10.30am. 7th October, 1941.
Ella arrived in Deuville at around half past ten. There was a smog over the sea which brought in a bitter breeze from the channel. Nonetheless, she found the L'Barriere where she was to meet her father.
'Ah, my darling.' He called out from across the almost empty room.
'Good morning…' Ella began as they exchanged a series of kisses and hugs before her father showed her to the table he had reserved overlooking the ocean. 'Are you well?' She asked as a waiter took away her coat.
'You've not resorted to small talk already have you, Ella?'
'Papa,' She warned. 'It is a pleasantry.'
'When did you become one for pleasantries?' Her father quipped as she tucked herself into the table.
'Three years ago.' She returned sarcastically.
'Ah, yes. Did he enjoy his surprise?' Arthur asked, watching his eldest girl pour his tea. He was fascinated as he remembered for a moment when his wife would pour tea for them in the cafe; but that seemed a million years ago now.
'No. He was late home.' Ella informed him as she poured her own cup.
'Perhaps you need to get away for a while.' He suggested as he dropped a cube of sugar into his tea.
'I don't think that would go down very well.' She sighed.
'On the subject of getting away; I'm going home tomorrow.'
'Home?' She scoffed, frowning. 'I thought you were staying in France.'
'I have to pick a side.'
'I know.' Remembering when she made hers.
'I have every faith that what you're doing is right.'
'Here,' Ella began, rummaging through her bag for a few moments before pulling out a handful of envelopes. 'I wrote everyone a letter. I don't want them to be seen until you know for sure that I'm… That I've died.'