Darkest Before Dawn Episode 22
When Maud saw Hilda out, Isobel slumped back, while Tilly raced off to wash Peter’s hands before feeding him and putting him down for his nap.
“Up you get,” Maud ordered. “There’s work to be done. Tilly’s going to go shopping once Peter’s settled and I’ll get the beds made up and do the ones in the shelter, too.
“Isobel, you can do the stairs, and Sidney, take up the rugs and throw them over the line.”
“We should rest, Mum,” Isobel told her. “None of us got much sleep last night.”
“We have to keep busy,” Maud argued, and handed Isobel the dustpan.
Isobel went to the top of the stairs and began to brush.
The dust tickled her nose, but she didn’t mind. She hadn’t realised how much she’d missed home.
“Can’t it wait till tomorrah?” Sidney complained downstairs.
“Tomorrow,” Maud said. “I have plans for tomorrow.”
The cleaning took longer than expected, as they had a procession of visitors.
People brought gifts of food, clothing and even a pram for Peter.
By evening it was all done, and after tea Maud revealed her plans.
“We’re going to follow your aunt Rose’s example and do something to help the war effort,” she announced. “You, too, Tilly. We can all do our part.”
When Alf walked in, he was confused at first.
“I smell baking! And polish! Maud?” he cried.
She trotted to the hall.
“Now, before you say anything,” she began, “I’d already decided to bring the family home.”
He pulled her into his arms and swung her round.
“Rose’s house was bombed,” Maud went on once she was back on solid ground. “We had no choice.
“Besides, I didn’t tell you, but we were trapped in the shelter in September and had to be dug out.”
Isobel thought her big, strong father was going to fall over at this news.
“Bombed?” he repeated. “Trapped? Is that when you cut your face?”
Maud’s hand went to her cheek. The cut had healed, but it had left a mark.
“No, that was when we was out watching bombs,” Sidney explained eagerly.
“Outside? Watching bombs?”
“Come on in, Dad,” Isobel drew him into the sitting-room. “I’ll make you tea.”
“We saved you some food,” Maud added. “Mrs Curry told me your ship was due in today, so I knew you’d be home.”
“Not for long,” he replied. “We’re sailing in a few hours.”
“Long enough for something to eat.”
Alf put his arms round Maud and Isobel.
“I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve missed you something terrible, and the news from London has been dreadful.
“I’ve been waiting for the chance to come and bring you home myself. Did Rose come with you?”
“I offered, but she said no. She sends her love,” Maud told him.
Maud was serious about them joining the war effort.
Within days of arriving home she’d joined the WVS and bought her uniform of a green coat and dress with a burgundy cardigan, scarf and a felt hat.
“You look so smart, Mum,” Isobel commented.
It wasn’t just the uniform. Maud was sleeping better and the nightmares had stopped.
Tilly had volunteered for fire watching and Isobel had joined the Land Army, and was put to work on a farm just outside the town.
The work was different from what she was used to, but she enjoyed the labour.
It was almost as if they’d never been away. Isobel found it reassuring to see more of her dad.
She’d taken up writing to John again.
They were all so busy now. Maud ran a mobile canteen, and at night she looked after Peter while Tilly was on fire watch.