by Ellie Dean
Sarah nodded sadly. ‘It’s not the homecoming either of us dreamed about, and I dread to think how Mother will cope if neither of them have survived.’
‘Jock is a Fuller,’ said Cordelia firmly. ‘The men in my family are as tough as old boots. I’m sure he’ll come through.’ She drained her glass and set it down. ‘Let’s not dwell on things we have no control over, it’s too depressing. Where will you all stay out there?’
‘Pops owned a bungalow we used for holidays on the Raffles Road, but it was flattened by the Japanese during their first attack on the island. I’m hoping that the Bristows’ bungalow is still standing – we used it after Elsa had left for Sydney with her girls and the Brigadier moved into army quarters. It became a haven of sorts while Pops was trying desperately to get us passage on a ship.’
‘And what if it isn’t available?’ asked Cordelia. ‘The Bristows might need it for themselves.’
‘That’s certainly a possibility, so to be on the safe side, I went into Thomas Cook’s this morning to see if they could book us into Raffles. It was no go, unfortunately, as the hotel has been requisitioned by the British Forces to accommodate their administrators. It seems they’ve taken over most of the hotels in readiness for the release of the Allied prisoners, so if the bungalow isn’t available, we’ll probably be camping out somewhere.’
She sipped the sherry. ‘But there’s one piece of good news. The flying boat will be leaving from Southampton instead of Poole, which will mean a much shorter train journey. Evidently, it was decided that the bigger harbour in Southampton was better placed, and a whole new pier and customs house are in the course of being constructed.’
‘Well, that’s a blessing,’ said Peggy. ‘Poole’s miles away down in Dorset, and it would have taken you an entire day to get there.’
Cordelia’s mind was clearly still on their accommodation, for she changed the subject back. ‘I don’t like the sound of you camping out, Sarah. What about your home on the plantation? Surely you could go there?’
‘It’s right up in the Malayan jungle and too far from Singapore, Aunt Cordelia. We need to be at the centre of things for when the prisoners are released, so we have little choice but to stay in Singapore. Perhaps, later when we know …’
She saw that her hand trembled as she held the glass and quickly put it down. ‘I can’t begin to imagine how we’ll find two men among the thousands that will be coming in, and can only pray that the Japs kept some sort of record of those they held.’
‘With the British in charge again, things will soon be brought into order,’ said Cordelia with all the certainty of someone steeped in British pride. ‘I’m sure that if you tell them who you’re looking for, they’ll do their utmost to find them.’
Sarah found it hard to have faith in that, for with the chaos of so many prisoners pouring into Singapore, it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, she didn’t want to upset Cordelia by voicing this doubt, for none of them really knew anything, and why destroy the hope she’d clung to for so long?
‘It seems everything is up in the air at the moment,’ said Peggy. ‘I got a telegram from Jim the other day, warning me he wouldn’t be home for Christmas. I have no idea why, and as there was no letter from him in the post today, I’ll just have to wait to find out.’
‘Oh, Peggy, I’m so sorry to hear that,’ sighed Sarah. ‘I know how much you were looking forward to having him home. But perhaps he’s being sent to Singapore as part of this new British takeover?’
Peggy sniffed and got to her feet. ‘Yes, well, we can’t all have what we want, Sarah, and, Singapore or not, it seems the army has more need of him than I, so I’ll just have to lump it.’ She filled the kettle and placed it firmly on the hob. ‘Tea anyone?’
Sarah shook her head. ‘Thanks, but not for me, I’m off to bed. I have work in the morning.’ She kissed both women goodnight, gathered up her purchases and slowly went up the stairs to her bedroom.
Closing the door behind her, she leaned against it for a moment, dropping her shopping to the floor, and then sank onto the single bed. Contemplating the photographs of her family, she gave a deep sigh. She was dreading the journey, and what she might find in Singapore. But the die had been cast and only fate would determine the outcome.
Peggy poured the boiling water over the tea leaves, knowing the weak brew wouldn’t really revive her, but she needed the comfort of a cup of tea, no matter how tasteless, to soothe her troubled spirits before she went to bed.
‘I wonder if she’s heard from Delaney again,’ she said, waiting for the tea to steep.
‘Not since he wrote saying he was in one piece and back in America,’ said Cordelia, taking off her glasses and rubbing her eyes. ‘And I doubt she will again as she told me she was quite firm about breaking things off with him.’
‘She might have said she was,’ said Peggy, ‘but in her heart it was the last thing she wanted to do.’
Cordelia gave a deep sigh. ‘It’s all terribly sad, isn’t it? Sarah’s holding fast to her promise to Philip despite loving another man – and poor Sybil is determined to believe he and my nephew are alive. This journey to Singapore is fraught with disaster. I can feel it in my bones.’
Peggy thought about the broken shards of china scattering across her kitchen floor, and an icy chill feathered her spine. She chose to ignore it as she poured out the tea. ‘There’s nothing we can do about any of it, Cordy,’ she said, handing her the cup. ‘Especially not with this horrid tea. I must try and remember to buy some tomorrow.’
‘You don’t fool me, Peggy Reilly,’ said Cordelia softly. ‘I know you’re worried sick about the girls, and still deeply upset by the news that Jim won’t be home any time soon. But for all your strength and determination to put on a brave face, there are times when you must talk and let all those feelings out. I’m always ready to listen, Peggy.’
Peggy took her hand. ‘I know, Cordy, and believe me I have cried and stormed and let it all out – and I’ve realised I just have to accept that I can’t solve everyone’s problems or change things.’
Cordelia smiled with deep affection. ‘Well, that’s a start, I suppose.’
Peggy came down from the bathroom the next morning with Daisy to find everyone but Martin and Danuta already at the breakfast table. She’d slept pretty well, for she was convinced a letter would come from Jim today, and was feeling quite sprightly. Sitting Daisy at the table with a bowl of cereal, she poured herself a cup of tea and put an egg on to boil.
‘Martin’s gone to see Jack about buying a good second-hand car,’ said Anne. ‘And Danuta dashed off early to get her rounds started so she could meet her Polish chap for afternoon tea.’ She smiled. ‘It seems she isn’t quite so impervious to his charms as she’s made out.’
‘It’s hardly surprising,’ replied Peggy, setting the timer for the egg. ‘He could charm the birds out of the trees, that one – and being Polish is an added bonus for Danuta, I’m sure. She must feel quite homesick at times, and I think she enjoys speaking her mother tongue again.’
‘I’m sorry we didn’t have much chance to catch up yesterday, Mum, but time just flew and once the girls were in bed, Martin and I soon followed. Both of us were worn out.’
‘I’m not surprised. You both had a very busy day. So, what sort of state is your cottage in?’
‘In pretty good shape considering we haven’t been near it for years,’ Anne replied, cutting the toast into soldiers for Rose and Emily to dip into their boiled eggs. ‘Mr and Mrs Smethurst have looked after it very well – given it a coat of paint and done repairs as and when needed, and he’s got a flourishing vegetable garden going at the back. I think they’re rather sad to be leaving.’
Peggy felt guilty that she hadn’t been over there to meet the Smethursts and keep an eye on the place, but what with one thing and another, there just hadn’t been time. ‘Where do they come from originally?’
‘Sheffield,’ said Anne. ‘Their son wrote a
nd told them he was home from the army and that the house was still standing – but empty – so they decided they needed to get back there before someone took advantage of it and moved in. Evidently the housing shortage is as bad up there as everywhere else, and people are camping out wherever they can.’
‘So I suppose that means you’ll be moving out at the weekend, then,’ Peggy said sadly.
‘We’ve decided to do it bit by bit, if that’s all right with you, Mum,’ said Anne. ‘I’d like to freshen the place up a bit with new curtains and carpet and so on, and the kitchen and bathroom could certainly do with being modernised. But it shouldn’t take long, and I’m hoping we’ll be out of your hair by the weekend.’
Peggy felt a twist to her heart but plastered on a smile. ‘You know I’ve loved having you here,’ she said, ‘and you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish. But it’s right that you and Martin have your own home again.’
Anne smiled. ‘We know you’ve enjoyed having us, Mum, and we’ve loved being here. But it’s time we went home, and we’re both looking forward to it tremendously. Grandad promised to help with Frank and one of his plumber pals to update the kitchen and bathroom, and once they’re done, we’ll be all set to move in.’
‘If your grandfather’s in charge then be prepared for delays,’ warned Peggy. ‘He’s very good at promising things, but he takes his time about actually doing anything.’
‘I’ve promised to lend a hand,’ said Charlie. ‘We’re going over there after breakfast to make a start on ripping out the kitchen.’
‘Goodness me,’ breathed Peggy. ‘But what about the Smethursts?’
‘They left yesterday afternoon,’ said Anne. ‘So the house is empty.’
‘Oh, I see,’ said Peggy and quickly left the table to see to Daisy’s boiled egg. ‘I’m sorry I can’t do much to help, Anne, but what with work and everything …’
Anne rose from the table and put her arm about her mother’s slim waist. ‘It’s not as if we’ll be far away,’ she said quietly. ‘And with the school just down in Camden Road, I shall probably see you every day.’
‘I know,’ she managed, scooping the egg from the boiling water. ‘It’s just that I’ve only got used to you being home and now you’re leaving again.’ She blinked back her tears. ‘Ignore me, Anne, I’m being soppy.’
‘I know you’re finding it difficult, what with all the comings and goings,’ murmured Anne. ‘But if you get your car back from Chalky’s barn and have Jack look over it, you’ll be able to drive over and see us whenever you want.’
Peggy nodded, put the egg in the egg cup and placed it in front of Daisy. Tapping the top and peeling back the shell, she didn’t need to urge Daisy to tuck in, for this was her favourite breakfast.
‘That’s a good idea, Anne,’ she said, sitting back down to drink her tea. ‘I might very well do that. Cycling all that way over the hills is beyond me, and I don’t trust that seat on the back for Daisy. It’s far too flimsy, and she wriggles about quite alarmingly.’
‘I’ll ask Uncle Frank to drive up to Chalky’s and arrange to bring the car back,’ said Charlie. ‘I’ll have a look at the engine if you like, Mum.’
‘Thank you, dear,’ she said on a smile, resisting the urge to brush his dark hair off his forehead. ‘That would be kind, but I think Jack better give it the once-over as well. It’s been up on bricks for years in that old barn, and I suspect the rats and mice have been having a field day in it.’
Charlie shrugged as if this would pose him no problem and helped himself to more toast. There was a commotion at the back door, then Ron arrived with the dogs, which burst into the kitchen with great enthusiasm to greet everyone and beg for any scraps that might be going.
‘Come on, wee boy,’ Ron said jovially. ‘The sun’s been up for hours and we’ve got work to do. You can eat that on the way.’
Charlie regarded him with a frown. ‘Are we walking?’
‘And how else d’ye think we’ll get there?’ asked Ron, his bushy eyebrows wriggling.
‘Well, I thought you might bring Rosie’s car,’ the boy replied, pushing back from the table. ‘It’s a long way, and we’ll have tools and things to carry.’
‘Ach, so it’s the life of leisure you’ll be wanting, is it? To be sure, you have two fine legs to be walking, ye wee scamp,’ he said, ruffling the boy’s hair and grinning. ‘’Tis a grand day, so it is, and the walk will do you good.’
Charlie stuffed the last of his toast into his mouth and chewed on it as he grabbed the flat cap he’d taken to wearing lately. Shoving it over his thick mop of dark hair, he pulled on an old jacket over his dungarees and swallowed the toast. ‘See you all tonight then,’ he said gloomily.
‘To be sure, ’tis a grand thing Frank has the utility outside,’ said Ron on a sigh. ‘So get a move on, boy. The day is wasting.’
Charlie looked at him askance at being so easily fooled. ‘Grandad!’
Ron winked at him then headed back down the steps to the basement, the two dogs chasing at his heels.
Peggy couldn’t help but smile as her son hurried after him. ‘Ron certainly fooled him there. But he’ll learn.’
‘I’d better get off too,’ said Sarah, pulling a cardigan over her light summer dress. ‘It wouldn’t be right to turn up late after having yesterday off.’
Peggy kissed her goodbye and as the girl hurried down the steps, she cleaned the egg from Daisy’s face and helped her down from the table so she could play with Rose and Emily in the hall.
‘How did it go at the staff meeting yesterday?’
‘It’s going to be a big school when it’s finished,’ Anne replied. ‘As you know, they’ve built on the old school site as well as where the two blocks of flats used to be. The junior classrooms, main hall, staff room and gym are finished, but the seniors will have to use the prefabs until the rest is done – but that won’t be for much longer, because the work’s proceeding at quite a pace. The headmaster, Mr Rowney, was deputy head when I taught there before the war, so I know we’re in good hands.’
‘What are you going to do about Rose and Emily while you’re at school? Martin won’t be around much once the air-freight business is up and running.’
‘I was rather hoping you could help with that,’ said Anne.
‘Oh, Anne, you know I don’t have the time to babysit, however much I might want to,’ Peggy replied on a sigh.
‘And I don’t expect you to, Mum. But the factory crèche would be ideal, and as I understand it, the numbers are right down at the moment with so many workers going back to their homes. I wondered if you could persuade Solly to let the girls go there. I would pay the going rate, obviously,’ she added quickly.
‘It’s certainly a very good idea,’ agreed Peggy, ‘and Nanny Pringle is simply marvellous with them all. I’ll pop in on my way to work and see how the land lies. But I warn you, Anne, he might not agree to it.’
‘I know, but it’s worth a try.’
‘What’s Betty doing about childcare for Joseph?’
‘Now Brendon’s back on the trawlers with Uncle Frank, he was hoping Pauline would lend a hand, but it seems she’s far too busy with her office job at the Red Cross – and actually they don’t really trust her to look after him properly. So they’ve found a nice, respectable little woman who lives nearby who is only too pleased to look after Joseph along with her own baby for a couple of pounds a week during term-time.’
‘It’s a great shame Pauline can’t help. But I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.’ Peggy was about to get on with the washing-up when she was alerted to the sound of the post being dropped into the wire box.
Rushing into the hall, she quickly sifted through the letters and, with a sigh of thankfulness, plucked out the one from Jim. ‘It’s from your father,’ she said gleefully, placing the rest of the post on the kitchen table.
‘Sit and read it, then, while I clear up,’ said Anne.
Peggy’s hand was trembling as she tore open the e
nvelope and drew out the two pages.
Darling Peggy ,
I know how upset you must have been to receive that telegram, but I wanted to tell you what was going on here before you heard something on the wireless that set you off into a panic. Believe me, sweetheart, I was truly shattered by the news as I know you must have been, and I’m still finding it hard to believe that it could be several months before I’ll be allowed to come home .
I don’t know what the papers have been saying, but I expect you’ve heard that now the Japanese are on the point of signing the unconditional surrender, the British government is determined to take back Malaya and Singapore as swiftly as possible. There will be a British Administration put in place to govern Singapore until there can be a proper general election – and in fact there is already quite a British contingent out there to keep order, mop up any resistance and begin the process of trying to find and repatriate our POWs .
We have just been informed that we’re to be shipped over there as part of a vast land, sea and air force to take control, and assist the administration in dealing with those thousands of British POWS who will soon be pouring in. I understand that some of those imprisoned on the island and in Changi have already been released, but there’s no way of knowing yet if Sarah’s father or fiancé are among them .
I can promise you I will not be involved in any fighting, Peggy. We will be there simply to bring order, help rebuild, supply much-needed medicines and food and see to it that the poor souls who survived those camps of horror are given the very best care .
I’ve been unfortunate enough to witness the aftermath of the Japanese brutality, and the sight of once sturdy fighting men reduced to barely living skeletons is something that will haunt me until the day I die. I hope to God Sarah and Jane never have to witness such a thing, and would advise them strongly to stay in England. The authorities will contact them with any news, and once I’m there, I’ll do my very best to find out what has happened to Jock and Philip .
