Chapter 18

‘We can't keep forcing this coat onto the poor little mite,' Aunt Sylvia said, trying her best to button up Bobby's coat, which Helen thought must now be almost two sizes too small for him.

Bobby stuck out his lower lip, his face crumpled and he burst into noisy tears. Helen sighed deeply. ‘I've no idea where to find another coat for him,' she admitted, as she desperately tried to comfort him. ‘If only it wasn't so cold, and I could get away with dressing him in a second sweater.'

There was a knock at the door and, frustrated, both women swapped glances.

‘I'll see who it is,' Helen said, hurrying to the door. She opened it to find Babs standing there, her arms wrapped around herself as she shifted from one foot to the other. Helen waved her inside. ‘Quick, it's freezing out there.'

‘Thanks.' Babs's smile disappeared as Bobby let out another furious bellow. ‘I didn't bother putting a coat on because I was only coming from next door. Oh dear, have I come at a difficult moment?'

‘It's fine. Come through.' Helen lowered her head to her son's level and pointed at Babs. ‘Look who's come to visit us, Bobby.'

He looked up at her. Ordinarily, the sight of Babs's pretty face never failed to make him smile, but this time he just continued crying.

‘What's the matter, little man?' Babs frowned, chucking him under his chin. When that didn't make any difference she gave Helen a questioning look. ‘Why is he so upset?'

‘He's feeling restricted in his winter coat.'

Babs pulled a face. ‘I'm not surprised. It does look a bit too small for him.'

Helen groaned guiltily. ‘That's it. I'm taking it off. I can't expect him to wear this, but what else can I do?' she asked, only just holding back her own tears. ‘There aren't any children's clothes anywhere as far as I can tell.'

‘Have you tried Summerland?'

Helen had heard of the factory. ‘Is that the place next to the orphanage?'

‘Yes, Sacre Coeur. I've heard they unravel knitted items at Summerland and make them into something else. They also do the same thing with discarded fabric from blankets or curtains, that sort of thing. Their opening hours are reduced but I can find out what they are, if you like? Maybe they might have something you can buy for Bobby.'

It was a good idea and Helen appreciated Babs's suggestion. ‘Thank you.'

‘Maybe you could ask someone at Boots if they're in need of a coat this size?' Aunt Sylvia suggested. ‘What with money being so tight.'

‘That's a good idea,' Babs agreed. ‘I will. I know Mum has bartered a few things over the past year.' She looked thoughtful. ‘Leave it with me. I'll see what I can come up with.'

Helen thanked her friend, then realised she hadn't asked why she'd come over. ‘Sorry, I forgot to ask – is there something we can do for you?'

Babs seemed at a loss for a moment, then nodded. ‘I'd forgotten all about that in the excitement.' She pressed her palms together. ‘Please don't feel you have to accept, it's just a suggestion.'

‘Go on, lovey,' Aunt Sylvia encouraged. ‘What is it?'

‘Mum and Peggy were discussing Christmas Day. I don't know what food you've managed to get hold of for the day, if anything much, but they were wondering if you'd like to come to our house and we'll all share our food. It would be fun celebrating the day together. Making an event of it. Mum will be going to church early in the morning, but you'd be welcome any time that suits the two of you.' She ruffled Bobby's hair. ‘And you, of course. You'll be the most important guest.'

Helen loved the idea and looked at her aunt for her reaction. She was smiling.

‘I think it's a wonderful idea,' Aunt Sylvia said. ‘Don't you, Helen?'

‘I do.' She thought about how they should go about the cooking. ‘As we only live next door, why don't we cook our food here and carry it over at a pre-arranged time?'

‘I like that idea.' Babs's eyes sparkled in amusement. ‘It will save me doing extra washing up too.'

Helen and Sylvia laughed.

‘And we can take our dirty plates home with us,' Sylvia pointed out with a smile.

It cheered Helen to see her aunt looking so happy for once. Even Bobby seemed happier, probably because their jollity had taken his mind off himself.

‘And if the little one becomes tetchy or tired,' Helen said thoughtfully, ‘I can simply bring him home and put him to bed.' The more she thought about it the happier she was with the idea. ‘I'm getting a little excited about Christmas now we have something planned.'

‘So am I,' her aunt agreed.

It would be Christmas in two days and Helen couldn't wait. Then a thought struck her. ‘Oh!'

‘What is it?' Babs asked.

‘Um, it's nothing,' she stalled, not wishing to mention that she would now have to find a gift for Babs and her family if they were to spend the day together. She had very little money and most of what she did have she would need to pay for a coat for Bobby, if she could find one that fitted him.

As if she had realised what was on Helen's mind, Babs said, ‘Mum insists none of us think about bringing presents.'

‘She does?'

‘Yes. Everything is scarce now, and we'd all be hard pushed to find anything, even if we could afford it.' Babs clasped her hands together. ‘The most important thing is for all of us to spend time with each other.'

Helen was extremely relieved. ‘As long as we're all agreed, then that's what we'll do.'

‘Perfect.' Babs turned to leave. ‘At least we're allowed our radios at the moment, so we can listen to music.' She did a little jig, making them laugh. ‘I should be going now. Mum and Peggy will be delighted you're joining us.' She raised an eyebrow. ‘Although I have a feeling they'll mostly be excited about Bobby spending the day with us.'

They followed her to the front door. Babs turned before leaving. ‘I won't forget to ask about coats for Bobby.'

‘Thank you. I appreciate your help.'

Helen watched her friend run down the steps and up the ones leading to her home next door, giving a quick wave before disappearing inside.

How lucky she was to live next door to such a kind family. Her mother used to say that angels come into our lives in various guises just when we need them, and Helen couldn't help thinking that Babs, Peggy and her mum were her own personal angels. And Aunt Sylvia, too.