Chapter 49

Helen was surprised when Babs came to fetch her earlier than usual, insisting she join Peggy and Tony downstairs. She followed Bobby down the narrow attic staircase and down to the kitchen, where Peggy and Tony were sitting chatting to Ida as she filled the kettle.

Everyone seemed in high spirits for some reason, and she wondered what could have happened to cheer them up so much.

‘Good afternoon, everyone,' she said as they all took it in turns to look at the toy Bobby was waving in the air.

She realised they were all staring at her; Peggy with a strange look on her face.

‘You're all looking very cheerful,' she said, as Peggy took something from her pocket. It took a couple of seconds for Helen to see that it was a telegram.

‘For me?' she whispered, hardly daring to believe what she was seeing. ‘Is it from Richard?'

Tony nodded.

‘It is, Helen,' Peggy said handing her the buff-coloured envelope and hugging her.

Ida stepped forward. ‘There's this one, too.' She held it out for her.

Helen gasped, unable to take in that she had not one but two messages from Richard to read. ‘But I don't understand.'

‘I presume the one addressed to me,' Tony said, ‘was in case you didn't receive the one he sent here.'

Babs started to cry. ‘This is so romantic.'

‘Hush, foolish girl,' Ida said. ‘We don't know what they say yet.'

Helen stared at the envelopes in her trembling hands, unsure what to do for a moment. ‘I hope you don't mind if I take these to the living room to read?' she said. She would prefer not to be watched while she read his words, at least for the first time.

‘You do that, lovey.' Ida smiled. Then, addressing Babs, she said, ‘The blackouts are up everywhere, I hope? I don't want those buggers next door walking past and spotting Helen in there.'

‘Yes, Mum. No one can see inside.' She grinned at Helen. ‘I'm ever so happy for you.'

‘We all are,' Peggy agreed.

‘Thank you. May I leave Bobby in here?'

‘Yes, of course,' Peggy said with a laugh. ‘Now go and see what he's got to say.'

As soon as she was in the living room, Helen closed the door. She took a deep breath to steady herself, determined not to cry, then read the twenty-five words Richard had written to Tony, wanting to save the one to her for last.

Thank you for excellent news. Missing all. Please send fondest love to all. Am fit and well but longing to see everyone. Your friend, Richard

Helen reread his message, conscious that Richard's fingertips had touched this piece of paper. It was far more than she had ever hoped for, or expected to need, especially from the man she had promised never to bother with again.

She folded the piece of paper and slipped it neatly into its envelope and set it down on the table next to her. Then, her legs feeling like they might give way beneath her, she sat on the nearest chair and took a steadying breath as she opened the next envelope and unfolded the single sheet of paper it had been holding.

Ecstatic to know you are both well. Missing you dreadfully. Sorry for everything. Determined to make amends to you both. Deepest love and hugs, Richard

Helen read it several times before flattening the telegram against her chest and closing her eyes. ‘Oh, Richard, why didn't you let me know you weren't getting married before I ran away?' she whispered. They could have been married by now. Bobby wouldn't be hidden away and, she thought tearfully, he'd have a father to spend time with and learn from.

She sat trying to absorb the sentiments Richard had attempted to convey. Maybe things might be all right in the end. Whenever that end might come. If they came. No, she thought, angry with herself, this wasn't the time to overthink. She needed to take the good things as they came and make the most of them. Relish them. There were so few things to be excited about these days, and receiving these messages from Richard was like getting all her birthday and Christmas presents at the same time.