The Secret Orphan

by Glynis Peters

  ‘I’m seven,’ Rose said and held up her fingers to show off the number.

  ‘Yeah, seven going on seventy, I bet. Wise and witty. Anyways, best get these two back. Thanks for the grub, never knew carrot soup could taste so good.’

  Elenor and Rose followed them out into the yard. Ron and one of the men walked over to Seth and threw a stick for him. He loved to race after them through the fields whenever they left the farm.

  The sullen man hung back slightly and looked at Rose, Elenor took her by her hand. Although they were under her roof and she felt no threat from them, she still ensured the POWs never got close to Rose. The man gave Rose a broad smile.

  ‘Sie spielen das Klavier sehr gut,’ he said.

  Rose looked up at him, her eyes shining bright.

  ‘Danke, mein Vater hat es mir beigebracht.’

  Elenor stared at the child then back at the man who’d now crouched down on one knee. She glanced over at Ron but he still played with the dog.

  ‘What did he say to you Rose? How did you know what he said?’ Elenor asked with urgency.

  ‘He said I played the piano very well. And I told him Daddy taught me.’

  ‘I didn’t know you could speak German.’

  ‘He and Mummy spoke it in their rooms, but we weren’t allowed to speak it outside. I told Daddy it was silly, but he got angry and shook me. Mummy scolded me. But they are dead now and can’t tell me off,’ Rose said with a note of importance.

  ‘I didn’t know you all spoke another language. How on earth didn’t I know? We need to talk about this. I think it is time we went inside.’

  Elenor became nervous, but before she could usher Rose inside, the man spoke fast but soft and quiet.

  ‘Ich sah sein Foto und deine Mutter.’

  ‘Sie sind tot. Du hast sie umgebracht. Ihre Bomben,’ Rose said.

  ‘Ich mochte die Musik, die du gespielt hast.’ he said.

  Elenor pulled at Rose’s hand.

  ‘What are you both saying?’ she demanded.

  ‘He said he saw the photograph of mummy and daddy. I told him his bombs killed them. He said he liked my music.’

  ‘Enough now. Come on inside.’

  She tugged at Rose’s hand but the girl twisted it from her and spoke to the German who now stood up.

  ‘Es ist die Mondscheinsonate von Beethoven’.

  ‘Ja, ich kenne den Namen sehr gut.’

  Elenor kept one eye on Ron now smoking and chatting with Susie, while the other POW threw a stick for Seth.

  ‘What did you say to each other, Rose? Tell me! ‘

  With a sigh, Rose translated.

  ‘I told him the name of the song and he said he knew the name very well. Why are you looking so worried Elenor? It is lovely to hear him speak Daddy’s secret language.’

  With a look of innocence, Rose gave Elenor a sad smile. Elenor called Ron over.

  ‘Please take the men back and thank you for your help. I understand the room is ready, so they won’t be needed anymore. Am I allowed to give them a gift of food?’

  ‘All dandy, not allowed gifts I’m afraid. They’re a pair of workers, I’ll grant them that. Mind, the one there is trying to learn English, and I told him, try smiling first. He’s a miserable b at times.’

  ‘Yes, well I think he tried to get Rose to learn a few words of German, but she couldn’t understand him. Isn’t that right, Rose?’

  Offering up a puzzled look and receiving a severe frown from Elenor, Rose nodded.

  ‘It sounded funny,’ she said.

  To Elenor’s relief the German stood quiet, but he unnerved her with his stare. Something bugged her about the way he watched Rose.

  ‘I’d better get cracking. Again, thank you and no doubt we’ll see you again on the tithe barn project. Susie, do me a favour and help with the milking for a while. I’ve got to talk with Rose. I’ll take over soon. Thanks.’

  Elenor called out to her friend watching Ron walk away.

  Once inside she wasted no time sitting Rose down in the parlour and set about seeking answers from her.

  ‘Rose darling, when did Daddy teach you German? And why did he call it a secret language?’

  ‘He said because of the Great War some people didn’t like to hear foreign languages. He taught me a little French, too. He said it made people suspicious ’cos they’re jealous of clever people.’

  Elenor leaned forward with her hands in her lap, her fingers entwined together so tight they ached. She feared for Rose now the German knew she spoke his language.

  ‘Darling girl, Daddy was right to keep it a secret. I want you to never speak it again, especially now we are at war with Germany. Have you spoken it to anyone else?’ Elenor said and gripped her hands tighter.

  Rose shook her head.

  ‘It’s the first time since Daddy left, since before he was killed. I never heard the men speak it before, and when that man spoke to me I wanted to see if I could remember. And I did, didn’t I?’

  Releasing her fingers and stretching them out, Elenor sat upright.

  ‘You did, and you are very clever. You are also wise enough to understand the words “grave danger”. Which is what you’ll be in if you speak it again, darling. Those suspicious people Daddy spoke about will not be kind to either of us. Please, promise me with all of your heart you will never speak it again,’ Elenor pleaded.

  ‘Ever?’ Rose asked, her eyes wide.

  Understanding her horror of being deprived of such a skill, Elenor compromised.

  ‘When the war is over, perhaps, but please, right now, never again. Pretend you didn’t understand the man even if he tries to tell them you did speak it. They’ll believe you over him. I’m sorry sweetheart but I have to keep you safe. I truly didn’t know Daddy had given you those lessons, he certainly was a sly fox,’ Elenor said and gave a laugh to lighten the tense atmosphere she’d created.

  ‘I promise. Pinky promise.’ Rose said and held out her hand whilst wiggling her little finger.

  With relief, Elenor hooked her little finger around Rose’s and they sealed the promise. Her next task was to ensure Rose never came into contact with the POWs again.

  Chapter 43

  Sirens blared their high-pitched warning around the village, and the sound above their heads was lower and more menacing than on previous nights. The windows of the farmhouse rattled and Elenor leapt from her bed.

  ‘Elenor, I’m scared,’ Rose called out to her.

  ‘I’m coming Rose. Get ready for the shelter.’

  She felt her way in the dark to her dresser and lit her lamp as a loud boom made her hand tremble. Taking one deep breath, she composed herself and ran into Rose’s room.

  Lights flashed outside and flickered shades of white through gaps on either side of the blackout blinds. A familiar rumble sent shivers down her spine as the planes dropped bombs and the ground shuddered. Fear gripped Elenor’s gut as the threat drew closer. As she crossed the landing a sudden boom told her the enemy was not too far away.

  ‘I’m here. I’m here.’

  Rose screamed and Elenor grabbed her hand. Her thoughts went out to Susie and family who were celebrating a visit home from Susie’s sister.

  Please let them be safe.

  ‘It’s all right darling. Hold my hand and move fast. We’ll be safe soon.’

  ‘Dottie! Titch!’ She banged on their door.

  ‘We’re on our way,’ Titch replied. ‘Get Rose to safety, we’ll grab the bags.’

  The minute they reached the shelter, Elenor pulled open its door and Rose dropped to her knees. She crawled into the shelter alongside Seth, her sobs coming fast and furious.

  ‘Try to breathe slowly, Rose. We’re all here now. Wiggle down to let Dottie sit, that’s it, curl up with Seth.’

  Elenor started towards the door but Rose gave another scream.

  ‘Hush now,’ Elenor said and wrapped her arms around Rose’s trembling body. Her hysterics intensified. It was the worst night they’d
experienced since Rose’s arrival, and demons returned to haunt the child.

  ‘Hush, hush. I’m here,’ Elenor whispered.

  ‘My things, I’ve left them in my room. I want Annie-two. My photograph, I want my things,’ Rose wailed.

  ‘Anyone home?’ Tom said as he rushed inside. ‘Flock’s not happy. Bleating their heads off, but I’m not keeping them in the barn, could lose them all that way.’

  ‘Nooo!’ screamed Rose.

  ‘Hush now. Settle down. Tom’s got his harmonica, he’ll play for us and drown out the noise when the others get here.’

  ‘All cosy inside?’ Dottie called through the doorway.

  ‘Get in, ya bleedin’ idiot.’

  ‘Titch has arrived I hear,’ Tom said.

  ‘Tom,’ Dottie said.

  ‘All right, gal?’ Tom said and patted the seat beside him. ‘Scoot up here and Rose can snuggle close.’

  ‘We left my photograph. My things,’ Rose whimpered.

  ‘They’ll still be there in the ’ouse when we get back. Things ain’t important right now.’

  Rose’s call for her photograph disturbed Elenor. She’d sanded smooth the rough splintered area in the frame and picked at the white fleck. It was a small piece of paper. The words on the paper made her skin crawl and heightened her fears for Rose. Now she faced the dilemma of who to trust with her findings.

  After two hours the all-clear siren rang out and everyone heaved a sigh of relief.

  Rose had drifted into a light sleep and woke when they moved around the shelter gathering their things.

  ‘I’ll check outside first,’ said Tom.

  ‘I’ll take Rose indoors. Poor little tyke,’ Dottie said. ‘It must be hard on her and bring back horrible memories. I’ll make you a hot milk when we’re inside, my lovely.’

  Rose’s sobs continued and she clung onto Elenor.

  ‘It’s over, Rose. Go with Dottie. I need to check there are no fires in the fields.’

  Rose grabbed at Elenor’s arm and clutched tight.

  ‘No, don’t leave me,’ she cried.

  With tender care Elenor eased Rose’s fingers from her arm and stroked her cheek.

  ‘I’ll be back in no time. Be brave for me darling.’

  She handed her over to Dottie and ran to check the cattle.

  She could see flames leaping high around the borders of a nearby farm about six large fields away. She knew a farmer and family who lived there, and she sent up a silent prayer for their safety. The clang of the local fire-engine rallied out, and she was grateful she didn’t need it on Tre Lodhen.

  She heard the grinding crunch of tyres racing up the lane. A truck pulled up outside the gate and a figure rushed into the farmyard shining a torch in her direction.

  ‘Elenor. Elenor,’ a male voice called out.

  Willing her feet to move, Elenor staggered towards him.

  ‘Jackson. You’re here. You’re safe,’ she whispered, her voice cracked with emotion.

  She clung onto him as he pulled her close.

  ‘Just landed. I heard a farm had been hit near Summercourt and begged the loan of the truck. I had to see you, and here you are honey, safe in my arms.’

  ‘Oh Jackson, I was so scared. It was close.’

  His lips found hers and Elenor let herself bathe in the warmth of his embrace. She returned his kiss with equal passion. As they parted for air, she remembered Rose.

  ‘Rose. My goodness, the girl is petrified indoors. Dottie and Titch are with her, but it’s me she wants Jackson, she’s scared witless. I must go to her.’

  In the darkness of the kitchen, Jackson pulled her in for one more kiss, but she placed her finger on his lips.

  ‘Wait, we must wait.’

  She ran into the kitchen and turned back to him with a wink.

  ‘Rose, it’s safe darling, and guess what, I found a hero in the yard.’

  Seth scampered across the room and greeted Jackson with boundless energy. Elenor pointed to the door and he let the dog outside.

  ‘Where’s Rose?’

  ‘Upstairs packin’ ’er important stuff,’ Titch said with sarcasm.

  Elenor grabbed Titch’s arm. ‘Rose’s things are important to her. Never forget she lost everything in Coventry.’

  ‘Keep ya ’air on.’

  ‘Oh, go away.’

  ‘Ooh. Yes miss.’

  Elenor glared at her as she left in a huff.

  ‘Hello, you must be Elenor’s friend Jackson, I’m Dottie,’ said Dottie.

  ‘I sure am. Nice to meet you, Dottie. Bit of a night, hey? Is that hot milk?’ he said and pointed to the pan she held in her hand.

  ‘It is, grab some.’

  Dottie drained her own glass and retired to her bed. Elenor went to Jackson and gave him kiss on the cheek.

  ‘Brandy in your milk? I’m having one. I need it after tonight.’

  ‘Sounds good,’ he said.

  Movement on the stairs told them Rose was on her way, and Elenor waved Jackson back into the shadows. Elenor went to the doorway of the hall where Rose sat on the bottom step clutching her photograph, a bag and Annie-Two. Elenor’s hand went automatically to the pocket of her shirt where she’d placed the paper for safe keeping.

  ‘Come on darling. It’s safe now, and we have company. Come and meet a hero,’ Elenor said.

  Rose stood up and peered through the doorway.

  ‘I can’t see anyone. Where’s the hero?’

  Jackson stepped out of the shadows. He stood to attention.

  ‘Flying Officer Jackson St John at your service, ma’am,’ he said, and gave a smart salute

  ‘He’s very tired but landed his plane and came to check we were both safe,’ Elenor said.

  ‘Why are you a hero?’ she asked and looked over at Elenor. ‘Elenor said you were a hero.’

  Jackson walked to her and knelt down. Elenor watched as he gently placed his hands on Rose’s shoulders.

  ‘I’m no hero, Rose. You and Elenor are the heroes of this war. You keep us focused on what we fight for, and besides, you work hard feeding the country. I’m just doing my job – protecting you both.’

  Jackson stood up and saluted her again.

  With care Rose placed her things onto the kitchen table and ran back to him flinging her arms around his waist.

  ‘Thank you,’ she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion.

  Elenor looked on and made no attempt to stem her tears. Jackson looked at her over Rose’s head and she saw a tear roll down his cheek.

  ‘You are welcome, Rose,’ he said and scooped her up into his arms.

  Rose gave him a shy peck of a kiss on his cheek and nestled her head into his neck.

  Seth broke the thick emotional atmosphere by scratching to be let back inside. Rose wriggled herself free from Jackson’s arms and went to the door. She looked to Elenor for confirmation.

  ‘Is it safe?’

  ‘It is. We’ve checked. Let Mr Trouble in, and we’ll get you snuggled back into your own bed. And yes, he can sleep in your room tonight.’

  Once she’d settled Rose upstairs, Elenor re-joined Jackson in the kitchen.

  ‘Let’s go into my cosy room, the seats are comfier,’ she said, and beckoned Jackson to follow.

  ‘Yes ma’am,’ Jackson replied in a jovial tone.

  Settling into their seats and sipping their drinks, Elenor thought of how easy Jackson’s company was to enjoy. He – and the brandy – had her relaxed and unwound in under five minutes. What she’d found in Rose’s photo frame was something she’d consider sharing with him later. She loved Jackson, but this kind of information was dangerous, and she needed to ensure she could trust him for Rose’s sake.

  ‘Was it a bad night?’ Elenor asked.

  ‘We lost a few but they lost more.’

  ‘I don’t know how you do it. I watched a plane fly over the top fields once. It was beautiful to watch. I’ve never appreciated the skills you must have to do those manoeuvres, and with
the enemy to contend with, well, it must be one of the most frightening jobs.’

  ‘I love flying. I can’t imagine doing anything else, but it is exhausting. The thing that keeps us going is downing one of theirs. Keeping our loved ones safe.’

  Elenor went to him and sat on his lap. She placed her head on his shoulder and they stayed locked together in the silence, both drawing comfort from one another.

  A dawn chorus from the chickens and cockerel, followed by a blackbird chirruping outside the window, made Jackson jump. Elenor unfurled her body from his and stood up. Jackson leapt to his feet.

  ‘I must go. I’ve a report to fill and there will be hell to pay if I don’t get the jeep back. If we’re lucky, I’ll get an hour tonight. I call in and see you when I can. I can’t promise times. I can’t promise to come, it all depends on our nightly visitors.’

  Elenor went to him as he held open his arms.

  ‘Anytime, day or night. Be safe, my love.’

  Once again, she lost herself in his kisses. Both knew they wanted more from each other and Jackson made the first move to pull away.

  ‘Let me go woman,’ he teased, and walked to the door. ‘I have to go. Wait for me. If I can’t get away tonight, say you’ll wait for me.’

  Elenor blew him a kiss.

  ‘Forever,’ she said and watched him walk away before she burst into tears.

  When she settled in her chair with a blanket to grab a short nap, Elenor pulled out the paper from her pocket. She looked to the fire, then back at the paper. Torn over whether to burn it, she hesitated, then refolded it and placed it back into her pocket. She would trust Jackson to know what to do, she’d ask for his advice when she saw him again. She clung onto the word when, never allowing herself to think – if.

  A note from Jackson sending his love and apologies arrived the following afternoon. He had to move onto another camp and was unsure when he would return. By the time August was through, he’d sent two more letters filled with his love for her, but Elenor craved more than his words on paper.

  Chapter 44

  September 1941

  The chug from the threshing machine vibrated the ground, and the sun burned the back of her arms, but Elenor battled on, thankful for the equipment she’d inherited from a bombed-out farm in a nearby village.