Darkest Before Dawn Episode 24
Maud made a decision the night that Isobel went out with the soldier.
She was going to stop worrying about Isobel.
Times were different now, and for the next few months Isobel often went dancing or to the cinema.
She’d made a lot of friends in the Land Army, and it was usually with those friends she went out with, but occasionally she’d go with a young man.
She never saw any more than once, though, so Maud knew she wasn’t looking for a boyfriend.
Far from being beaten down by the war, Isobel had blossomed.
She had grown into a beautiful and confident young woman.
Another Christmas came and went, and Peter’s second birthday was fast approaching.
London seemed like a lifetime ago, and it felt like another lifetime since they last saw Edward.
Maud had spent a busy day recruiting members to the WVS, and Tilly brought her a cup of tea.
“I’m off now, Mum,” she said. “Be a good boy for Nanna, Peter.”
“All right, love,” Maud replied. “Be careful.”
“Are you OK?” Tilly asked. “You were deep in thought. Thinking about Edward?”
“How did you guess?” Maud smiled sadly.
“You never stop thinking about your children. I’ve learned that since I became a mother.
“We’d have heard if anything had happened to Edward.”
“I know,” Maud agreed. “It’s just as hard for you.
“I can’t believe his son is almost two years old and he hasn’t seen him.”
“He knows his daddy, though,” Tilly replied.
She still showed the boy photos of his dad so he’d know him when he saw him.
Edward’s letters were always full of good cheer, and he always drew a picture for Peter.
“I’ll be good, Mummy,” Peter said when Tilly kissed him.
Maud’s heart melted. Edward would be so proud of his boy.
They went to the door to see Tilly off, and as she turned to go back inside, Maud saw a young man silhouetted by the sun at the end of their street.
For a moment her breath caught and she felt as if she’d never breathe again.
“Edward?” she whispered.
The young man was on crutches, and when he saw her he lifted his arm and she froze, until he moved into the shadows and she could see it wasn’t her son.
“Mrs Pollard!” he called.
She squinted at him.
“John!” She gasped.
“Who’s that man?” Peter asked.
“It’s Auntie Isobel’s friend,” she said, and as he drew closer she smiled.
“It’s good to see you, John! What happened to you?”
“My ship was torpedoed,” John explained. “We managed to limp home – the ship, that is, although I suppose I limped, too.”
He laughed.
“I’ll be joining another ship as soon as I’m able.”
“Don’t be in too much of a hurry, John.” Maud gave him a hug.
“Does your mother know you’re here?”
“Yes, I’ve been home,” he said. “I really want to see Isobel. Is she in?”
“She’s working, but the truck is due back soon. You can wait for her if you like.”
“Thank you. This must be Peter. Hello, Peter.
“Auntie Isobel talks about you all the time in her letters.”
Soon, John had Peter on his lap while he spoke about the places he’d been and the things he’d seen.
“I’ve seen so much of the world, Mrs Pollard,” he said. “Places I never even dreamed of.”
He looked wistful, and Maud knew he had a lot of bad memories mingled in with the adventures.
Would Edward be like that? Would there be good in amongst the bad?
They were so deep in conversation that they didn’t hear Isobel come in the back way, and the first they knew she was there was when she appeared in the doorway.
Her hair was tied back, but strands had escaped. Her clothes were muddy.
John put Peter down and got to his feet, reaching for his crutches.
“John!” Isobel cried, and Maud saw shock turn to dismay. “What have you done to yourself?”
“It’s nothing,” he said. “Isobel, you look beautiful.”
“It’s wonderful to see you, John,” she said, tears cascading down her face as she embraced him. “I’ve waited for you.”
“I knew you would,” he said. “I’ve missed you so much. Getting wounded was a blessing. We can get married before I go back.”
Maud held her breath. She didn’t think Isobel was at all ready for marriage.
“Yes.” Isobel’s voice shook. “Of course. As soon as it can be arranged.”
Maud left the room. She should be pleased and relieved, but she wasn’t.
Isobel’s happiness was more important than anything, but she’d seen the way her back stiffened when John had mentioned marriage.
She knew her daughter well enough to know she wasn’t happy.