The Secrets of Latimer House

by Jules Wake

  Somehow, despite all that had gone before, she’d made a new life here. She’d made some good friends, she had her music and if she let him in, she had Walther too. Poor man, she’d been keeping him at arm’s length for too long and he’d been endlessly patient with her, biding his time and waiting for her to recognise the love that was shining in his eyes right this very moment. As soon as they finished playing she was going to do something about that. She almost laughed to herself. Where had this super-bold, confident Judith come from?

  With a grin she nodded at Betty as they segued into ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’, to the delighted claps and shouts of the crowd. It was quickly followed by ‘We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)’. Betty looked in her element; Judith needn’t have worried about expecting too much from her. She might have only come out of the hospital the day before, with the doctor saying she ought to rest and recuperate, but she was smashing it, although this probably was not what the doctor had had in mind. Thankfully, in her order of songs, she’d suggested the instrumental ‘In the Mood’, which would give Betty a break. The favourite Glenn Miller tune was an instant hit and Betty moved into the wings.

  It warmed Judith’s heart to see the golden light back in Betty’s eyes, and as Judith watched her friend, she saw Major Wendermeyer leap up onto the side of the stage, every inch the movie hero, and cross to her side. With one fluid move he swept Betty into his arms, and even Judith melted ever so slightly inside.

  She smiled as Carl swooped down to give Betty a very passionate kiss. At first she saw Betty demur a little, putting a hand up to her face and trying to wriggle out of his arms. The Major was having none of it and Judith’s smile turned up a few notches more when she saw the Major shaking his head and taking Betty in his arms and kissing her rather thoroughly. Judith grinned. It looked like that argument was over, not that she’d ever had any doubts. Feeling as if she were party to an epic romantic film scene, still playing the piano, Judith’s gaze followed them as the Major led Betty down the stage steps to the edge of the dance floor. He stood there holding her hand, talking earnestly to her while she nodded shyly and looked longingly at the dancers on the floor.

  Betty needed to believe in herself. Just like she needed to. Turning towards Walther, she found he was watching her. She smiled back, hoping that he could see how happy she was. He began to walk forward, still playing his saxophone, and came to stand by the piano as if he were serenading her. Lifting her head, she played back to him and as their notes blended together, there might have been no one else in the room but the two of them playing music together. When the final notes died away, she and Walther held each other’s gaze. A moment of epiphany unfurled in her heart. They didn’t need the words, they’d said everything with their music.

  It had been agreed that after this number the band would take a break and as Judith was about to rise from the piano stool, she caught sight of Betty’s wistful face. She sat down heavily and began to play a new song, her fingers stroking the keys with sure confidence born of years of practice. The music flowed from her and most of the room turned to face the stage. As she played Strauss’s ‘Blue Danube Waltz’, Evelyn waved to her over the crowd and put both her thumbs up. The Major (a smart boy, decided Judith) immediately took Betty into his arms and with the most perfect footwork, began to dance gently with her round the room, holding her with tender care as if she were a delicate princess. At first they were the only couple on the floor but then Evelyn dragged Freddie up too and before long the dance floor was filled with waltzing couples. Perhaps the only time the staid ballroom dance had been performed at a forces dance like this, but everyone appeared to be having a good time.

  Betty’s face lit up and shone with luminous happiness as she gazed up at her prince. Judith remembered the conversation in the music room and Betty’s words, Maybe love gives you what you need. That girl was so much smarter than she gave herself credit for.

  When the last notes of the waltz drifted into the air, everyone on the dance floor turned to the stage and began to clap. Judith blushed and for a moment was glued to her seat until Walther came over, gallantly took her hand and led her to the front of the stage, presenting her with a flourish to take a bow, standing to one side and clapping along with the enthusiastic applause. Betty raised her hands and blew kisses, as did Evelyn. Judith was wondering when she could make a grateful exit when there was a loud crash at the back of the hall and the door flew open.

  ‘They’re here. The rest of the band is here,’ called the American sergeant who’d welcomed them on their arrival. Everyone burst out laughing and Walther took Judith’s hand and led her off the stage. She reached up, put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

  ‘I ought to ask what that was for,’ teased Walther.

  ‘Because you’re a wonderful, wise man and I should have listened to you earlier. You were right – the dead won’t thank the living for not living. I’m sorry I…’

  ‘You don’t need to apologise. We’re living through difficult and dangerous times. The rules haven’t always been written for how we should respond to things, but when we make a mistake, admitting it is better than not.’

  ‘I made a mistake.’ Judith lifted her chin and looked into his eyes. ‘I should have told you I loved you.’

  Walther smiled. ‘I think I already knew that. I was waiting for you to realise it. What are your thoughts on a winter wedding?’

  Her heart bounced in her chest and she stared at him, too flustered and surprised to speak.

  He simply raised an eyebrow and looked over her shoulder with an enigmatic smile. ‘I think your friends would like to talk to you. You can give me your answer when you dance with me.’ With that he sauntered away, leaving her heart in her mouth, fluttering like a light-dazed moth.

  ‘You were brilliant, Judith,’ said Evelyn.

  ‘Fantastic,’ agreed Betty.

  Judith still stared after Walther.

  ‘What’s the matter?’ asked Evelyn, glancing back to catch Walther giving Judith an airy wave.

  ‘He … he asked me to marry him, I think.’

  ‘Woohoo!’ cried Betty, immediately launching herself at Judith.

  ‘That’s wonderful,’ said Evelyn.

  ‘I still don’t know how it happened.’ Judith rubbed at her lips, still feeling dazed.

  ‘Because you let it,’ observed Evelyn with her usual quiet authority. ‘Today we all realised what’s really important in life. We have to do the living for those that can’t, even if it’s tough going. I have to get on with my life while I wait for Peter, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy myself and make the most of the opportunities that come my way.’

  ‘I have to believe in myself,’ said Betty, ‘and that the Major loves me for who I am and not what I look, or rather looked, like.’

  ‘You’re right, and I have to believe that there is a future, after all that has happened.’

  ‘So I’m assuming we’ll be your bridesmaids,’ said Betty, linking her arm through Judith’s. ‘After all, we are your best friends.’

  ‘Too right,’ agreed Evelyn.

  Judith beamed at both of them. ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

  Epilogue

  Distribution Camp No. 1

  Latimer House

  Latimer

  Buckinghamshire

  January 15th 1944

  * * *

  Dear Peter,

  * * *

  You have no idea what a relief it was to receive your letter. Please let me be the one to apologise for how badly I handled our last meeting. You had no need to apologise to me. It should have been within me to display more sensitivity and I truly regret that we parted in anger and moreover that I didn’t have the chance to see you again to apologise properly for the terrible lack of judgement. I hope you can forgive me.

  * * *

  Receiving your letter has been the highlight of my week. There was no way of finding out where you had gone and I have regretted a thousand time
s over, that we were parted before we could even say goodbye. Until that morning I didn’t even know that you were to be transferred.

  * * *

  I’m hoping and praying the conditions at Boughton Park are not too bad. Are you being treated well? I won’t hesitate to help if you need it, although it’s good to hear that the food rations are sufficient even if they’re not as generous as here. We’re very lucky with our gardener helpers, as you probably know.

  * * *

  I can’t say too much about life here, for obvious reasons, but I can tell you a little about the friends that I’ve made. One of my roommates, Judith, got married last week. A bittersweet occasion for me as you might imagine, but one day, my darling. One day, I would still like to be your wife. If you will still have me.

  * * *

  It was a beautiful winter’s day and the marriage took place near here. They’re both Jewish and have found a community in a nearby town. It was a wonderful occasion and my other roommate, Betty, and I were her attendants. Neither the groom nor the bride had any family to stand for them, although a lovely local family, the Kircheners, stood for Walther. I’ve not been to a Jewish ceremony before but the rabbi was so warm and welcoming, it didn’t matter. It made me realise that we have more in common than our differences and I fervently hope in the future that people will remember that.

  * * *

  After the wedding, our commanding officer allowed a small gathering in the music room for the wedding party. It became quite rowdy as the happy couple are both musical. She played the piano and Betty, who has the most beautiful voice, sang. The party carried on until the wee small hours. It was a splendid occasion and Betty’s mother, along with the cook here, who is the Vicar’s sister, managed to rustle up a wedding cake, which as you can imagine was quite a treat. (Sorry, I know your conditions won’t include cake but it was such a joyous occasion, I had to share.) Walther and Judith have gone away for a few days to the Lake District. They’re both keen on the outdoors, so I’m sure they’ll have a wonderful time.

  * * *

  I wonder if one day we might go there or perhaps back to Switzerland or even start afresh somewhere new. How will the world find itself when this war is finally over? Will enemies ever become friends again? Who knows? So many questions.

  * * *

  But one thing I have learned is that life is for living and we must make the best of it. I learned that from Betty. She had a terrible accident in the summer which has left her with a disfiguring scar across her face. She bears it well, saying that there are others far worse. If anything it has made her even more positive and determined to make the most of her life. She’s quite an inspiration. She hasn’t had the benefit of an education but she’s very bright and has been promoted again, not that I can tell you what she does.

  * * *

  It’s made me realise how privileged I am and how wrong it is that some of us have so much and others so little. But I’m excited for her as she’s engaged to an American Air Force officer and they plan to return to the USA after the war, which is amazing given that she grew up in this village. I think life in America is much more egalitarian and will suit her. Luckily her widowed mother has taken up with her neighbour in an unexpected romance which Betty is thrilled about. Her previous boyfriend was an unpleasant sort who caused all sorts of problems but Betty can rest easy now that her mother and sister have their own protector. Although apparently her fiancé, Carl, is rather handy with his fists.

  * * *

  This week I had some excellent news. David finally wrote to us. We’d not heard from him for over six months. He escaped from his camp and had been on the run but unfortunately has been recaptured and is now in a place called Colditz. But it’s such a relief to hear that he’s still alive because we hadn’t heard from him for such a long time. I take comfort in knowing he is safe for the time being.

  * * *

  I continue to play a lot of tennis with the other officers here but it is rather quiet with just Betty and I up in our attic bedroom. Did I ever tell you we were billeted in the servants’ quarters, no less? We miss Judith in our little rooftop eyrie. The three of us have become like the Three Musketeers. It’s been a real comfort having the friendship of other women. Judith gave me a postcard with a wonderful quote. Do you know it? From Cicero.

  * * *

  ‘Friendship improves happiness and abates grief by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.’

  * * *

  Being able to talk to them has made things easier to bear. I do hope that you have some good comrades among the other men to provide you with the same sort of support and friendship.

  * * *

  On that positive note, I will finish, dear Peter, but before I go I must say again that despite you offering to release me, my feelings have not changed in these past four and a half years. If you will have me, I will wait for you and wear your ring, no matter how long this horrid war lasts.

  * * *

  Please write again soon, with all my love,

  Evelyn x

  Acknowledgments

  Latimer House in Buckinghamshire was indeed a top secret location during WW2 and the activities I describe are based on true events, however, all the events and characters I describe are fictitious. The story was a complete joy to write and the result of one of those wonderful, serendipitous occasions that writers dream of – I woke up with the whole story in my head one morning.

  I’d attended a book launch with my dad the previous evening about the secret military intelligence activities that took place in Latimer Hall, Buckinghamshire, which I used to drive past every day on my way to work. The talk presented by Dr Helen Fry, who is the expert in this field, fascinated me, revealing not only a world of secret intelligence and secret listeners but just as interesting to me, a world in which women thrived. A world where they were promoted on merit and did the sort of interesting jobs that prior to the war they’d been barred from.

  The following morning, the characters of Evelyn, Judith and Betty marched into my head, fully formed with their own distinct voices and stories. I couldn’t not write their story, they wouldn’t let me! Thanks therefore go to my super agent, Broo Doherty, and fabulous editor, the wonderful Charlotte Ledger, who both trusted me enough and gave me the chance to write a completely different genre to my usual one. Thanks are also due to my invaluable research assistant, Dad, aka Guy Caplin, who supplied help and support with the sort of contemporary day-to-day details that you would never find in a book, from Germans living in England sometimes having to pretend to be Polish, about record players, radio batteries, broadcasting and the mindset of people at the time.

  Obviously writing a historical novel requires plenty of research but because it was written during a period of lockdown, a lot of my works had to be done as desk research. I’m therefore particularly grateful to author Derek Nudd and his book Castaways of the Kriegsmarine, which gave valuable insight into life at Latimer House and the type of information gleaned from prisoners, Dr Helen Fry’s The Walls Have Ears, which revealed what went on at Latimer House and also to Deborah and Vivienne Samson who wrote The Rabbi in the Green Jacket. This gorgeous book gave me a really detailed view of the lives of Jews living in and around the Latimer area in Buckinghamshire during World War 2 and inspired the Kitchener family.

  As always huge thanks to my readers, those who have taken a chance on a new author and readers of my contemporary books who have followed me here. I hope I’ve done justice to this period of history and that you’ll forgive any mistakes I’ve made.

  Also huge thanks to my fellow author, the lovely Pernille Hughes, who provided me with lots of local historical knowledge including the very useful fact that General Von Ribbentrop was a regular at the Green Dragon pub just outside Latimer. Hopefully one day we’ll get that drink there. I owe her.

  Thank you for reading…

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  Don’t miss Jules Wake’s heartwarming novel, The Spark, which follows the tempestuous will they-won’t they rivalry between Sam and Jess as life and a disgruntled ex try to keep them apart.

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