Day Will Come by Beryl Matthews Read Free Book Online Page B

speaking quietly, but I heard enough to know they didn’t want to be bothered with prisoners. They couldn’t let us go, and when several of them began to line up in front of us with rifles, I told the men to run. Knowing the language got us out of a couple of tight spots as we made our way to the coast. Anyway, that’s in the past. We’ve got to prepare for what we are going to face now.’
    ‘That’s why I think you should find out how good Grace’s German is. If it isn’t fluent enough, then teach her. We all need to improve whatever skills we have. Never know when they might come in useful.’
    ‘I’ll do that.’ Dan stood up. ‘Let me know if you hear anything of interest.’
    When he walked into the office, Grace was already there.
    ‘Good morning, sir,’ she smiled. ‘Thank you for being so kind to my parents.’
    ‘It was my pleasure.’ He pulled a face when he saw the amount of envelopes she was busy opening. ‘That has piled up while we’ve been busy.’
    ‘We’ll soon get through it. That heap on your desk is for immediate attention.’
    They had been working steadily for about an hour, when he suddenly gave his instructions in German. For a moment, Grace was taken by surprise. She managed to quickly bring the unused language to mind, and answered – badly, she wassure. If he’d spoken to her in French she wouldn’t have had to struggle so hard.
    He continued in that way, while Grace answered hesitantly. It was soon apparent that he was very good.
    After a while, he said, ‘Your accent is terrible, Grace. We’ll have to do something about that.’
    The switch back to English made her sag with relief. ‘I know, sir. I wasn’t very good, and I haven’t used it for a long time. I can read it better than speak it. You are excellent, though. Where did you learn it?’
    ‘I lived in Germany for a few of years when I was twelve. I went to school there, and you pick things up easily at that age. My father was in the diplomatic service. He’s retired now and they live in Cornwall. We will set aside at least an hour each day when we will speak only in German.’
    Grace was puzzled. ‘May I ask why, sir?’
    ‘It could be useful to you in the future.’
    ‘When the Germans invade, you mean?’
    ‘Good Lord, no. The other way round, Grace.’
    ‘I see.’ She didn’t, but he was her boss, and if he wanted to speak German, then who was she to argue? She would have to get her reference books out again.
    She was busy typing when he interrupted her. ‘It’s coming up to ten o’clock. Why don’t you go and see if your friend has arrived?’
    ‘Oh, thank you. I didn’t realise it was that late.’ She stood up quickly. ‘I won’t be long, sir.’
    ‘Take all the time you need.’
    Helen was already waiting when Grace arrived. Her friend was wearing a navy blue suit with a crisp white blouse.
    ‘You do look smart,’ she said as she greeted her.
    ‘I thought I had better wear something simple. I’ve no idea what this is all about. I have been told to wait until someone comes for me.’
    ‘I hope you don’t have to wait as long as I did. Dad said you were seeing a Mr Graham. Is that right?’
    Helen nodded. ‘The letter didn’t say what he’s in charge of.’
    ‘Well, you are soon going to find out. Here’s your escort. Best of luck. I’ll see you tonight, if I’m not too late.’
    She watched until Helen had disappeared, and then hurried back to her office.
    ‘That was quick. Did you see her?’
    ‘Yes, but we didn’t have time to talk much because they came for her almost immediately. I thought all the offices were up here, but they went down the stairs.’
    ‘I expect they are using every available space. This place is getting crowded now.’ He smiled. ‘Put the kettle on. All this paperwork is making me thirsty.’
    She smiled at the disgusted expression on his face. ‘You’d rather be tramping through muddy fields?’
    ‘Definitely. We are going out tomorrow