Alice sat on the edge of her unmade bed. She took a deep breath as she looked around her dreary bedroom; she had to tackle it before her mother and Mrs Headley did. She had to try and make space for the baby's things. That meant removing the many books that were stacked in every corner and gradually creeping further into the room. The piles appeared to have grown, since Freddie had been away. Perhaps working in a bookshop wasn't a good idea, but she was saving her money, in the hope they could buy a house when he returned. She stared at the books. She had seen the union jack poster several times on her way to work, telling the public to do their bit by giving old or new books and magazines for the sick, the serving soldiers and the sailors at sea. All she had to do was sort them out and take them to the Post Office; they didn't even want them wrapped. She frowned at her books. ‘Easy’.
Standing up, she placed her hands on her hips, stretching her back, trying to alleviate the ache that she had woken up with. Alice caught her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She never did gain the rosy glow that women were meant to have when they were pregnant. ‘Right,’ she spoke to her reflection. ‘Books.’ Alice turned away and frowned at one of the piles. She waddled over to the nearest stack and stooped to pick up the top book. ‘Ah, Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen wouldn't be happy for me to give away Miss Bennet and Mr Darcy.’ Smiling, she placed the book on her bed before bending to pick up the next. ‘Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester, another great story’. The Charlotte Bronte novel was placed on the bed, next to Jane Austen's. Next was Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days. Alice sighed. This was going to be difficult. She hated parting with her books, no matter how good the cause.
A minute later, the bedroom door creaked as it flew open and Lily rushed in. ‘Alice.’
Colour drained from Alice's face. ‘What's the matter? Is everything all right?’
Lily smiled. ‘Of course. Why wouldn't it be?’
‘Well,’ Alice raised her eyebrows, ‘for one thing, you rushed in as if the house was on fire.’
‘Sorry.’ Lily gave a sheepish grin. ‘I didn't mean to frighten you, but you don't have the monopoly on worrying about people, you know.’ She flopped on the bed and picked up the three books, neatly stacking them on the bedside table. ‘Anyway, I thought I'd come and see what you are up to. We don't see much of each other these days.’
Alice gingerly lowered herself onto the bed, next to her sister. ‘That's true. I’ve missed our little chats.’ She sighed. ‘I thought I'd be good and try to make room in here for the baby.’
Lily glanced around the room. It was bigger than hers, but not by much.
‘I know it's going to be tight, so I thought I'd start by sorting out the hundreds of books I have…’
Lily nodded. ‘But you’re finding it difficult.’
Alice laughed. ‘Well, I thought I'd put my ‘keep’ pile on the bed.’
‘That's good, there are only three.’
‘I don't know how to tell you this.’ A frown creased Alice's forehead. ‘They’re the first and only ones I’ve looked at.’
Lily doubled up with laughter, gulping for air as she hugged her sister. ‘That tells me it's not a job you can do by yourself.’
‘Maybe, but I thought I’d do what those posters are saying. You know, pass them on to our soldiers and sailors.’ Alice's chin trembled a little.
‘Don't get upset.’ Lily reached out and patted her sister's arm. ‘I'll help you, but you mustn't argue with me, all right?’
‘All right.’
Lily stood up and purposefully strode over to a pile of books, picking up as many as her arms would allow. ‘Right, out of this pile of, what…’ She paused looking down the stack she was holding, ‘… ten or twelve books, you can keep one.’
‘One?’ Alice shouted.
Lily smiled. ‘No arguing, remember?’
‘What about negotiating? You didn't say anything about that.’ Alice stared at Lily. She pushed out her bottom lip in a bid to win her sister over. ‘Can't I keep three?’
Lily dropped the books on the bed. ‘No, look around you.’ She waved her arms around the room.
Alice did as she was bid. ‘All right, you win, but it's hard to choose.’
‘If you want my help, don't keep giving me those sad little girl looks, because they won't work.’ Lily laughed at her sister. ‘Right, you can keep two out of these books.’
A smile spread across Alice's face as she clapped her hands together. ‘Thank you.’ She glanced at the three books that were already on the bedside table. ‘But that doesn't include the three I’ve already chosen.’
Lily laughed again. ‘You’re a nightmare.’ She shook her head. ‘Yes, you can keep those three as well.’ She smiled as she looked at the books stacked around the room. ‘I can see this is going to be a long job.’
‘I promise to be good. I just hate parting with them.’ Alice smiled up at her sister. ‘When Freddie and I have our own house, I'm going to have a library, where I can sit and read for hours on end.’
‘Hark at you, lady of the manor.’
They both laughed, before stopping and staring at each other. ‘It seems a long time since laughter was heard in this house,’ Alice remarked.
‘Yes, I'm not sure how mother will cope when you do move out. She is so excited about the baby.’ Lily frowned. ‘Why do you think we haven't heard from Robert?’
Alice shook her head. ‘I don't know. I miss him in a funny sort of way, but it's strange he hasn't written to us.’ She sighed. ‘It's like we can't even mention his name, but we haven't had any bad news, so hopefully he’s safe.’
Lily nodded. ‘I suppose they’d soon tell us if he wasn't.’ She gave her sister a sideways glance. ‘I take it Charles hasn't been found yet?’
Tears stung the back of Alice's eyelids. ‘I didn't know you knew he was missing.’
‘I overheard the end of the conversation. What did Father say, “Charles gets lost in the house”?’ Lily paused as colour rose up her neck. ‘I couldn't go into the sitting room because I was so angry with him, so I went out again.’
Alice reached out and stroked Lily's arm. ‘I’m so sorry. I should’ve told you, but I was trying to protect you.’
The corners of Lily's lips lifted slightly. ‘I know, but I’m a grown up now. I'll have you know, I uphold the law in this town.’
Alice laughed. ‘You are funny.’ She ran her hand across the small of her back. ‘But I do understand the point you’re making.’
Lily frowned. ‘It can get quite scary out there sometimes. I haven’t said anything to Mother, because I don’t want to worry her.’ She paused, looking down at the stack of books on her lap. ‘Daisy and I had to break up some trouble a couple of days ago. The pair of us make a good team.’
Alice raised her eyebrows. ‘What sort of trouble?’
‘People were refusing to buy their groceries from a corner shop that was owned by an old couple. It seems everyone thought they were German and accused them of being spies.’ Lily shook her head. ‘It got totally out of hand and the language and abuse that was being hurled at them was something else.’ She gave a little laugh. ‘I learnt some new words, I can tell you.’
Sadness crept across Alice’s face. ‘Those poor people. Were they German?’
‘No.’ Lily smiled. ‘People are stupid; they hear an accent so assume the worst.’
Alice frowned as she reached out and rested her hand on her sister’s arm. ‘Don’t worry, I won’t say anything, but please be careful out there. This war is causing so much misery. I think fear is making people act out of character and Mother certainly can’t take much more worry. Thank goodness for the distraction of a grandchild.’
Lily nodded. ‘Do you think Charles is still alive?’
Alice rubbed her lower back again. ‘As blunt as ever.’ She sucked in her breath. ‘I have to believe he’s still alive. It's too dreadful to think otherwise. I check every soldier that comes into Victoria Station, hoping one day he’ll be amongst them, but…’
‘He’ll turn up. Freddie would have looked after him.’ Lily looked across at Alice's troubled expression. ‘Are you in pain?’
‘Not really, I just have a severe backache.’
‘Right, enough of this maudlin conversation, let's get on with our negotiations about these books.’
*
Alice winced as she gingerly lowered herself into the armchair, her face etched with pain. She closed her eyes and took a couple of deep breaths, hoping the support of the upright chair would ease the increasing ache across her back.
Lily watched Alice closely. ‘Is it still playing up?’
‘Yes, I've probably overdone it with those books.’ Alice gave a feeble laugh. ‘That, or else the baby must have changed position and is lying awkwardly.’ She sighed. ‘If that’s the case, I wish it would move back again.’
‘I'll ask Mrs Headley for some tea or something.’ Lily turned to leave the room, but looked back again. The honeycomb glow of the mid-afternoon sun radiated into the room, its shafts of light bouncing off the glassware. Alice had her eyes closed, but the beads of perspiration were visible as her head rested back on the chair. Her hands were gripping the wooden arms. She looked washed out. Lily frowned. Surely, it was too early for her to give birth. Lily tried to do a quick calculation from the wedding day; eight months at best. Fear took hold. She turned away and took a couple of deep breaths. ‘Stop panicking, everything will be all right.’ She whispered the mantra a couple of times, on her way to the kitchen. What do you know about these things? a voice in her head countered.
Mrs Headley nodded as she approached her in the hall. ‘I was just coming to see if you wanted afternoon tea, miss?’
‘Afternoon tea?’ Lily's eyes widened. ‘Oh, er, yes, I suppose.’ Lily paused. ‘Thank you.’
Mrs Headley nodded and turned to walk away.
‘Mrs Headley?’
The housekeeper turned back. ‘Yes, miss.’
‘What do you know about pregnancy and childbirth?’ Lily's words fell over themselves in a rush to be heard.
‘Is everything all right?’
Lily gave a tight-lipped smile. ‘Possibly.’ She paused, wringing her hands together. ‘Alice woke up with backache this morning and it appears to be getting a whole lot worse. I'm probably just panicking. In fact I know I’m panicking, but the baby isn't due yet, and of course it might be nothing…’
Mrs Headley held up her hand, a gesture she knew would ordinarily get her the sack, but she had to stem the rising panic in Lily's voice. ‘I'm sure Mrs Leybourne will be fine. It's quite a natural process, you know.’
Lily stopped wringing her hands and took a deep breath. She gave the housekeeper a faint smile. ‘Yes, yes, it is, isn't it?’ She took another deep breath. ‘I must try and stay calm.’
Mrs Headley smiled. ‘Would you like me to get hold of the midwife or doctor?’
Lily's eyes darted from side to side. Her hands each sought comfort from the other as they clenched together in front of her. ‘I don't know. I wish Mother was back from her hospital visits. She’d know what to do.’ She gave Mrs Headley a pleading look. ‘Would you come and see what you think?’
The housekeeper nodded. ‘I’m not sure what use I’ll be. I’ve never had children, although I’ve helped deliver a couple.’
Without thinking, Lily threw her arms around Mrs Headley. ‘Thank goodness, that’s good to know.’
Mrs Headley laughed and enjoyed the warmth of the hug. It had been a long time since anyone had held her in that way. She didn't rush to pull back, as her grey curls rested against Lily's soft skin. Her arms crept round the young woman.
Lily pulled back a little, but left her hands on the housekeeper's shoulders. ‘Sorry, Mrs Headley, I didn't mean to embarrass you by overstepping the invisible line.’ She gave a chuckle. ‘My father would’ve had a fit if he’d walked in then.’
Mrs Headley arched her eyebrows. ‘Yes, miss, I’m quite sure I’d have been sent packing, but there’s no need for you to be sorry.’
Lily laughed. ‘Oh I'm not sorry for hugging you, and if he’d walked in, I’d have taken full responsibility for it.’ She paused. ‘I was apologising for embarrassing you.’
The housekeeper shook her head. ‘I can assure you it was nothing of the sort. It was very nice. Now, let's go and check on Mrs Leybourne, then I’ll get your tea.’
Lily nodded.
Mrs Headley followed Lily into the sitting room.
‘Ah, Lily, I wondered where you’d gone.’ Alice groaned. ‘I might go upstairs and lie on the bed for a little while. It’s definitely getting worse.’
‘I’ve brought Mrs Headley to look at you.’ Lily's voice rose with each word. ‘I don't know whether to fetch the doctor.’
Alice tried to smile at her sister. ‘I’m sure I’ll be all right, but the pain in my back is becoming unbearable.’
Mrs Headley walked over to Alice. ‘Do you mind if I touch your forehead?’ She paused as Alice squeezed her eyes shut. ‘I just want to see if you have a temperature.’
Alice shook her head.
Mrs Headley laid her flat palm over the area. ‘I think you’re right to suggest lying down. Your skin is quite damp; you definitely have a temperature.’ The housekeeper turned to Lily. ‘Can you help Mrs Leybourne upstairs and I'll get hold of the doctor.’
‘You aren't going out.’ Lily's eyes glistened. ‘I can't do this by myself.’
‘Stop fretting. I’m not going anywhere.’ She touched the young girl's arm. ‘I’ll come upstairs as soon as I’ve found someone to fetch the doctor.’
Lily nodded. ‘Right.’ She took a deep breath, before reaching out to grip Alice's arm. ‘Right, come on Alice, I'll help you up the stairs.’
Alice groaned. ‘I don't know now. I'm not sure I can walk, never mind climb the stairs.’
Mrs Headley moved to the other side of the chair. ‘Now I’m sorry, but you definitely need to be upstairs.’ She looked across at Lily. ‘Miss Taylor…’
‘Oh God, please just call me Lily.’
Mrs Headley nodded. She had to keep them both calm until help arrived. ‘Lily, hook your arm under your sister's and I'll do the same this side, then we can support her while we lift her up together.’
Lily did as instructed. ‘Say when.’
Mrs Headley looked into the frightened eyes of the young girl. ‘On the count of three. One, two, three.’ They both lifted as one.
Lily smiled, her fear momentarily forgotten. ‘There, we can do this, Mrs Headley.’
The housekeeper nodded. ‘Now we need to get her upstairs, and we can't do it three wide. If I help as far as the stairs, can you manage, while I sort out the doctor?’
Lily nodded, but the fear was back for all to see. ‘I'll try.’
Alice looked from one to the other. ‘I'm sure I can manage. I just feel a little weak, but I'll have the banister to hold on to.’
Lily's face relaxed a little as she stared at her sister. ‘If you hold the rail, I’ll be right behind you, in case you slip.’
Mrs Headley nodded before giving Lily a smile. ‘Let's go then, before her waters break.’
‘What? You think she’s about to give birth?’ Lily burst out.
Mrs Headley shrugged her shoulders. ‘Who knows? Babies come when they are ready, and I think this little one is at least making preparations to pay us a visit.’
Lily beamed. ‘Do you hear that, Alice? You might be a mother by the end of the day.’ Her grin faded with the excitement. ‘I'll get her upstairs, if you can sort out the doctor.’
The housekeeper nodded and sped out of the room. ‘I'll boil some water and find some towels as well.’
Alice bit down on her lip and blood oozed into her mouth, leaving a metallic taste in its wake. She leant heavily on Lily, stopping every minute or so. ‘Come on Alice, you can do it. It won't be long before you can hold on to the banister.’
A cry burst from Alice.
Fear wrapped itself around Lily's chest. ‘What is it? Alice, what is it?’
Alice looked down at the floor. ‘I don't think there’s going to be time for the doctor.’
Lily looked down at Alice's feet; she was standing in a puddle. ‘Mrs Headley,’ she screamed. ‘The baby’s coming. Where are you?’
Mrs Headley ran into the hall. ‘Upstairs quickly,’ she said breathlessly. ‘Otherwise you’ll be giving birth in the hall.’
*
The curtains kept the threads of early morning sunlight out of Alice's bedroom. One of her drawers had been emptied and placed on the floor, next to her bed. Alice looked down at the makeshift crib and smiled. Only Mrs Headley would have thought to line an old wooden drawer with newspapers, before covering them with a sheet folded many times. She vaguely remembered Lily bouncing between groaning with worry, and squealing with delight. The doctor hadn't arrived until after Mrs Headley had cut the cord and she was holding her adorable little bundle. The black curls had been matted with blood but Alice hadn't cared. She was exhausted, but elated; she had given birth to a son. Lily and Mrs Headley had done a good job looking after her.
‘Well, little one, what are we going to call you?’ Alice smiled. She stared down at her son's button nose. His long dark eyelashes rested on his cheeks, while the perfectly formed lips pursed as he slept in her arms. His tiny fingers opened when her hand touched his. He stretched them, before wrapping them around her index finger. Lowering her head, she kissed his soft, pink forehead. A tear ran down her cheek. She sniffed, before giving a watery smile. ‘Wait till your father sees you, Master Leybourne.’ Alice cuddled the soft bundle close to her and closed her eyes, allowing his sweet, milky scent to fill her. She jolted at the knock on her bedroom door. Before she had time to respond, the door flew open.
‘Good morning mummy, and my wonderful little nephew.’ Lily beamed.
Alice couldn't resist smiling at her sister. ‘My son and I would like to thank you for last night.’
Lily laughed. ‘I don't think it’s me you need to thank, but Mrs Headley; she's a bit of a dark horse, that one. Thankfully, she took total control and I just did as I was told.’
‘That's a little ironic when you've spent years doing the opposite.’ Alice laughed.
Lily chuckled. ‘Sometimes you have to admit when you’re in front of a superior being, and that was certainly the case last night.’
Alice smiled, shaking her head at her sister's logic. ‘Would you like to hold the little man you brought into this world?’
‘Of course.’ Lily laughed. ‘You don't think I’m here to see you, do you?’
Alice frowned as she carefully passed Lily the baby. ‘Be careful.’ She sucked in her breath. ‘Make sure you support his head.’
‘Stop fretting, Alice. I promise you, I’ll never let any harm come to this little boy.’ Lily frowned as she looked down at him. ‘I’ll protect him with my life.’
A light knock on the open door caught the girls' attention.
‘Hello, Grandma, have you come for a hold as well?’ Lily smiled at her mother.
‘Indeed I have, especially as I wasn't here last night when it all happened, but first I want to see how mum is doing.’ Sarah sat on the edge of the bed. She rested her hand on top of Alice's. ‘How are you feeling today?’
Alice smiled. ‘I'm all right, although I must admit my body feels like it's been run over by a train or something.’
Sarah laughed. ‘That’ll pass. I’m sorry I wasn't around last night, but I understand I wasn't missed. Mrs Headley, with Lily's assistance, did a wonderful job.’
‘Mrs Headley was amazing,’ Lily chimed behind her mother. ‘I was in a state of panic, even before I knew you were about to give birth.’
Alice and Sarah laughed.
‘That's all right, I thought I just had backache.’ Alice raised her eyebrows.
‘Never mind. It all ended well, thank goodness.’ Sarah patted Alice's hand. ‘Right, Lily, let me have a cuddle with my grandson.’ She stretched out her arms, while watching Lily kiss him on the forehead.
Lily straightened her lips. ‘I don't want to let him go.’
Sarah shook her head. ‘Well you have to; Mother has spoken.’
The girls laughed as Lily passed the baby to Sarah.
‘He’s gorgeous.’ Sarah stroked his soft, dark curls with her fingers. ‘What are you going to call him?’
‘I don't know. To be honest, I haven't thought about names. I was hoping Freddie and I could choose together, but…’ A tear rolled down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. ‘I’ll have to decide soon.’
Sarah's heart lurched in her chest. ‘He'll be home soon.’ She looked down at the bundle in her arms. ‘And what a surprise he’s in for.’
There was a cough from the doorway. ‘Sorry to disturb you, Mrs Leybourne.’ Mrs Headley stood in the doorway, carrying a tray. ‘But I thought you might like some tea, and I’ve done a boiled egg for you.’
‘Come in, Mrs Headley.’ Alice smiled at the housekeeper. ‘And please, just call me Alice. Nobody calls me Mrs Leybourne. When I hear it, I forget that's me.’ Alice grimaced as she tried to sit more upright. She took a deep breath. ‘Thank you, Mrs Headley, for the little one's makeshift bed, and indeed for everything. You were a star.’
Lily gave a little cough as she straightened the covers before the tray was laid on Alice's lap.
Alice smiled at her sister. ‘And so were you, Lily.’
‘Thank goodness you weren't on your own.’ Sarah piped up. ‘We should have had a rota in place.’
‘Well I wasn't on my own, thankfully, so it had a happy ending.’ Alice took a sip of the hot tea. ‘Thank you for the tea; I must admit I am ready for it. I’ll get up in a minute…’
‘No.’ A shrill of ladies' voices filled the room. The baby jumped at the sudden noise. Sarah rocked him up and down. ‘Well, we know there's nothing wrong with his hearing.’ She laughed. ‘Just take it one day at a time.’ Sarah didn't move her gaze away from the baby nestling in her arms. ‘Rest for today and see how you feel tomorrow.’
No one noticed the housekeeper shuffle out of the bedroom.
‘As much as I don't want to leave you, I have to go to work.’ Lily straightened her uniform before strolling around, to give her nephew a kiss on the top of his head. ‘I had no idea I’d feel like this about him; it's hard to tear myself away.’
Alice laughed. ‘Go on. He’ll still be here when you get home.’
Lily frowned. ‘I suppose.’ She paused, staring down at him. ‘You do know I shall tell everyone at work, then Daisy will tell Victoria, and that means you’ll have at least one visitor before the day is over.’
Alice laughed. ‘I’m under no illusions. Once word gets out, I shall be inundated with visitors, or perhaps I should say baby Leybourne will be.’
Lily gave him another kiss before moving round to give Alice a cuddle. ‘See you later, and take care.’
‘Hmm, you smell lovely. Is that another Christmas perfume?’
‘It is, but I must dash.’ Lily rushed out of the bedroom, leaving the door open.
‘Bye, stay safe,’ mother and daughter chorused.
‘I believe the doctor will be in later to check on you both, so get as much rest as you can between this little one's feeds.’
Alice nodded. She finally dipped a small piece of bread into her runny egg that had gone cold. The golden orange of the yolk covered it and she quickly popped it into her mouth. The doughy mixture wrapped itself around her teeth and stuck to the roof of her mouth. She picked up her teacup and gulped the warm liquid, letting it remove the layers of stickiness from her mouth. It was only then she noticed an armchair in the corner of her room. She frowned. ‘Why is there an armchair in my room?’
‘Mrs Headley insisted on sleeping in here all night.’ Sarah frowned as she looked up at Alice. ‘It took all my strength to get Lily out of the room and into her own bed.’
Alice's hand rested at the base of her slender neck. ‘I don't understand. Why did they both want to stay with me?’
Sarah’s lips straightened. ‘I wondered if you would remember, but you clearly don't. You were burning hot. The doctor said to keep you as cool as possible and to keep damping your lips, while trying to get some liquids into you.’
Alice stared wide-eyed at her mother. ‘I remember being hot when I was downstairs, but—’
‘Don't worry, you’re fine now and that's all that matters.’ Sarah smiled. ‘There wasn't a nurse available to sit with you at such short notice, although I have to say there wasn't any moving Mrs Headley. She was determined to stay and watch over you and this little one.’
‘Aw, bless her.’ Alice immediately wondered how she could repay the woman that had been around her all her life. ‘Perhaps, when I am up and about, we should take some photographs of the little man.’
‘Now that is a good idea, isn't it, little one?’ Sarah smiled.
Alice shook her head at her mother. ‘It would be nice to take one of Mrs Headley holding him, don't you think?’
‘That would be a lovely idea.’ Sarah laughed. ‘If she’ll allow it.’
Alice frowned at her mother.
‘Mrs Headley is a stickler for the rules.’ Sarah rocked the baby in her arms. ‘Why do you think we still call her Mrs Headley after thirty odd years?’
Alice shrugged her shoulders. ‘I always thought that was more about us as a family, than her.’
*
The china cups were filled to the brim with hot chocolate. Mrs Headley gave them to Alice, who in turn passed them around the family, one by one.
‘This is very cosy.’ Alice chuckled as she looked around her, everyone cupping their warm drinks. There were makeshift beds on the floor, lined up like horizontal soldiers. Candles flickered, casting shadows around the room. The flames were mesmerising as the thin white wick turned black. Gradually, the melting wax rolled down the sides. She forced herself to look away. ‘Ooh, you’ve added a couple of armchairs since last night. I can see them tucked away in the corner with that old card table.’ Alice sipped the hot sweet drink. ‘Mrs Headley, you’ve done a good job cramming in supplies and furniture, so we’re all comfortable.’
Mrs Headley smiled and bent her head slightly. ‘Thank you.’
Sarah gently blew the steam away from her drink. ‘That’s a lovely basket for Arthur to sleep in as well. He looks quite content, tucked up in there.’
Luke tutted. ‘I wonder how long we are going to be stuck down here this time; we were down here ages last night.’
Lily glared at her father. ‘Did you not bring a book to read, or something to do?’
Alice sucked in her breath. ‘I’ve brought my knitting and my old favourite, Pride and Prejudice.’ She picked up her book, waving it in the air, before dropping it on the floor and folding her hands around the cup she was holding. The warmth spread through her. ‘At least you’re safe. I met an old lady at Victoria Station, whose brother had died in the bombings last month. It was heart breaking. Apparently, there was a lot of damage, homes destroyed and people injured. Some inevitably died.’
Sarah shook her head. ‘I know the police rang their bells and told us to take cover, but I had no idea. The trouble is, you don’t always get to hear of anything.’ She paused for a moment. ‘It’s very sad, but we were lucky not to get hit.’
Lily shook her head. ‘We are lucky. Some people have nowhere to go and are apparently hiding under tables, while others try and make their way to the underground stations.’
The floor vibrated. Alice put down her cup. That was something they hadn’t experienced before. It shuddered again and was closely followed by a loud thunderclap right above their heads. Then another, and another. Alice physically jumped at the loud noise. Her heart started racing and her palms became clammy. With squinting eyes, Alice looked up at the ceiling as another boom cracked through the air. She grabbed Lily and Arthur’s hands. The bombs must be close by. Alice gave a silent prayer, to keep her family safe. She glanced across at her mother, whose eyes were shut, but her lips were moving. She willed her father to give her comfort, by at least holding her hand. He frowned as he caught her stare, his face drained of colour. Was he also afraid? Alice moved her head to silently indicate what he should be doing. He took her lead and took Sarah’s hand in his. Her mother gave him a grateful half smile, but fear held her body rigid. Lily squeezed Alice’s hand and mouthed, ‘I love you.’ Tears pricked her eyes until they hurt. She blinked quickly before shaking her sisters hand. ‘I love you too.’ Everyone sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Arthur slept, as another thunderclap filled the basement.
*
The family emerged as daylight filtered through the basement door. All were shaken, but in one piece. Alice was grateful that her son had slept through the whole thing, only waking to be fed. She held him tight in her arms as she gazed down at him, stroking his soft skin, not wanting to let him out of her sight ever again. She now understood the love a parent feels for their child, the need to protect at all costs. Alice was thankful he was too young to know the fear they all felt, sheltering in the basement.
Sarah turned and frowned at Alice and Lily. ‘The first thing is to find out whether your grandparents are all right.’
Alice took in her mother’s ashen features. She had aged overnight. ‘I think you should rest.’ She frowned as her gaze was drawn back to her sleeping son. She took a deep breath. ‘But if you and Father keep an eye on the little one, and promise on your lives to keep him safe, I’ll go along to Russell Square.’
‘I’ll come with you.’ Lily’s voice came from lower down the stairs.
Mrs Headley eyed her employers. ‘I can watch the young sir while Mrs Taylor rests. It will be my pleasure, and I promise nothing will happen to him.’
Sarah smiled at her grandson, but her eyes were cloaked with anxiety and tiredness. ‘He’s a wonderful shining light in these difficult times.’
Mrs Headley smiled. ‘He is that, ma’am.’ She glanced towards Alice. ‘Shall you be taking breakfast before you go to Mr and Mrs Gettin’s?’
Alice turned to Lily who shook her head. ‘No thank you, Mrs Headley. The sooner we know everything’s all right, the sooner we can all relax.’ She bent and kissed Arthur on his forehead, her lips lingering, before she passed him over to Mrs Headley. ‘You can sort it out between you.’ She laughed. ‘Although I do think Mrs Headley is right, Mother, you should go and have a lie down.’
Sarah nodded, unable to deny how exhausted she felt.
Alice and Lily both grabbed their coats from the hallway and rushed out the front door.
Squinting, Alice took a deep breath; smoke hung in the air. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. Her shoulders were tight, as her gaze darted up and down the road. There was no obvious sign of damage. With silent consent, they sped along Bloomsbury Street, past Bedford Square on their left, before turning right onto Montague Place. ‘I should have splashed my face before we came out. I feel a right mess.’
Lily ran her fingers through her hair. ‘You’re fine. Remember, everyone’s had a rough night, so you don’t look any worse than they do.’
Alice laughed. ‘Thanks for that, you’ve made me feel so much better.’
Lily frowned as she looked across at her sister. ‘Mother looked terrible. I hope she’s going to be all right.’
Alice nodded. ‘She’s exhausted. I think she spent most of the night praying, as I’m sure we all did.’
Lily nodded. ‘I’ve never been so frightened, although this is also terrifying me.’
The old lady immediately jumped into Alice’s head. Were they going to find something similar? They turned into Russell Square, both of them gasping as one. The gardens were flooded with water, rivulets rolled down the path. Mud was where beautiful plants once thrived. They were now blackened and strewn across the paths and flowerbeds. The grass was rutted and scorched. They immediately quickened their pace, as glass crunched under their feet.
Alice tried to speak, but nothing came out.
Lily looked down, before quickly taking in the houses around her. ‘The houses I can see appear to be undamaged.’ She paused and looked down again. ‘But where has all this glass come from?’
‘I don’t know, but it looks like something exploded in Bedford Place.’ Alice pointed to the fire damage. ‘Perhaps the glass has come from there.’
Lily’s lips straightened into a thin line. ‘They are going to be all right, aren’t they? They have to be.’
Alice nodded, trying to slow down her breathing and ease the pain that was gripping her chest. ‘Come on, let’s get it over and done with.’
They turned up the other side of Russell Square.
‘Thank God, Mother’s prayers have paid off,’ Lily yelled as she started running towards her grandparents. ‘You’re safe, thank goodness, you’re safe.’
Residents were busy sweeping the glass off the pavement, while others chatted.
Edward, leaning on a broom, stopped talking to George to look in their direction. ‘I was coming round to see if everything was all right with you all, but George waylaid me.’ He grinned and dropped the broom handle to wrap his arms around Lily.
George beamed at the sight of the girls.
A man rounded the corner. ‘Great Ormond Street Hospital was fortunate. Two bombs exploded nearby, one of them in Queens Square. Everyone’s out sweeping the mess up, but there only appears to be broken windows.’
Alice stood and watched Lily throw herself at their grandfather. Tears rolled down her cheeks. They were safe. She didn’t care about the house. They were safe and that was all that mattered. The old lady’s words echoed in her mind. Life is precious. She hoped she could protect her son from the evil that was in their midst.