Chapter 7

July 1941

It was the following afternoon – another hot day – and although the small window in her office was open, little fresh air was coming into the room. As Peggy typed, she couldn't dismiss the notion that maybe Helen's work serving high-ranking officers could be of some use. She wasn't sure she was right to involve her in subterfuge, but she reasoned that since Helen had taken part in the hiding of the Villa Millbrook silver, she was more than willing to do her bit for the greater good of the islanders. She should at least give her the option.

She studied her translation, realising how much information she had gleaned from her work already. Seeing so many documents helped her to work out the mindset of the individuals behind the new edicts. Helen, through her waiting on the officers, must surely hear all sorts of conversations. The information the pair of them could gather could be useful and would no doubt be welcomed by Advocate Le Gresley's underground group.

There was a knock on her office door, snapping her out of her thoughts. Peggy sat up a little straighter as the door opened and a fair-haired messenger entered.

‘Good morning.'

He gave a nod, his face serious. ‘Good morning.' She waited while he placed in her in-tray an envelope she knew would contain documents needing translation. He left without saying another word and Peggy stared at the buff envelope. From its bulk she guessed there was quite a lot of work needing her attention today.

* * *

Peggy was almost home when she spotted Helen hurrying along the opposite side of the road. Checking it was clear, she ran over to join her. ‘Helen, slow down a minute, will you?'

Helen stopped walking and turned to her, a smile lighting up her face. ‘Peggy. How are you?'

Peggy was worried that she was about to approach her friend on a matter that could go very wrong. ‘Do you mind if I have a quick chat with you before you go to see Mum and fetch Bobby?'

Helen frowned. ‘Is everything all right?'

Peggy nodded. ‘Yes, fine. There's something I need to ask you, that's all.'

‘Go ahead.' She waited patiently while Peggy gathered her thoughts.

‘I've been thinking about your work at Villa Millbrook.' She kept her voice low and stopped talking as two women walked past. ‘It occurred to me that with you working in close proximity to German officers, you could be in an excellent position to pick up snippets of information that could prove useful.'

‘I see.'

Peggy saw the alarm on Helen's face and wanted to reassure her. "It's just a thought. I've not shared it with anyone else. Please don't feel you have to do anything that'll make you uncomfortable.'

‘It's not that,' Helen said quietly. ‘I'm touched you're trusting me, but I don't see how I can help.'

‘Why not?' Peggy asked, unable to hide her disappointment.

Helen cringed. ‘I would love to, but they speak in German and if I don't understand what they're saying I'm not sure what use I'll be to you.'

Why hadn't she thought of that, Peggy wondered, irritated with herself for missing the obvious. ‘Of course they do,' she said almost to herself. ‘I forget that most people don't speak the language.'

Helen touched Peggy's arm. ‘It was a good idea, though. And I will do my best to find anything out for you. You never know, maybe I will discover something useful.' She smiled.

Relieved, Peggy relaxed. ‘Thank you. I'm glad you didn't mind me asking.'

‘Don't be silly. I'm delighted you asked me.'

Peggy grinned. ‘I suppose we should go and fetch your adorable little boy now.'