take care, though,’ Tony continued, glancing at Bobby and seeming satisfied that he was too focused on his apple to listen. ‘Now we’ve all been witness to so much Allied activity, I worry that the Germans will be more ready than ever to clamp down on us. If the Allies take France, then they’ll lose their connection to their own country and will feel very much on their own here. And what happens when you corner a rat?’

His warning made sense. ‘We need to take precautions even more now not to bring attention to ourselves’ Helen said trying not to panic.

‘Especially you and Bobby,’ Peggy said sombrely.’ And above all you, Daphne, now they live with you. Those rotters might be harsher towards someone they don’t consider suspicious.’