"Foyle, telegram"
Andrew nearly dropped his cup of tea at Jackson's words but managed to put it down and accept the telegram, only distantly aware of how the chatter had died off as he tore it open with shaking hands.
Boy born Tues night. James (Jimmy). Everyone well. Dad.
"Oh thank god!"
His words were loud in the suddenly quiet dispersal hut and a warm hand landed on his shoulder, "Everything alright Foyle?"
Andrew turned a grin breaking across his face as he nodded to Brown, "Yes, more than alright, my godson was born last night!"
There was general commotion after that as Andrew accepted congratulations and slaps on the back, and as he studied his suddenly cheerful squadron mates Andrew wished he knew how to explain to Mr. and Mrs. Reid how much good their son had already done.
Before he could do more than contemplate the letters he needed to find to time to write the phone rang and within 5 minutes they were running for their spits. Just as he always did Andrew laid his hand briefly over his tunic pocket, where the photograph of his parents, his drawings from the girls and now the telegram about Jimmy rested; a tangible reminder of what he was fighting for.
It wasn't until the next day that Andrew had time to put pen to paper. First he wrote a short reply to the letter from his father that had arrived earlier in the day. It provided a few more details about Jimmy; his full name was James Christopher Reid, the girls were delighted and Elaine was recovering well.
If Andrew had been asked he probably would have put money on Mr. and Mrs. Reid using Dad's name if it were a boy and he was more than a little chuffed that they had. Of course Dad was surprised but Andrew could tell he was also very touched by the gesture.
Next he wrote a quick letter to Mr. and Mrs. Reid, offering his congratulations and promising to request leave for the christening as soon as he knew when it would be. As usual he added postscripts for the girls, an attempt to make up for the fact that he didn't have the time or energy to answer all of their letters.
It felt like a miracle that he made it through both letters without a scramble and Andrew fetched himself another cup of tea before settling down to write his third and most important letter of the day.
Dear Jimmy,
I haven't actually met you yet but the way things are I don't want to risk missing this chance to tell you a few things. Your parents asked me to stand as your godfather almost as soon as they knew you were coming and to say I was surprised and honored would be putting it lightly.
I met your sisters a few days after they were born and being their 'big brother' has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Officially I'll be your godfather Jimmy but I hope that I can be your older brother as well. I want to be the one to teach you how to climb trees and pass a rugby ball and the how to pick your spot on a penalty kick (always the bottom corner - opposite side to your dominate foot if you can still get good power on the shot).
I want to be there on the tough days too, the days when you flunk a test or get in a fight at school. I want to be there to take you for a long walk to cool off when it feels like everything is turning out wrong, to listen to your side of the story and maybe offer a little advice.
I want to do all of those things Jimmy but there's a reasonable chance I won't be able too. As I write this you are three days old, our country is at war and I am attached to a spitfire squadron on the south coast. We don't talk about it but the truth is the casualty rate's wretched so regardless of what I'd like I may not be around to see you grow up, I might not even get to meet you.
That's why I'm writing this letter Jimmy so that even if the worst happens you'll have something to remember me by, something that's yours alone, just between us, as opposed to stories someone else has told you.
It's hard to think too far ahead at the moment, some of the chaps actually think it's unlucky, tempting fate as it were to make plans when our futures are so uncertain. Don't worry these sorts of letters don't count because the truth is they're for futures we aren't in. Sorry, I realize that's a rather wretched thing to say but war is full of wretched things Jimmy and if this one if for anything at all than you'll never have to learn what I mean.
There are a lot of things I want for you Jimmy, just like your parents I pray that you'll be healthy and happy and find some occupation that you enjoy when you're old enough. But there are so many other things, smaller but not necessarily less important, that I hope you experience as well.
I want you to find a quiet brook and build a dam out of twigs, to spend an afternoon watching ants and beetles and marvel at the little worlds we so often ignore as we rush about our days.
I want you to swim in the ocean and feel the strength of a current, to fly a kite (or better a plane) and feel the pull of the wind and realize that while we may be able to harness Mother Nature we will never master it.
I want you to read books that take you to far away lands and to make up worlds of your own. I want you to listen to the music that your grandparents like and the stuff that your Dad thinks is pointless noise, to try your hand at an instrument if you can (I tried trumpet for a bit and it wasn't pretty, you can ask my Dad).
I want you to learn to drive and teach your sisters (if they don't already know). I want you to go to new places and meet people who speak or dress or see the world differently than you do. I want you to be open to new ideas and never lose your sense of curiosity.
I want you to hold doors and give up your seat on the bus, and help other people's grandmothers across the road. To stand up for what is right and for those who can't stand up for themselves, I think all of that will come pretty naturally Jimmy and I'm already proud of you for it.
You're going to have more opportunities available to you than Maggie and Gracie will simply because you're a man. It isn't fair or sensible but it's the truth and it's something you need to be aware of. It's not going to change unless more men realize how unfair it is and do something about it.
To be honest I'm not actually sure what the best way to help with that is but if you ask Maggie and Gracie I'm sure they'll be able to tell you. Your sisters are strong, intelligent young women Jimmy and you'd be wise to never underestimate them. Generally speaking it's a bad idea to underestimate any woman, you usually end up looking like a fool (I know for I've done it more than once).
It's odd to be giving you advice about women when you're not yet a week old but if you're reading this letter than I probably won't be around to give it to you when you are old enough. My Dad would tell you I had a roving eye and he'd be right. You'll meet a lot of pretty girls Jimmy and there's nothing wrong with dancing with more than one in a night just as long as you don't lead any of them on. What you say and how you say it is very important and am afraid you'll probably learn that the hard way, we all seem too.
When you meet a girl who makes your breath catch in your chest, she's the one you should try to get to know better; buy her a drink and if that goes well ask her to dinner and make sure you actually listen to what she's saying, it's the only way you'll really get to know her.
I'm afraid I can't tell you how you'll know if she's 'the one' but I will say this, if you really like her bring her home for dinner and see what your parents and sisters make of her. Sometimes other people see things we're blind too and mothers always know you better than you know yourself so listen to what they have to say and follow your heart.
As for the rest Jimmy I hope when it comes time you find a job you enjoy, whether that's being a policeman like our fathers, building roads and bridges, writing treaties on philosophy or one of any number of other worthy professions. Believe in your own abilities and don't be deterred if things don't work out the first time. If you stick with it and put the work in things have a way of working out in the end.
I'm not really sure what else to say Jimmy, please know that I love you and I'm proud of you and nothing you do can ever change that. Even if I never meet you or if I do but you don't remember me, I want you to know that being your godfather is one of the greatest honors of my life.
I wish you all the very best that life has to offer James Christopher Reid and I pray that yours will be a long and happy one.
God bless and God speed.
Your affectionate godfather and honorary big brother,
Andrew Foyle.
The sun was setting by the time he was finished and Andrew yawned hugely; the day had started with a pre-dawn scramble and he had only been able to grab an hour's sleep between briefings and scrambles since then.
While he waited for Jimmy's letter to dry Andrew addressed the other two envelops and wrote a quick postscript to the letter he'd written Mr. and Mrs. Reid before his first combat op before carefully folding Jimmy's letter and slipping it into the same envelope.
His first duty as godfather completed Andrew put his letter writing supplies and the contingency letters back in his locker and headed out to put the other letters in the mailbag and have a quick smoke before hopefully getting a bit of sleep.
Hugh was fairly confident that they had been the subject at the local WI meeting; it was the most logical explanation for why the girls were suddenly being invited to their friends' houses for tea everyday and how their rations kept being turned into meals by their surrounding neighbours.
"Its very kind of them of course but isn't it too much? I mean shouldn't I say something?" he asked worriedly as he sat beside Elaine with Jimmy in his arms, having managed to get away from the station for a lunchtime visit.
Elaine laughed lightly, "It is very kind of them but Hugh they do this whenever anyone has a baby."
Her husband blinked in surprise, "They do?"
Elaine nodded, "Yes, the war does make things a bit more challenging but I did Mary's marketing when Tristan was born and everyone around took turns helping with tea and supper."
"Oh" He looked down at his son, "Hear that son? We chaps would starve to death if we didn't have women like Mummy." Jimmy's only response was to try and suck on his father's finger, his face screwing up with displeasure when his efforts didn't yield anything.
Hugh laughed softly and kissed his forehead, "Sorry son, I'm afraid that's exactly what I mean." He stood waiting while Elaine got settled before handing her the baby, smiling softly at the picture they made, "Alright?"
Elaine nodded, eyes fixed on the baby at her breast and Hugh stooped to kiss her softly, "I should get back to the station. Have a good afternoon, darling."
"You too, stay safe" Hugh nodded, brushing a finger down his son's cheek before quietly leaving the room.
They all missed having Elaine at home but she looked stronger each time Hugh saw her so he wasn't about too say anything. All in all he thought they were managing well, their neighbours made sure they stayed well fed and he was used to handling bedtimes, he even managed the girls' plaits.
Although 'managed' might have been a generous term given the look on Sam's face the first morning she saw them. Christopher had taken to coming over to make sure they all made it out the door on time, which had the added benefit of Sam being able to fix the girls' hair, something Hugh was very grateful for.
On the third night after Jimmy was born Grace had a nightmare and woke crying for Mummy and no amount of assurances that 'Mummy was fine' made up for the fact that Elaine wasn't there. Instead Hugh ended up pacing in the living room for over an hour, rubbing her back and murmuring soothingly while she cried fretfully into his neck before she finally fell back to sleep.
The next morning, after quietly explaining what had happened to Christopher who assured him that he would walk Maggie to school, Hugh once again broke Matron's 'No morning visits' rule and took Grace to see Elaine before school.
Matron was not pleased but Hugh withstood her glare (which would have made a General's toes curl) and calmly explained that his youngest daughter had had a nightmare about a raid and needed to see her mother.
Matron still didn't approve of having her ward disrupted but when Grace went from clinging to him and then sobbing into Elaine's neck, to their normal cheerful, chattering little girl after 10 minutes Hugh knew he'd do it all over again.
Fortunately further breaking of Matron's rules proved unnecessary because Elaine and Jimmy came home that weekend at Elaine's request. "The nurses have been wonderful but I want to sleep in my own bed Hugh and I miss you and the girls dreadfully." She explained during that days' lunchtime visit.
Hugh brushed a kiss to her knuckles, "We miss you too darling but White said a week…"
"Only if it was necessary and it's not. He checked the incision this morning and it's healing very well."
Hugh nodded but still looked worried, "Do you promise you'd stay in bed until White says you can be up? I don't want you cooking and cleaning while we're all out, you're not well enough love."
Elaine nodded and squeezed his hand reassuringly, "I promise darling. I don't intend to do anything I shouldn't Hugh I just want to be home with you all. I know you're managing but it's hard on the girls, especially with everything else. I mean just look at Gracie's nightmare."
Hugh nodded, "Not the first time she's had one like that but they are missing you and so am I."
"Then it just makes sense for me and Jimmy to come home, if we come home tomorrow that will give us two days to get settled before you have to go back to work."
Hugh studied his wife's face for another minute and then leaned in to kiss her tenderly, "If you're sure love..."
Elaine smiled against his lips and rested her forehead against his, "I want to take our son home Hugh and I promise I'll tell you if anything feels off."
"Thank you Elaine, I'll go and speak to White" and with final tender kiss Hugh got to his feet, smiling reflexively as he passed the nursery and saw his son sleeping soundly in his little cot.
White agreed that there was no need to keep Elaine longer as all she needed was rest and as long as there was someone to help with meals and make sure she didn't go up and down the stairs he was comfortable releasing her.
Hugh promised he would ensure she rested and went to speak to Matron to find out what time would be acceptable for him to come and collect Elaine and Jimmy the next day.
The girls were thrilled to hear that Mummy and Jimmy were coming home, earnestly promising that they would help lots so Mummy could rest. "I can help with Jimmy Daddy, I helped with Gracie when she was a baby."
Hugh smiled softly and pulled Maggie into a hug, "Thank you Maggie. You girls have been very brave about Mummy being away and I know you're going to be wonderful helpers."
He pressed a kiss to her head and then did the same to Grace, "Alright upstairs for baths and then we should have time for two chapters before bed." The girls beamed and raced up the stairs leaving Hugh to set the dishes to soak before following them up to oversee bath time.