From Juliet to Sophie

Extract #8

7th September 1946

5Dear Sophie,

At last, I mustered my courage and told Amelia that I wanted to adopt Kit. Her opinion means a great deal to me - she bred Elizabeth so dearly; she knows Kit so well - and me, almost well enough. I was anxious for her approval - and terrified that I wouldn't get it. I 10choked on my tea but in the end managed to get the words out. Her relief was so visible I was shocked. I hadn’t realised how worried she'd been about Kit's future. She started to say, 'If I could have one -' then stopped and started again. 'I think it would be a wonderful thing for both of you. It would be the best possible thing -' She broke off and pulled out a handkerchief. And then, of course, I pulled out my handkerchief. After we'd finished crying, 15we plotted. Amelia will come with me to see Mr Dilwyn. 'I have known him since he was in short trousers, she said. 'He won't dare refuse me.' Having Amelia on your side is like having the Third Army at your back.

But something wonderful- even more wonderful than having Amelia's approval - has happened. My last doubt has shrunk to less than pinpoint-size. Do you remember my telling 20you about the little box Kit carried, tied up with string? The one I thought might hold a dead ferret? She came into my room this morning and patted my face until I woke up. She was carrying her box.

Without a word, she began to undo the string. She took the lid off, parted the tissue paper and gave the box to me. Sophie - she stood back and watched my face as I turned over the 25things in the box and then lifted them all out on to the bedcover. The articles were a tiny, eyelet-covered baby pillow; a small photograph of Elizabeth digging in her garden and laughing up at Dawsey; a woman's linen handkerchief, smelling faintly of jasmine; a man's signet ring; and a small leather book of Rilke's poetry with the inscription, For Elizabeth, who turns darkness into light, Christian. Tucked into the book was a much-folded scrap of 30paper. Kit nodded, so I carefully opened it and read, 'Amelia - kiss her for me when she wakes up. I'll be back by six. Elizabeth. P.S. Doesn't she have the most beautiful feet?'

She was showing me her treasures, Sophie - her eyes didn't once leave my face. We were both so solemn, and I, for once, didn't start crying, I just held out my arms. She climbed into them, and under the covers with me - and went straight to sleep. Not me! I couldn't. I was 35too happy planning the rest of our lives. Extract #8

I don't care about living in London - I love Guernsey and I want to stay here, even after I've finished Elizabeth's book. I can't imagine Kit living in London, having to wear shoes all the time, having to walk instead of run, having no pigs to visit. No fishing with Eben and Eli, no visits to Amelia, no potion-mixing with Isola and most of all, no time spent with Dawsey.

I think, if I become Kit's guardian, we could continue to live in Elizabeth's cottage. I could take my vast profits from lzzy and buy a flat for Kit and me to stay in when we visit London. Her home is here, and mine can be. Writers can write on Guernsey - look at Victor Hugo. The only things I'd really miss about London are Sidney and Susan, the nearness to Scotland, new 45plays, and Harrods Food Hall.

Pray for Mr Dilwyn's good sense. I know he has it, I know he likes me, I know he knows Kit is happy living with me, and that I am solvent enough for two at the moment - and who can say better than that in these decadent times? Amelia thinks that if he does say no to adoption without a husband, he will gladly grant me guardianship.

Sidney is coming to Guernsey again next week. I wish you were coming, too- I miss you.

Juliet 5 Extract #8