Darkest Before Dawn Episode 32
Maud had really struck gold when it came to her thoughtful daughter-in-law, and she was right: they had to soak up every minute with him that they could.
Eddie didn’t say much about where he’d been or what he’d seen, and was more interested in what they’d all been up to.
“I can’t believe how grown up you look, Isobel. You’re a proper young lady now.
“And you, Sidney. Look at you! You’ll soon be as tall as me.
“Mum, you’ve changed, too,” Eddie continued. “You look younger and more confident, and very smart in your uniform. The war has been good for you.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Maud burst out, remembering their time in London and the terror of the Blitz.
“It’s true, Mum,” Isobel argued. “You’re stronger than you’ve ever been.”
It was a compliment and Maud felt humbled by it.
All too soon it was time for Eddie to go.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” he said, as if he were just off to the pub.
“If only your dad were here,” Maud mused. “He’ll be so sorry he missed you.”
“He’s going to be busy for a while,” Eddie replied. “Tell him I think of him often and I’ll see him soon.”
They left the room so he could say goodbye to Tilly.
When he left, after hugs, tears and kisses, Sidney ran down the road behind him.
“Can I walk with you, Eddie?” he called out.
His brother wrapped his arm round his shoulders and they disappeared round the corner together.
Maud felt as if her heart would burst with happiness and sorrow.
Sidney was fourteen now, and if this war didn’t end soon there was a chance he could end up fighting. It didn’t bear thinking about.
After the joy of seeing Eddie, Maud felt suddenly crushed, and not at all the strong woman Isobel claimed she was.
She had an awful feeling she’d never see her son again.
Isobel was reading the newspaper.
“Four thousand ships crossed the Channel. That’s where Dad’s been, helping transport troops and equipment to northern France.
“It’s why Eddie was here. Those saying it was an invasion force were right!”
Tilly stared at her.
She’d already read the newspaper, but knowing that Eddie was in France didn’t make her feel better.
It had been wonderful to see him for a short while, but saying goodbye to him had been a bigger wrench than it was the first time.
“Our boys are on the offensive now,” Isobel said excitedly. “This is exciting.”
Maud looked at Tilly.
“Isobel,” she warned.
“I wonder if Stefan is there,” Isobel went on.
“Isobel!” Maud said loudly, and Isobel looked up.
“Oh, Tilly, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Isobel was contrite.
“I’m not upset,” Tilly lied, and tried to laugh it away, but it turned into a sob.
“He’ll be OK, Tilly,” Isobel said.
“I just miss him.” Tilly wept and Isobel’s arms tightened around her.
“I know,” Isobel replied. “Why don’t we go for a bike ride?
“We can take a picnic and talk about anything except the war.
“Mum will mind Peter, won’t you, Mum?”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Maud smiled. “I’ll make you some sandwiches and a flask of tea.”
Isobel raced upstairs and Tilly followed at a more sedate pace.
She didn’t feel like going out and couldn’t muster any enthusiasm.
She was extremely worried about Eddie.
No-one seemed to realise the danger he was in.
They weren’t having a jolly hike through France without resistance. The Germans would be doing all they could to stop them.
In some ways it had been better when she hadn’t known where he was.
Thirty minutes later, as they left the town behind them, Tilly’s spirits began to lift.