Lovers in Enemy Territory

by Rebecca Winters

  "Do you want to phone Philip from here?" It was against the rules, but he held Jeff in great affection and the man was obviously suffering.

  He grinned at his good friend. "I was hoping you'd ask that.”

  "I'll arrange it now before I leave for Whitehall. Just tell the man in communications to clear number four when you're ready. That's my line."

  "Thank you very much. I won't forget your kindness!"

  "Not at all, my boy. Affairs of the heart are top priority! And Jeff, good luck!" Lord Wyngate saluted and left.

  Jeffrey went into the war room to brief the men who’d een handpicked for this important mission, but his heart wasn’t in it. He almost dreaded hearing what Phil might have to tell him. It had been ten days now, and there was still no news. The Holy Mother insisted Catherine was still in retreat and had told her nothing. What if she decided to remain there?

  "Gentlemen, some of you who were with me in March complained about the heavy action building up around the Gibraltar Straits. Well now we're going to do something about it!"

  A cheer went up from the men and a few whistles.

  “We're going to set up three new bases at strategic spots along the West African coast line. Some of you will still be carrying on escort duties and watching for U-boats in the Sunderlands, but the rest of you will go out on sorties with the Hudsons. Several squadrons of this American aircraft will build up our defense power appreciably, and we can penetrate even deeper south if necessary."

  Another rousing cheer broke forth from the men.

  "One hitch. They want these bases in working order in three weeks time. I say we can do it in a fortnight!" Again, the cheers.

  "For the rest of the day we're going to get our ground staffs together, and make lists of supplies, the works. Then I want everyone of you to have steak and eggs before retiring. Get your sleep ... you're going to need it. We take off at 0400 hours.

  “There are only eight Hudsons available to us now, but more have been promised. You eight will have to refuel in Gibraltar. The rest of us in the Sunderlands will make the long stretch in one hop and commence setting up camp. I have the three locations for the base sites sketched out here. If there are no questions, let's get to work."

  During the next six hours, an elite wing command force was being put together under Jeffrey's careful scrutiny. Despite the urgency of the business at hand, he was preoccupied and glanced every so often at the clock. He wondered if Phil had gotten back to Mayfair.

  "Commander?" Someone had been calling him for the last few seconds, but his mind had been on Catherine. He reddened noticeably when one of the officers poked him in the ribs. "You've put a note here

  to remember pumps. What do you mean by that, Sir?"

  "If you go down in your plane, you've got to get those dinghies inflated. If one pump goes, you'll have a hell of a time on your hands trying to inflate it. These are shark infested waters. I know because I played footsie with one a while back. I don't have to tell you that an inflated dinghy looks mighty good at such a time. I want every man equipped with a pump, just to make sure. It will

  save lives."

  "Right, Sir."

  "There's going to be some reconnaissance flying, men. I don't know how many of you have done much of that sort of thing, but there are times when you feel very alone once you're off that runway. You've got a long way to go before you feel good old terra firma again. You're on your own.

  “Your strength is in yourselves and in the aircraft. Many times there will be no one to help you out of a tough spot. Sometimes you won't have any cloud cover for an entire mission, particularly now with summer upon us. If you have to ditch in the sea, don't let your hearts fail. That's what the dinghies are for.

  “I've experienced it several times. I know you chaps feel your chances of survival are slim. In fact, it is a standing joke that our type of aircraft might float for thirty seconds, but the manufacturers won't guarantee it." The men laughed loudly. "Seriously, keep your minds off forced landings at sea. Don't think about it. That's the way to approach it.

  “This work is a strain, and borrowed worries add to it. Just remember why you're out there, and what it is all about and you'll make it. It's been said that the heart of the air force is the spirit of its airmen. I believe that, but its limbs are its aircraft. We've got good planes, and we're expecting more. Take meticulous care of your planes, and they'll take care of you. I can testify that this is so. And remember something else. God is on our side!"

  There was a brief silence, then the men gave Jeffrey a standing ovation as he left the room. He went directly to the communications center, a massive jungle of electrical equipment, telephones, teleprinters and wireless sets. The man at the switchboard turned around as Jeffrey came through the doorway.

  "Commander Norwood? Come on in. I'll plug you in to the London operator."

  "He told me to use number four."

  "Correct, Sir. Over there on the end." Jeffrey went down the row of phones and picked up a receiver.

  "Okay, Sir. You can put your call through. Take as long as you want. It's quiet tonight."

  "Thank you."

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  "Millie? We're back," Philip called to the housekeeper as they entered the Mayfair house. This was home now that he and Elinore had separated. Michael ran straight up to his room and Philip went into the parlor. He put the letter Jeffrey had written to Catherine on the table.

  "Good evening, Philip. How was your trip?"

  "Fine, Millie."

  "And Sister? Was Michael pleased to see her?"

  "Very!"

  "You look upset. What is it? Michael isn't sick again—“

  "No, nothing like that. Has Jeff phoned?"

  "No.”

  "Very good then. I'm going to shower now. If there’s a phone call, it’ll probably be Jeff and it’ll be important."

  She nodded. “I'll just go on up to Michael and get him into the bath."

  "Fine." He went up to shower. A half hour later he walked back into the parlor and discovered to his surprise that Elinore had come to see him. She was standing by the hall table. His eyes wandered to the letter. She had been reading it because the note was half out of the envelope, which was not the way he had left it earlier. Elinore had never made him as angry as he was right now.

  "Elinore, I wasn't expecting you. What were you doing with that letter? It's against the law to tamper with other people's mail."

  She looked up, her gray eyes almost black. "I didn't know it was tampering to be curious about a letter which I thought might be from my solicitor to you. I haven't heard from you in days. I was beginning to think you’d never received the papers."

  “You know I'd never keep legal papers lying about. I only received your papers three days ago. Did you find out what you wanted to know?"

  Elinore eyed him and was surprised at his show of anger. "He's in love with her! I knew it!"

  "That letter was private. Even I don't know what’s in it."

  She ignored him and sat down in the nearest chair. "When did Jeff leave? I thought you'd both be here this evening."

  "He went away last night."

  "Where is he off to this time?"

  "Really, Elinore, you're quite insufferable, you know? He never reveals details of a mission."

  She stared at him. "Except to Sister Catherine."

  Philip had never struck anyone in his life, but he was tempted to do it now. "What possible difference does any of it make to you?"

  "It doesn't, actually. I came to talk about the details of the settlement. Since you're not even interested enough to answer your mail, I thought I'd save you a stamp. What shall we do with the house? I've taken a flat here in Mayfair."

  He sighed. "Let's put it on the market. You take what you want. It makes no difference to me. I've promised to look after Michael till Jeff gets back."

  "Do you know when that will be?"

  "No idea whatsoever."

  "I see, well I
guess that about takes care of it. Tell me, how is our beloved Sister Catherine?"

  "Spare me, Elinore. You can’t stand her.”

  "I’m still curious. Is she going to stay in character, or will Jeff be expecting a house guest shortly?"

  “She’s going away," he said flatly.

  "After Jeff?" she smiled maliciously.

  He closed his eyes. "No, she's being sent to another convent."

  "Looks as if they are punishing her for overstepping bounds. I expected as much. Where? In the Midlands?"

  He shook his head, wondering what it was he’d ever seen in her. He couldn't resist the temptation to bring her up short.

  "No. She’s taking on a very dangerous assignment to the Pyrenees, to Saint Theresa's priory, to be exact, to help take care of French refugees and children. The convent is understaffed and she is placing her life in jeopardy to go.”

  Elinore stared at him and her eyes grew larger. "I believe you're in love with her," she whispered.

  He didn't move. Was he in love with the beautiful nun? Maybe he was. He watched Elinore for a moment. Neither of them spoke. There’d been a time when he’d ound her attractive. How could he have been so blind?

  "Philip? I asked you, when is Sister Catherine going to leave?"

  “This week some time. I'm worried about her. It's suicide to go over there right now."

  "I thought we all agreed that she had supernatural help. Surely she'd be able to perform a miracle for herself."

  It was then Philip began to see things for what they were. He'd wondered on and off if Elinore's feelings for Jeff were strictly platonic. Now there could be no mistaking her jealousy. It didn't really surprise him, and it didn't matter any more.

  "That's enough, Elinore. You're very boring this evening."

  She got up. "Well, I guess that's all. If you need to get in touch with me, you have the exchange of my solicitor. Goodbye, Philip." She opened the door and walked out.

  Once she gone, Philip went to the kitchen and rummaged for something to eat, but nothing appealed to him. He wasn't capable of concentrating on anything this evening. His mind was conjuring up all kinds of dangerous situations in which Catherine might become involved. While he poured himself a cup of tea, Michael came bouncing into the kitchen, hair still damp from his

  bath.

  "May I stay up, Uncle Phil? I want to talk to Daddy."

  "He might not be able to phone, Michael, but you can sit with me for a while longer, just in case."

  Michael bit into an apple and occupied himself with his hand puppet on the living room floor. When the phone rang, the boy had the receiver off the hook before the second ring. Philip rushed to his side.

  "Hello, Daddy?" The blue eyes were bright with anticipation.

  Jeffrey was surprised at the quick response. "Hello, tiger. Have you been waiting right by the phone?"

  "Yes, and guess what?" He sounded terribly excited, out of breath even. He'd been with Catherine. That had to account for his jubilance.

  "What is it, son? Did you see her?”

  “Yes, and do you know what?"

  "What?" He gripped the receiver more tightly.

  "She's going to be my new mum!" There was a long pause. Jeffrey wasn't sure he'd heard Michael correctly.

  "What did you say?" His heart was pounding.

  "Sister’s going to come and live with us forever!" Another pause. "Daddy? Aren't you there?"

  Philip knew what Michael's words meant to Jeff. It had to be the supreme moment in his brother's life.

  "Yes, son, I'm here.” His voice was so choked up, Michael barely recognized it. "What else did she say, tiger?" Michael looked up at his uncle. "I think Daddy is crying," he whispered.

  Philip put his arm around the boy's shoulder. Michael spoke into the phone once more. "She said she was going to marry you. Aren't you happy?" he called out in all seriousness.

  Jeffrey tried to pull hmself together. "Very. Michael, put Uncle Phil on, will you, son?"

  "Okay," he handed Philip the receiver and went back to playing with his puppet.

  "Well, old chap?" Philip began. "I presume the news has made a new man of you?" There was no sound on the other end. He waited. "She's actually done it. She told the Holy Mother everything and has asked for a dispensation. Tomorrow she has an interview with the Bishop. Her exact words were, `My love for Jeffrey is too strong to be denied. I plan to become his wife."'

  "Thank God," came the low reply. "When will she be free?" Phil could feel his impatience.

  "A couple of months."

  "I can't believe it. She loves me, Phil! She's going to be my wife!" he shouted. Pure joy rang in his voice. There was another pause. "She's told Michael. Now I know she means it. I don't think I've ever been this happy in my life! Tell me everything. How is she?"

  "She's fine, now. Thinner and paler. You could tell she's been through hell, Jeff. A nun of her caliber doesn't give up the religious life without a struggle. It was obvious that her life these last few weeks has been utter agony for her."

  "Yes, I know the feeling."

  "Well, old chap, she was worth fighting for." Philip had a lump in his throat.

  "You don't have to tell me that. Did you read her my letter?"

  "I didn't have to. She read it eagerly, and her face lit up when I told her I might be speaking to you tonight."

  "Good," came the emotional reply. "I'd give anything if I didn't have to go on this mission right now. I've got plans to make. I'm going to take her away somewhere for a long honeymoon. I can't believe it. Phil, I'm going to ring off now. I've got to speak to her tonight and I don't know how much longer I'll be allowed to use the phone."

  "I understand, but-"

  "Phil?" Jeffrey broke in before Philip could begin to tell him about her new assignment. "Have I ever told you I rather like my older brother?"

  "Yes, you have, and I have news. The feeling’s mutual." Maybe it was best he heard the bad news from Catherine. She had a way of expressing herself which would reach him, but Philip's heart was still heavy.

  "Jeff, go get 'em, buddy.”

  "Right. Tell Michael I'll be back soon and the three of us will be a real family."

  "I'll tell him. God bless."

  *****

  Catherine had just gone to the dormitory to prepare for bed when Sister Margaret tugged at her sleeve.

  "Yes, Sister?"

  "Holy Mother said you were to come to her office immediately."

  Catherine bowed and went straight to the office. What could she want at this late hour? The Mother looked up when Catherine came in the room.

  "Sister, you’re wanted on the telephone."

  She blinked. It was Jeffrey! She knew it. After Philip had driven away with Michael, she realized how much she’d wanted to tell Jeffrey the news herself. She experienced more torment knowing they were both going off to parts unknown with months of separation still ahead of them. She didn't know if she could bear it. Now she could hear his voice and tell him what was in her heart. The Holy Mother left the room and shut the door. Catherine reached for the receiver.

  "Hello? Jeffrey?" she spoke softly.

  "Catherine?" came his voice full of love. "Catherine.”

  Her heart pounded outrageously. "I love you," she cried. "I want to be your wife. These past weeks have been the most desolate I've ever known, but that's all behind me now. I adore you, Jeffrey,” she whispered.

  "You don't know what those words mean to me. I wish I had you in my arms right now. I'd show you how I feel, my love."

  "I know. I feel the same way. I didn't know it was possible to love anyone as I love you. I surprised myself. Perhaps it’s better I can't see you just yet," she laughed in a low, husky voice. "I'd never let you out of my sight and you would grow tired of me."

  It was difficult to believe that she was speaking to him this way. He was insanely happy. "Never," his voice shook. "I love you," he spoke with deliberation. "As soon as I can get back from this missi
on, I'll drive out to Castle Combe for you. Phil said your dispensation would be final in two months."

  Catherine realized his brother had said nothing about her plans to travel to Spain. She would have to choose her words carefully.

  "Darling?" she said softly.

  "Yes?"

  "It’s true I should receive the dispensation in two months, but I may not be at Our Lord of the Lamb upon your return. If I'm free to come to you before you're back, I'll go to London and take care of Michael. We'll wait for you together. But I’ve accepted another assignment until my dispensation is final, and though it’s temporary, I don't know the exact date of my return. We’ll just have to wait and see."

  Jeffrey was listening carefully and became troubled by the hesitant tone in her voice. " What’s this new assignment?"

  "I'm leaving this week to go to another convent to help with some refugees, children mostly, who need food and care. The sisters there are overworked. The Mother General has been recruiting sisters all over Great Britain to give assistance.

  “I’ve been chosen to go. I want to do this last act of service before leaving the order. It will help me to get through these months of waiting for you. Here at the convent I'm plagued with thoughts of Michael and you. Over there I will be much

  too busy to think and the days will pass quickly. Then we’ll be together, forever."

  Something was wrong. What did she mean, over there” She was talking too fast. He knew his darling Catherine too well, and a prickle of fear darted through him. "I wish we didn't have to wait for anything," came his low reply, "but you haven't told me where you’re going. Where is `over there?"

  He was growing more nervous by the second. The perspiration broke out on his forehead.

  She didn't know how to tell him. After Philip's reaction, she was almost frightened to say more.

  "Catherine?" he prodded. Still, nothing.

  "It's a mercy mission, Jeffrey. They need sisters who are young enough to withstand the journey, and my French background will be of tremendous help."