A Sister's War

by Molly Green

  Constable Scott’s chuckles immediately died and were replaced by a look of concern. ‘Is something the matter with your head?’

  ‘I had an accident when I was opening one of the locks,’ Ronnie said. ‘It’s all right now.’

  ‘May I look?’

  She nodded and pushed back the front curls.

  ‘Nasty at the time, I should think.’ Constable Scott gazed at her. ‘I’m surprised a girl like you wants to do such work. It’s tough – more than even some men can handle.’

  ‘Thankfully, I’m not “some man”,’ Ronnie retorted.

  What was it with men? He knew nothing about her at all. And just as she was beginning to like him. He wasn’t handsome like Will Drake, of course, she told herself hurriedly, but she could see that his eyes were an unusual green and he had a cleft in his chin exactly like Cary Grant when she’d seen him for the first time in His Girl Friday.

  ‘No, I can see you’re not “most men”,’ he said, grinning now, ‘even with a name like Ronnie.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Ronnie flashed.

  ‘Well, it’s a boy’s name, isn’t it?’

  ‘Try explaining my real name to everyone who’s never met me: where it comes from, how to spell it, how even to pronounce it. It’s enough to send me cuckoo.’

  He was silent for a few seconds.

  ‘Actually, Véronique is a beautiful name,’ he said, pronouncing it in an English way but rather charmingly, still with his eyes on her. ‘You should use it – well, at least for special occasions.’

  ‘And this is one of them?’ Ronnie’s voice was coated with sarcasm.

  He grinned again. ‘Maybe … maybe not.’

  There was the sound of voices and one by one Angela, Sally and Margaret appeared.

  ‘All change,’ Angela said. ‘Oh, who have we here?’ She looked at Constable Scott and, giving him an appreciative smile, sidled so close he had to step back.

  Ronnie wanted to cringe, but she made her expression one of boredom.

  ‘Right, Miss Linfoot, we’d better get over to the butty then,’ Constable Scott said.

  He put out a helping hand for her as she negotiated the gunwale, and moments later they joined Dora, Jessica and May.

  Dora was no more friendly than she’d been in the motorboat.

  ‘It’s all yours,’ she said, ‘but don’t be all day. We got trainin’ ter do.’

  ‘I’ll put the kettle on while you’re carrying out the search,’ Jessica said. ‘I’m sure everyone would welcome a cup of tea.’

  Ronnie was amused to see that Dora didn’t argue with Jessica’s invitation. The policemen were hardly more than ten minutes with their search and seemed grateful to sit down to a cup of tea instead of facing the rain that was lashing harder than ever on the cabin roof.

  ‘If yous’ve quite finished,’ Dora said, the only one who’d refused the tea Jessica had made, ‘I must insist we’re allowed ter get on with our day. There’s no smugglin’ goin’ on here under my eye, I can assure yer. Yer wastin’ yer time. Better spent catchin’ some real crooks.’

  ‘Thank you, Miss Dummitt, for your co-operation.’ Sergeant Sandford stood and gestured to Constable Scott to follow suit.

  Constable Scott flipped his notepad shut and shoved it in the pocket of his raincoat. He nodded to Dora, and glanced at Jessica and May, but his gaze lingered on Ronnie.

  ‘I hope that head heals soon,’ he said. ‘There’s quite a bump already.’

  Instinctively, Ronnie put her hand to her forehead. It felt the size of an egg. Oh, she couldn’t bear it. What on earth had Will thought when he’d seen it? She must have looked a sight.

  She felt the curious stares from Jessica and May as they glanced from her to the constable.

  ‘I’m sure it’ll have gone down by tomorrow,’ she said.

  ‘We’ll see to her, if not,’ Dora cut in as she rose to usher the two men through the hatch.

  ‘Well, well, who’s made a hit with the good-looking policeman, then?’ May chuckled.

  ‘Did you notice the way he looked at Ronnie?’ Jessica joined in the laughter. ‘He’s smitten.’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ Ronnie said. ‘And even if he is – which he’s not – I have no interest in him at all.’

  ‘I don’t suppose you have after falling hook, line and sinker for that handsome biker,’ May said. ‘And we saw him kiss you on the lips right in front of Deadly Dora. He was certainly brave to do that.’ She grinned. ‘Who is he anyway?’

  Ronnie felt her face redden. ‘His name is Will Drake. He knows Dora.’

  ‘Whether he knows her or not, she didn’t seem too pleased when she saw him kiss you,’ Jessica remarked.

  ‘He did it on purpose to annoy her,’ Ronnie said. ‘It didn’t mean anything.’

  ‘Apparently, it meant a lot to you,’ May said. ‘Have a look in the mirror, why don’t you. Shining eyes, flushed cheeks …’

  ‘Stop it, both of you,’ Ronnie said sharply, her temper rising.

  ‘Only teasing,’ Jessica said. ‘But seriously, Ronnie, I think you should steer clear of this Will Drake. It’s very strange for someone that young to have all that money.’

  ‘I don’t know what you mean,’ Ronnie said. ‘He hasn’t flashed any money around me.’

  ‘Have you looked at his motorbike?’ Jessica said. ‘I know a bit about these things. It’s a Norton. One of the best brands you can buy. Okay, it’s several years old but still …’ She shook her head. ‘And how does he get petrol, is what I want to know. I’m surprised he hasn’t been stopped by the police.’ She glanced at Ronnie. ‘I bet those two canal policemen would be very interested in him.’

  Ronnie couldn’t think how to answer.

  ‘Even his leather jacket,’ Jessica persisted. ‘Sheepskin lined – surely you can see how expensive that must have been.’

  Ronnie went quiet. She remembered thinking how his jacket had reminded her of Raine’s flying jacket, but she hadn’t given it any more thought. Now Jessica was making her feel uncomfortable.

  ‘Why hasn’t he been called up?’ May asked.

  ‘I don’t know. I don’t know any of those things.’ Ronnie looked at both girls, wishing they would just leave her to have a bit of peace. Why were they so determined to put her off Will? He couldn’t possibly be interested in her – a girl he’d only met this morning for the first time, and who’d looked like something the cat dragged in when he’d seen her only a few hours later at the lock.

  ‘I think you should find out,’ Jessica said. ‘I bet he’s evading conscription.’

  ‘It’s none of my business,’ Ronnie said pointedly. ‘I have no interest in either Will Drake or the constable you say is so good-looking. You’re both making something out of nothing, so please drop the subject.’

  She was thankful that Dora banged on the side of the cabin at that moment, then put her head in the hatch.

  ‘We’re lettin’ go so I want yer in yer places. May can steer the butty, Jessica come with me, and you, Ver-ron-eek, I’ll give you some lighter chores, seein’ as how you’ve had the accident. Yer can wash out the buckets, fill the water cans, and give a thorough clean to the butty. That means polishin’ the brasses and the kettle and anythin’ else needs polishin’. Yer’ll find Brasso and such behind the folding table.’ She stared at Ronnie. ‘D’yer think yer can handle it?’

  ‘Yes, of course.’

  ‘And after, it’ll be time for you to make us a cup of cocoa. Meantime, we’ll fight the storm. Then if yer up to it this afternoon yer can clean the engine room.’ Dora withdrew her head.

  Ronnie pulled a face when she’d disappeared. Dora had shown the trainees round the engine room on their first day and run through the engine maintenance, but it had been difficult to digest at the time. She vaguely remembered the mudbox – a filter to do with the water-cooling intake from the canal – and the contents hadn’t looked at all pleasant. She gave a sigh. She supposed it was important to know what needed
doing on both boats, but if Dora’s idea of those jobs was that they were light, Ronnie hated the thought of the heavy chores.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ronnie’s attention was taken up by May, who was at the tiller, steering Penelope as the pair of boats made their way along the canal towards Fenny Stratford, where Dora said they could replenish their water cans and buy food. May was singing a folk song Ronnie recognised – ‘The Ash Grove’. She used to sing in class at school, or rather attempt to. May had a sweet voice, reminding her of Suzy. She bit her lip. No matter how friendly some of these girls were, they couldn’t begin to take the place of her sisters, but they were doing their bit for the war effort and she’d elected to do the same. She mustn’t compare them.

  ‘That was lovely,’ Ronnie said, joining May on the small rear deck. ‘You sound happy.’

  ‘What’s “happy”?’ May turned to her. ‘I don’t know anyone who’s happy, do you?’ When Ronnie didn’t answer she went on, ‘But I suppose it’s a damn sight better than waitress work, on your legs for hours with hardly a break, dealing with customers who haven’t a clue how knackered you are—’ She broke off, chewing her bottom lip. ‘Some of the men thinking they could reach out and touch anywhere on your body – like it was their right because they were paying your wages. One bastard actually grabbed my bosom when I was waiting at his table.’

  Ronnie’s eyes widened. ‘Oh, no. Whatever did you do?’

  ‘He was looking up at me, daring me to challenge him. I swiped him on the face.’ She gave a short mirthless laugh. ‘I couldn’t help it. Filthy bugger. He immediately demanded to speak to the manageress who was a horrible old spinster called Miss Lovedale – can you believe she had such a name? He told her an outright lie – that he’d merely complained that the poached egg was hard and could he have another one, and that’s when she – meaning me – suddenly slapped his face. Miss Lovedale – I’ll never forget her twisted mouth – looked at me and said, “Did you slap the gentleman’s face, Miss Parsons?” I said, “Yes, but—” “There are no buts,” she practically spat at me, and refused to let me explain what really happened. Then she said, “We will not tolerate such behaviour in the company. Please go and collect your things and leave immediately.” I opened my mouth to say something but she shut me up. Then he had the nerve to say to her, “Oh, madam, I didn’t want the young lady to lose her job.”’ May snorted. ‘Miss Lovedale said, “I’m afraid it’s the rules. The customer must always come first and I can only apologise on her behalf.” If looks could kill I should’ve died right there on the spot. So I was sacked.’

  ‘Someone else must have seen what happened,’ Ronnie said. ‘One of the other waitresses.’

  May shrugged. ‘We was busy. They probably didn’t even notice. Though there was two customers – gossiping women who stopped immediately they heard what was going on. They could’ve said something. You’d think women would stick up for one another, wouldn’t you?’ She paused. ‘Women can be bitches. We’ve had some of that here in the last few days, I reckon.’ She looked ahead and turned the tiller in the opposite direction the motor in front was taking, then looked back at Ronnie. ‘How about you? What made you join?’

  Ronnie briefly told her she’d thought about the Land Army until she’d seen the boatwomen on Pathé News.

  ‘It’s okay if we all get along,’ May said. ‘But I think there’s trouble brewing in Persephone.’

  ‘With Angela?’

  May nodded. ‘Sally has hinted as much. Margaret wouldn’t say boo to a goose, so she’s not made any comment. But that Angela – she’s a little madam. I wouldn’t trust her further than I could throw her. And as she’s quite stocky I shan’t even try.’ She chuckled. ‘No, the sooner I finish training, the better. We’ll have much more room to move so we won’t get on each other’s nerves the way we do at the moment.’ She adjusted the steering again, then keeping her eyes fixed ahead, said, ‘I’m so glad she’s not in our little team.’

  ‘So’m I,’ Ronnie said with feeling.

  ‘Is there anything more to eat, Ron? I’m really hungry.’

  ‘I’m going to suggest I make something for lunch,’ Ronnie said, ‘as I’ve finished everything Dora asked before I tackle the engine room.’

  ‘I think that was rotten of her when you’ve banged your head so badly,’ May said. ‘Don’t do it if you’re too tired.’

  It wasn’t anything fancy – just sardines on toast followed by tinned rice pudding – but to Ronnie’s chagrin not one girl admired or even noticed her effort on the highly polished brass work or the copper kettle, which she was particularly proud of.

  After everyone disappeared Dora surprised Ronnie by saying, ‘I’ll come and help yer in the engine room. I don’t expect yer to do all of it on yer own, being so new, like. But I wanted ter see yer reaction.’ She gave one of her terrifying grins. ‘Yer pull a good face, no doubt of that.’

  Ronnie burst into laughter. ‘You weren’t supposed to see it.’

  ‘There’s not much Dora Dummitt misses,’ Dora said, removing her pipe. ‘And that goes for Will Drake this mornin’ takin’ advantage of yer.’

  Here it comes. Dora was going to give her a lecture.

  ‘He’s bad news, girl. And I should know.’

  Ronnie stared at her and Dora stared back.

  ‘What he needs is a firm hand. A boss who sees he’s kep’ occupied. But s’far as I know, he don’t have no job.’

  ‘What does he do?’ Ronnie asked curiously. Dora at least seemed in a mood to talk without being so angry for a change.

  ‘What don’t he do is more like,’ Dora said, her unlit pipe bouncing up and down as she spoke. She thought for a minute. ‘Well, he’s worked in several pubs along the cut. Then he were at a greyhound race-track lookin’ after the dogs – he loved them dogs, I’ll say that for him. But he had to report some cruel goin’s-on with the poor beasts. He couldn’t stomach it. They got rid of him but for once it weren’t his fault.’ She took her pipe out, thrust her thumb into the bowl and struck a match. ‘When he were a lad he used to help his dad – ’til his dad—’ She looked away, then back again. ‘His dad were one of the lock-keepers around these parts when he weren’t—’ She paused long enough to get her pipe going. ‘Well, least said, soonest mended about him. But I always thought young Will liked everything ter do with the boats – he were a natural when he were a kid. But no, it weren’t enough for him. He wants ter be like them rich kids he hangs around with.’ She shook her head and tutted. ‘He don’t stick at nothin’ for long. Same with girls – just like I warned yer. The best thing for him is when he gets called up.’

  So he wasn’t even eighteen. At least that will keep May and Jessica quiet when I tell them.

  ‘You must have known him a long time,’ Ronnie said, trying to get Dora off the subject of Will’s other girls, which made her stomach clench.

  ‘You might say that.’ Dora rolled her eyes. ‘Anyway, we’d better put a move on.’

  They worked together almost in silence, with Dora occasionally breaking it to show her how to do yet another maintenance job. The mudbox was exactly as she’d feared. It was full of slime and grease. Dora ordered her to give it a good clean out when she’d got rid of the contents.

  ‘It’s a weekly job,’ she said, ‘so yer don’t want to get landed with it each time. Make sure Jess and May take their turn. Yer know what ter do now.’ She disappeared.

  Ronnie was not at all sure that Jessica would take her turn, even with the perpetual gloves she always insisted upon wearing so as not to ruin her nails. Heaving a sigh, Ronnie tipped the slime overboard, gagging at the stench. After working at the vet’s she ought to be used to this sort of thing, she thought, but this was particularly foul. She swilled water through the box and a splash of disinfectant, but if anything the smell was worse. She’d let it soak a bit.

  While she finished cleaning the engine room, Ronnie turned over in her mind all that Dora had said about Will Drake. Dora o
bviously knew him very well and didn’t have much time for him, but at least she’d said how Will loved the dogs at the stadium, although she’d gone on to list more faults. Well, he didn’t seem that taken with her either. Ronnie shrugged. It wasn’t important so there was no point in dwelling on it.

  She rinsed her cloth for the last time and bent low to hang it near the engine, then pulled upright in a swift movement only to feel her head spin.

  ‘Ronnie, you all right?’

  Ronnie opened her eyes. She was looking at the ceiling. She blinked. Sally was leaning over her.

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘I heard something fall over. It looks as if you might have fainted. Just stay there quietly for a few moments.’

  ‘No, honestly, I’m all right, thanks,’ Ronnie said. She looked up at Sally. ‘Weren’t you on the tiller?’

  ‘Yes, but I handed over to Jess when I heard the noise.’

  ‘Then go back to it.’

  ‘I should tell Dora—’

  ‘Oh, please don’t say anything to Dora. She thinks I’m a liability as it is.’

  ‘I’m sure that’s not true. But she needs to know—’

  Ronnie struggled up. ‘Look, I’m fine.’

  ‘I think you need to lie down for a while in Penelope.’ Sally glanced round. ‘It looks like you’ve finished here anyway. Trouble is, we’re on the snubber so we’re going to have to wait for a bridge hole and hop onto the butty as it passes.’

  It was twenty minutes or so before they spotted a bridge hole. Still a little unsteady on her feet, Ronnie jumped onto the butty after Sally, at the same time grabbing hold of her extended hand. May was steering and immediately wanted to know what was wrong. Sally quickly told her and then pulled down the folding bed.

  ‘In you get,’ she ordered. ‘I’m going to make us all a strong cup of tea.’

  Sally boiled the kettle and minutes later she handed Ronnie a mug.

  ‘I’ve given you extra sugar … good for shock.’ Sally nodded towards the mug. ‘And I promise it’s sugar and not the alternative you put in Deadly Dora’s cup,’ she added, grinning.