The Girls in Blue

by Fenella J Miller

  The man nodded and strode away to deal with more pressing problems. This was the worst possible news. He’d thought Jane would be kept on until she was able to resume active duty. There was obviously no room in this war for invalids – she was going to be left high and dry.

  There was a decent café a short distance from the hospital and he headed there needing to get away from the all-pervading smell of disinfectant and boiled cabbage. He stopped to look at the sunshine, tulips and daffodils everywhere, but none of it gladdened his soul.

  A taxi pulled up and to his delight he saw Roy jump out. He bounded down the steps and shook hands vigorously with his friend. ‘Just the man I want to see. Jane’s out of the woods, health wise, but up to her neck in it as far as everything else goes.’

  ‘I’ve got news for you as well, which might help Jane’s situation. Were you on your way to that café? We can talk there.’

  They managed to persuade the proprietor to bend her rules and not only did they have a decent meat sandwich, they also got a piece of Victoria sandwich to go with their pot of tea.

  ‘I didn’t know it was now an either or, situation,’ Roy said as he tucked into his sandwich.

  ‘I’m not sure there’s an actual edict that a customer can’t have two items from a menu. We’re not regulars and I expect she’s keeping things back for those. What’s the news you’ve got for me?’

  ‘Riley has proved invaluable as far as keeping me up-to-date. It appears that one of the blokes dumped on the side of the road was dead before the ambulance arrived. It took several hours to find them. The poor bugger would have survived if he’d been taken straight to hospital, so both Hadleys now face a possible murder charge as well as one of kidnapping.’

  ‘Even if it’s not considered murder, it’s definitely manslaughter. I’m not sure that Mrs Hadley was a willing participant. I’m prepared to speak up for her in court. She was bullied into participating. I take it that Hadley has recovered.’

  ‘Unfortunately, he has. He’s got a broken jaw and concussion. He’s not going to be allowed out on bail but his wife might well be.’

  ‘You said that your news would help with Jane’s situation. Are you suggesting that she might go back to her family home and be taken care of by her mother?’

  ‘I was thinking along those lines, yes. If she can’t remember what happened there then I can’t see why she couldn’t live there until she’s well enough to re-enlist.’

  The more he thought about it the less Oscar liked the idea. ‘Absolutely not. It’s quite possible her memory will return suddenly. Imagine how traumatic it would be for her to wake up in the one place she’d vowed never to set foot in again?’

  He spoke more vehemently than he’d intended and his friend threw his hands up as if in surrender. ‘Don’t shoot the messenger, mate. Just making a suggestion. Do you have a better one?’

  Oscar spoke without thinking. ‘I could marry her and then find her digs near the base. Or, even better, she could stay with my parents in Suffolk.’

  ‘A bit extreme, don’t you think? What if she wakes up one morning and remembers that she’d decided she didn’t want anything more to do with you?’

  He ignored this comment, although it was a valid one. ‘Things have changed between us. When I explain the alternative, I think she’ll agree my solution is the best one for her. Don’t look so disapproving, Roy, I’ll not sleep with her. Then we can get the marriage annulled if that’s what she wants.’

  ‘Bloody hell, that’s altruistic of you. You’re a good bloke and I hope it works out for you.’

  ‘Another thing: if I go for a Burton, which is more than likely, my family will take care of her. She won’t be alone.’

  They finished every last crumb and ordered a second pot of tea. There was a constant coming and going of nurses and doctors from the hospital and he admired their dedication. How many of them would transfer and become army medics when this phoney war was over?

  ‘I think I need Riley’s permission to get married. I’d like my father to marry us. Hopefully you and some of my flight will be able to get the time off and attend. I’m going to speak to Jane now – come with me as I’m sure she’ll be delighted to see you. By the way, what happened with you and Charlotte?’

  ‘Nothing exciting. I like her but turned out there’s no spark after all. She’s a bit abrasive for me.’

  Oscar smiled at the description. ‘Abrasive? I think you mean independent and assertive. You like your women to be overawed by your personality and charm. Charlotte’s not that sort of girl.’

  ‘She certainly isn’t. Anyway, she’s a good egg and dashed back to the guesthouse and then paid for Jane’s bag to be sent here.’

  They had to pass the public telephone, which was in the foyer of the hospital. ‘I’m going to ring my father before I go up. I’ve a nasty suspicion no one will be getting leave of absence by the end of the month. Hitler’s getting ready to move and we’re going to be needed to support the BEF.’

  ‘They’ve already got several squadrons out there. I don’t envy them – but at least things have improved now the winter’s over. Kenley will be fully operational soon and our job will be to stop the Luftwaffe from bombing London.’

  Oscar returned from his call happy with the response he’d had from his father. He slapped Roy on the back. ‘It appears there’s no need to call the banns for three weeks nowadays. We can just turn up and get married. All I have to do is convince Jane this is her best option.’

  *

  Roy was an entertaining visitor but didn’t outstay his welcome. The ward sister had told him as Jane was no longer critically ill normal visiting hours were going to be imposed in future. This meant after today he couldn’t visit in the morning and would have to leave by eight o’clock each night.

  ‘I’ve booked us into a B&B.’ His friend smiled. ‘I’ve got your overnight bag with me. You could do with a change of shirt.’

  ‘Thank you, much appreciated. If you hang around, I’ll be down in half an hour.’

  Now had come the tricky part of his plan – convincing the woman he loved that marrying him, in name only, was her best option. When he’d thought about this moment he’d imagined it would be in a romantic setting, that he’d go down on one knee and then ask her to marry him.

  He didn’t want to frighten her so explained quietly why he thought this was her best option. Her smile was blinding.

  ‘I’d love to marry you, as long as it’s… it’s not a physical thing. Even though I don’t remember the abuse I suffered you’re right to say going back to Lattimore would be a mistake. I was dubious about being kept on by the WAAF and was panicking about what would happen to me.

  ‘I’m overwhelmed by your kindness. I know you won’t take advantage of me. I do think you’re very attractive and I’m hoping that even if my memory doesn’t return I’ll fall in love with you eventually.’

  ‘I’m going to do my damnedest to make that happen. Hopefully, you’ll be discharged at the weekend and I’ll just have time to take you to Suffolk. They know the circumstances and are delighted to welcome you into the family – even if at some later date you decide you want to annul the arrangement.’

  ‘Don’t look so despondent, Oscar, I think it far more likely I’ll want to make the arrangement permanent. Just give it time.’

  A student nurse appeared in the open door and rang the bell loudly. Time to go. He hesitated, not sure if she was ready to be kissed a second time. She solved that problem for him by taking his hands and pulling him closer.

  A very satisfactory few minutes later he reluctantly left her to the ministrations of the nurses. Roy was standing on the steps admiring the spring flowers and this time Oscar was in the mood to appreciate what he saw.

  ‘She’s agreed to marry me. Let’s find the nearest hostelry and have a drink to celebrate.’

  25

  Over the next few days Jane was interviewed by the police, received a formal letter from the WAAF saying
she was demobbed, and the consultant agreed she could be discharged on Saturday after her stitches had been removed.

  She no longer remained in bed in her nightclothes but got up every morning, had a quick bath and then got dressed. She only possessed her uniform and from the end of the month she would have no right to wear that.

  Oscar had been reading the letter and nodded as he handed it back. ‘You’ve got another two weeks on full pay and then you’re getting a generous severance payment of £25. From this it would appear that you’ve got more than six weeks back pay owing, so you’ll have enough to buy what you need when you become a civilian.’

  ‘It says there that I’ve got to return my uniform and everything else I was issued with or the cost will be deducted from my salary. That means I’ll have to go to Uxbridge to collect it and then formally hand it over. Before I can do that I’ve somehow got to get to the shops and buy something to wear. I don’t think I’ve got enough to cover my expenses, especially for our wedding. I expect your family will want to see me in the traditional white gown.’

  ‘My sister will lend you hers. I’ve given her your measurements and she’s letting down the hem and taking it in at the waist. Once we’re married, I’ll take care of everything.’

  ‘It’s not a real marriage, so I don’t see why you should have to pay my bills. I have money in my post office account. I’ve been saving for years.’

  He was staring at her, his eyes wide, his mouth opening and shutting like a stranded fish. Whatever was wrong with him?

  ‘You’ve just remembered something about your past.’

  She couldn’t keep back the squeal of excitement and without thinking threw herself into his waiting arms. He held her tight whilst they laughed and cried together. Eventually she sat back and he handed her a handkerchief to mop her face.

  ‘Your memory’s coming back. I can’t believe it’s happening so soon.’

  ‘More to the point, my post office book is in my bag. I’ve no idea how much I’ve got – shall we have a look and see if you’re marrying an eligible heiress?’

  He rummaged around in the zipped pockets at the front and brought the cardboard-covered book over to her. When he offered it she shook her head.

  ‘No, you have a look. It’s really strange that I don’t recognise it at all even though I just told you I had it.’

  He flicked it open. ‘You’ve got thirty pounds in here. A wealthy woman indeed!’

  ‘Good gracious – that’s quite a lot. With my back pay and so on I can manage for a while.’

  ‘There’s something we haven’t discussed and I suppose now’s as good a time as any. My pay goes up when I marry, enough for both of us to live comfortably but not in the lap of luxury. I don’t have any savings but I do have a small annuity courtesy of my now deceased grandfather.’

  ‘I seem to recall that you said you were a career serviceman, not a volunteer. Do you intend to stay in the RAF after the war?’

  ‘I don’t think I told you that I went to Oxford University and did a degree in theology. My parents both thought I would take orders and were disappointed when I changed course so drastically and became a pilot.’

  ‘Why did you?’ The more she learned about this man the better she liked him. She hardly liked to tell him that she didn’t believe in God when he was so obviously a devout Christian. Would he still marry her if he knew she was an atheist? More to the point, would his father, a vicar, be so happy to take her in if he knew he was welcoming a heathen into his home?

  ‘I saw what was happening in Germany and after they bombed the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War it was obvious what was coming. Despite the fact that my father’s a pacifist I knew I had to join the RAF and be ready to protect my country from invasion.’

  ‘He must find it very hard to have a son who’s a fighter pilot.’

  ‘It would be a lot harder if I was a bomber pilot – which thank God I’m not. I realise I haven’t actually answered your question about my plans after the war. I always thought I would be ordained, but now I’m not so sure. I think I might become a commercial pilot. Air travel is going to be important in the future.’ He handed her back her post office book. ‘I was about to ask you what you’d intended to do but of course you can’t tell me.’

  ‘I can’t think that far ahead. I’ve a nasty feeling this beastly war is going to go on as long as the last one. People were saying it would be all over by Christmas when it started in September – which Christmas? We might still be saying that in four years’ time.’

  *

  On Saturday morning she looked around the room she’d been in for the past week – it had become familiar to her and she didn’t know anywhere else. Most of the time since she’d woken up it hadn’t bothered her that she’d lost her memory; now, faced with leaving hospital with a man she barely knew, her pulse was racing and her hands clammy.

  Then she was in his arms, he was stroking her back and murmuring words of encouragement, and her world righted again. He had both their bags over his shoulder leaving him free to hold her hand.

  ‘It will be all right, sweetheart, just let things happen naturally. Here, put my gas mask around your neck. Apparently yours has vanished.’

  ‘Thank you. I lost my first one but managed to get another one from the stores so this will be the third one I’ve got to get.’ Her hand tightened in his. ‘That’s the second thing I’ve remembered. I really think my memory is going to come back completely over the next few days.’

  He kissed the top of her head and a bubble of happiness settled in her chest. The world wasn’t such a scary place if she had him beside her.

  They were squashed together in the compartment on the London train with a naval officer on the other side of Oscar. Opposite were three elegant women obviously on their way to shop at Fortnum & Mason’s or Harrods. They ignored the disapproving looks when he put his arm around her.

  She’d never been so happy and she relaxed against him. Suddenly memories were returning in quick succession. She had two good friends that she’d met when she was training: one called Nancy and the other Charlotte. In the space of half an hour the fog in her head was all but gone. She remembered everything her father had done to her but it no longer held the same terror. She was a plotter at Uxbridge.

  ‘I remember everything. I can return to my job and you don’t have to marry me in such a rush after all.’

  He tried to hide his devastation but the glitter in his eyes gave him away. ‘That’s the most wonderful news, Jane. We can go to Victory House instead of shopping and you can give them the good news. I’ll let my parents know.’

  She swivelled on the seat – the armrests were already up to allow them to sit closer together – and she touched his face. ‘I love you, I think I always have. I do want to be engaged to you and will definitely marry you but I want to do it properly.’

  He ignored her tears and kissed her passionately. When he lifted his head there was a spontaneous round of applause from the other four in the compartment. She’d completely forgotten they weren’t alone and that their conversation had been clearly audible to the others.

  She hid her scarlet cheeks against his shoulder whilst he gave them a brief, edited version of what had taken place.

  ‘How absolutely splendid. Instead of buying clothes, young lady, you must go with your young man and select an engagement ring and make your betrothal official.’ The speaker, the lady in the central seat, was smiling at them both despite previously judging their behaviour as reprehensible.

  The train steamed into the station and Oscar whisked her away before the curious trio could ask any difficult questions. He’d not given their names and she was glad about that.

  ‘Victory House first – hopefully we can find you another gas mask there, then I have to telephone my family and update them on the situation. Then we’ll find you an engagement ring and go for a celebration meal.’

  There was a great deal of hanging about before she eventual
ly was able to speak to someone who could help with her unusual situation. The two officers read her letter of dismissal and then listened carefully to her story.

  ‘This is the best possible news. However, you will have to be formally assessed by a medic and cleared for duty. Then, to be certain, you will have to demonstrate that you still have the necessary skills.’ With a flourish the RAF officer, with a magnificent bristling moustache, tore up her letter.

  ‘Report for duty at Uxbridge immediately. Dismissed – and welcome back, ACW1 374.’

  She jumped to her feet and saluted smartly then marched out fizzing with excitement.

  *

  Jane travelled back to Uxbridge a different person. Her abduction and rescue had changed everything. Her father would never bother her again. She leaned against her fiancé’s shoulder and he kissed the top of her head.

  ‘Darling, are you sure you don’t want to ask for compassionate leave? You only came out of hospital this morning and were critically ill a week ago.’

  ‘No, I’m eager to prove I can go back on duty. You didn’t have to come with me although I’m really glad that you did.’

  ‘I don’t know when we’ll get the opportunity to be together so I’m making the most of every minute.’

  She sighed. ‘Charlotte’s a brick, isn’t she? If she hadn’t found you goodness knows what might have happened.’

  ‘I thank God every minute that she did. Both your parents are incarcerated. It’s going to be difficult for you when it comes to court, but I’ll be there if I possibly can.’

  ‘The inspector said it might be a while before that happens. Anyway, we’ll be too busy to bother about that. I’m going to forget about what happened, if I can. They have other witnesses and our statements. That will have to do.’

  She relaxed and tilted her head for his kiss. ‘Did I tell you that Nancy is getting married in September. Maybe we could have a double wedding?’

  He smiled. ‘Double, triple, I don’t give a damn how many people share the ceremony as long as we can get married at the earliest possible opportunity.’