Chapter 58

The Germans didn't fire their anti-aircraft guns that night, despite the continued heavy Allied bombing in the distance. Helen was glad of the reprieve from the noise but sensed the tension in the air. She doubted she was alone wondering if the Allies might land on the more northern Channel Islands like Alderney – and if they did, what might happen to them all then?

Daphne went to work daily, coming home with snippets of news but mostly able to share the atmosphere at the Villa Millbrook. Whereas before she had managed to bulk up their rations with small amounts of food kept secretly from the officers by Mrs Jeune, now she hardly ever brought anything extra home in her bag.

‘They've begun doing spot checks on staff when they leave for the day,' Daphne explained over their meagre supper of vegetables they had harvested from the garden. ‘Poor Dulcie only just managed to get away with sneaking a bread roll in her pocket because the captain was distracted briefly.'

‘It sounds extremely tense there now.'

‘It is,' Daphne said, sadness in her brown eyes. ‘It's not a pleasant place to be any more. It hasn't been since they came.'

Something occurred to Helen. ‘Were you there before the occupation then?'

Daphne nodded. ‘I've worked there for almost fourteen years now. Lady Trent, the owner, is a kind, decent person. She held parties for her birthday and loved being driven by her chauffeur each afternoon, stopping to speak to people and constantly handing out gifts. Her family insisted she went to live with their son up in the Scottish Highlands because he said they'd be safer there.' She sighed. ‘It's still strange being in the house without her, but I'm glad she doesn't have to witness them in her home. She would hate it. I wish I didn't have to go there anymore, but I need a job and I tell myself that this way I'm keeping an eye on the place until she can return.'

‘I hope you don't have to wait too long for that to happen.'

‘As do I. The atmosphere there is changing, though,' Daphne said. ‘Some of the soldiers seem withdrawn and more anxious than usual. The more outgoing ones appear happy and excited. I suppose their mood depends on whether they're looking forward to getting involved in the fighting after being stuck here for four years. They are trained soldiers, after all.'

It wasn't until the following Thursday that Helen heard machine guns. It was just after six in the morning and the sound woke her with a start. Daphne had already left for work but when she returned she explained that German ships had been sunk.

‘There's been shots fired to the northwest of the island at a gun emplacement there. When I was walking to and from work I happened to notice fewer uniforms on the streets. It was surreal.'

‘Dare we hope the Allies will rescue us?' Helen asked, absentmindedly crossing her fingers. It was tantalisingly knowing they were so close. ‘Surely they'll come for us next?'

Daphne shook her head. ‘I've no idea, but I worry that if they do, it could end up being a bloodbath here. After all, it's not as if we can leave the island while the two sides fight over it.'

Helen chewed her lower lip, unaware what she was doing until she tasted blood. ‘Ouch.'

‘Do be careful, dear,' Daphne said looking shocked.

As the next few days passed, some quieter than others, there was little opportunity of forgetting about the battle carrying on in France; planes were flying over and German artillery was firing at them. Helen did her best to keep her anxiety in check but was continually distracted by German fire and concern for the Allied planes, willing them not to be hit and to keep going.

She hated being left at the house alone with Bobby and eagerly awaited Daphne's return each evening, when she listened intently to the news she was able to bring.

‘They're becoming nervous and snappy at work,' Daphne said. ‘It hasn't been helped by the news that three of their minesweepers were hit yesterday, and some E-boats.' Helen noticed Daphne's hand trembling as she picked up the cup of weak tea she had placed in front of her. ‘I don't mind admitting, I'm becoming increasingly concerned by the moods of some of these officers when I arrive at work.'

Helen felt sorry for her. ‘If only you could take a few days off.' As she spoke, she noticed how pale Daphne seemed. Sallow somehow, despite her usual healthy appearance. There were dark circles under her eyes and she had become very thin. Helen hated to think that her friend's weight loss had been made worse by her sharing her rations between the three of them. Daphne would never discuss it.

‘I wish I could, too.' She pressed her hands together as if in prayer. ‘We need to keep you two safe at all costs.' She reached out and rested her hand on top of Helen's. ‘What else would I have to focus on without the pair of you? You've become family to me.'

Helen was taken aback. ‘I, er, that's the loveliest thing anyone has ever said to me.' She had to swallow to clear her throat.

‘It's true. I don't want you to worry about a thing. I'll do whatever I think best for all of us. You look after the little one and keep house here while I'm at work.'

Later that night, after Helen put Bobby to bed, she joined Daphne in the living room.

‘This is such a lovely bungalow,' Helen said. ‘You must have many happy memories here.

‘I have,' Daphne said wistfully. ‘I've been very lucky and I'm grateful to have been able to share it with you and Bobby these past six months.'

Helen settled back into the comfortable armchair. ‘I'd love to enjoy this place in peacetime,' she said, thoughtfully. ‘I can barely remember what the island was like back then.'

‘Well, with all that's happening around us right now, hopefully we won't need to wait too much longer to find out what that's like.'

Helen prayed her friend was right. She opened her mouth to speak when an enormous boom shook the house. She leapt up. ‘What was that?'

Daphne seemed dazed, her hands gripping the arms of her chair. ‘I've no idea,' she replied breathlessly.

‘What should we do?' Helen asked. When her friend didn't reply she heard Bobby cry out. She wasn't surprised he had been woken by the terrible explosion. She ran through to him, relieved when the noise wasn't repeated, and sat down on the side of the bed, stroking his head to calm him.

‘Everything's fine, darling. Try to go back to sleep. Mummy's here.'

He pulled her arm until he was cuddling it and Helen climbed on to the bed behind him and held him until he fell asleep again.