chapter eleven

 

Guernsey 1940

Leo was in his study searching for anything incriminating in his papers when the phone rang. Absorbed in his task, he jumped. Much to his relief, it was Teresa calling to say they had arrived safely at her parents’ house, Oak Tree Farm, in Suffolk after a long, tiring journey.

‘The ship was so crammed I was afraid we’d sink, and the captain had to change tack in case German planes were spying on us.’ He heard the exhaustion in her voice and, not for the first time since she’d left, Leo regretted not accompanying her. He was her husband, for God’s sake! It was his job to take care of his wife and child. Guilt lay heavy within his breast.

Teresa went on to describe the rest of the journey by train via London to Sudbury, where her father collected them in his car.

‘Judith’s teething again so I’m not getting much sleep. How are you faring? Any news on the Germans?’

‘I’m coping, thanks to Elsie who’s kept me well fed, as usual. Although we’ve been warned to be careful as supplies might be cut off soon. The Germans haven’t arrived yet, but the word is it could be any day.’ His grip on the phone tightened. Only days left of freedom…Leo took a deep breath before asking after Judith, who had screamed through most of the journey, Teresa told him. They talked for a while longer until a loud wail echoed down the line and his wife had to go and calm the baby. She promised to telephone the following day.

Leo sat staring at the now silent phone, feeling bereft. Instead of being cheered by hearing his wife’s voice and knowing she was safe, he now felt his vulnerability as the Germans drew ever closer. Only the thought of the family valuables – and heaven knew what else – falling into the enemy’s grasping hands, kept him resolved to stick it out. Boats continued to leave with passengers, but a good proportion of the men were staying. Leo, leaving the papers scattered on his desk, headed for the drawing room. Time to hide the paintings.

 

‘Bichard & Son Antiques’ sprawled over two floors of the old building at Contree Mansell, yards from Trinity Square in St Peter Port. As Leo unlocked the door on Monday morning, he paused, wondering how long the business would keep going if the island were invaded. Who would be interested in antiques and fine art when food and household goods would be in limited supply? He sighed, turning the closed sign to read open. He had only taken a step when the door pushed open behind him, and he turned to see his manager, Ernest, a surprised look on his face.

‘Good morning, sir. Wasn’t sure if you’d be opening up today.’ Ernest limped in, his thinness emphasised by the over-large suit he wore, a hand-me-down from his fisherman father.

Leo smiled. The lad, never cheerful at the best of times, looked even more downhearted today. And with good reason.

‘I didn’t see why not, at least not until things change.’ Leo let his eyes wander over the shop, admiring the craftsmanship of the wooden furniture, most of it made locally, and the collection of assorted upholstered chairs. China, glassware and silver covered every surface, and the walls hidden behind paintings and mirrors of every size. Many of the best families on the island had looked to fill their homes with his stock and Leo had to admit it did seem unrealistic to stay open now. People would be wanting to sell, not buy.

‘Let’s see what happens, shall we, Ernest? I can afford to keep you on if the shop stays open, even if we sell only the merest trinket,’ he said, picking up a glass ashtray.

Ernest’s mouth turned up in a glimmer of a smile.

‘Thank you, sir. I was so worried.’

Leo waved his hand.

‘As I said, we’ll see how things develop. With a bit of luck, this dreadful war will be over soon, and it will be business as usual. If it drags on,’ he added, shrugging his shoulders, ‘or the Germans arrive and impose severe restrictions, I might have to reconsider. In the meantime, I need your help in hiding my family’s more valuable items in our safe place.’

His father had created the safe place years before, now only known to Leo and Ernest, who had worked for the firm since leaving school. ‘We’ll wait until it’s dark tonight if you don’t mind me collecting you after nine? And not a word to anyone, mind.’

‘Not at all, sir. And you know you can trust me.’ Ernest grinned and disappeared into the tiny kitchen area at the back to make tea for them both. Always the first task of the day.