Daughters of Courage

by Margaret Dickinson

  ‘And the youngsters?’

  Amy pulled a face. ‘Not so young any more. This war’s made them grow up so fast. Too fast for my liking. Sarah’s already talking about joining one of the women’s forces, though your dad’s not too keen. He’s trying to persuade her to become a nurse like Lucy. She idolizes Lucy and is up at Riversdale helping out whenever she can.’

  With deliberate casualness, Harry asked, ‘How is Lucy, by the way?’

  Amy glanced at him archly. ‘As pretty as ever. Why don’t you go up and see her?’

  Harry laughed. ‘There’s no getting anything past you, is there, Mam?’

  ‘Not much, no.’

  ‘What about the boys?’

  ‘They’re good pals. They’re both getting on well at school, though we don’t like them only getting half-time education just now. It’s hard to make them do any work at home, though your granddads both try.’

  ‘They’ll be fine.’

  ‘I just hope this war’s over before they’re old enough to be called up.’

  Harry grinned. ‘I’m doing my best, Mam.’

  ‘So, Miss Lucy Henderson, do they ever let you have any time off, then?’

  Lucy’s eyes sparkled with mischief. ‘Since it’s me who writes the duty roster, it’s my own fault if I don’t have time off. Nurse Adams usually covers for me when I have leave. And we’ve a couple of younger nurses billeted with Mrs Partridge.’

  ‘And when have you next allowed yourself an evening off?’

  ‘Tomorrow, actually.’

  ‘Right, I’ll book a table at the Rutland Arms in Bakewell . . .’

  ‘Would you mind if we just went down to the Devonshire Arms at the end of the road?’

  ‘Mrs Bayes’s rivals,’ Harry laughed.

  Lucy joined in his laughter. ‘Hardly, just now.’

  ‘But why do you want to go somewhere so close? It’ll not feel like an evening out.’

  ‘Oh it will, but . . .’ She hesitated and added, ‘Don’t laugh at me, Harry, but I just can’t bear to be very far away from Riversdale.’

  ‘I understand, Lucy,’ he said solemnly, ‘and I admire your dedication. I’ll book at the Devonshire Arms. I’ll walk up for you about seven. Is that all right?’

  ‘Perfect. I’m off duty at six.’

  He chuckled, the laughter lines round his eyes crinkling. ‘Are you sure you’ll really be “off duty”?’

  She pulled an apologetic face, but knew he understood.

  They had a lovely meal, tucked away in a corner, and no one arrived in a fluster to ask for Lucy.

  As it grew late, they walked along Church Street towards Sheep Wash Bridge and leaned on the parapet to look down into the dark water.

  ‘Do you remember when you first brought me here?’

  ‘I do. It was after Lizzie’s and Billy’s wedding, but I didn’t think you would. I thought you’d think I was just a little boy.’

  She turned to look at him through the gloom. ‘I’ve never thought that about you, Harry. I know you’re a bit younger than me, but you’ve always seemed the same age. That’s how I’ve always thought of you, anyway.’

  The thought warmed him and, greatly daring, he put his arm about her waist. Joy flooded through him when she did not protest or shrug it off.

  ‘How are things down south? You can tell me, you know. I’m good at keeping secrets.’

  Solemnly, he said, ‘Yes, I expect you are. It’s – tiring. Very tiring, but exhilarating at the same time.’

  ‘We get a lot of pilots – fighter and bomber – here to recuperate.’ She forbore to tell him that many of them woke up screaming in the night after dreadful nightmares and he didn’t tell her that he had to shut out the fact that he was hunting down aircraft with another human being inside whom he was intent on destroying. It was a case of kill or be killed and he must never forget that. He had a job to do. He had to help win freedom from tyranny for his family, for his country, but, perhaps most of all, for this lovely girl by his side.

  ‘What’s going to happen to us all, Harry?’

  ‘I wish I knew,’ he said and then added swiftly, ‘though perhaps I don’t. I think it’s better we don’t know.’

  They stood quietly side by side until with a little sigh, Lucy said, ‘I’ll have to go in.’

  ‘Who’s going to tell you off for being late in?’

  ‘No one, but I must set a good example. Sorry, Harry.’ To his delight, she sounded regretful.

  As they walked up the short driveway and round to the rear of the building, Harry said, ‘I’ll be leaving in the morning. Keep writing to me, Lucy. Please? I haven’t been getting any letters recently. I think they must be getting lost.’

  ‘Really? That’s strange. I’ve been writing every two weeks,’ she said at once. ‘But I haven’t had many from you either. I expect you’re right. It must be very difficult just now for the postal service. Some letters are bound to go astray.’

  ‘I’m sure you’re right.’ He squeezed her hand and kissed her chastely on the cheek. He was still grinning as he walked home. He felt he could win the war single-handedly if it meant Lucy would be waiting for him at the end of it all.

  What a girl! he was thinking. What a courageous, dedicated, wonderful girl!

  Forty-Nine

  When Harry returned to duty, it was to find that his squadron had been equipped with Spitfires. The first time Harry flew one, he knew he had ‘come home’. The aircraft was much more manoeuvrable than the Hurricane.

  ‘She’s a beaut,’ Barney enthused, after they’d all had a practice flight. ‘Now we’ll get ’em. Good leave, old boy?’

  ‘The best.’ Harry grinned.

  ‘Oho, do I hear wedding bells?’

  ‘Hey, steady on. Early days yet. Now, are we down the pub or . . . ?’

  Barney was shaking his head. ‘Not tonight, nor probably for a few nights. Whilst you’ve been gallivanting, things have been hotting up down here. I reckon it’s a good job you got your spot of leave in when you did, because all leave’s been cancelled for the next week or so anyway.’

  ‘Trip, you’ll never guess what.’

  Trip smiled indulgently at his excited wife. Her eyes were shining and she was smiling broadly.

  ‘You’ve got some special plans for Christmas?’

  She shook her head, so he put his arm around her. ‘Then tell me.’

  ‘You know that line of cutlery I designed, targeting the authorities? I’ve won a contract to supply the NAAFI with cutlery, so my girls will be fully employed for the duration.’

  ‘That’s wonderful. What a lovely Christmas present for them all when you tell them.’

  He was silent for a moment, before Emily prompted gently, ‘I can see you’re pleased for me, but there’s something bothering you, I know.’

  Trip sighed. ‘I’m just concerned that my munitions factory might be enticing women away from you. The pay is much better than you can afford to pay them. And I’ve also got a contract to make parachute buckles. I’m setting Steve on to organize that in a separate workshop.’

  To his surprise, Emily was smiling. ‘Don’t worry about my buffer girls. I still have Nell and those young girls she trained up before the war – the ones straight from school – are still too young to work in your munitions factory, aren’t they?’

  ‘Probably, yes.’

  ‘A few of them might leave, but I’ll be better placed to pay them more now I’ve got this new contract. I shall put them all on piece work as soon as they’re good enough and it’ll be up to them and I’ll be able to keep them as long as they want to stay.’

  But Trip still seemed hesitant. ‘There’s something else.’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘Steve told me that Lizzie’s been seen out most nights at The Marples Hotel and – er – she seems to be seeing rather a lot of one particular airman.’

  ‘How long’s this been going on?’

  ‘Ever since just after Billy went.’

&n
bsp; Emily pursed her mouth. ‘Does Nell know?’

  ‘I don’t know. Steve said he hadn’t told her because he was afraid there might be an almighty row.’

  ‘I guarantee it,’ Emily said firmly. ‘But not between Nell and Lizzie.’

  ‘Oh now, Emily, do you think you should interfere?’

  ‘Lizzie’s my friend and my employee. If she’s making a fool of herself and risking her marriage, then, yes, I should interfere. But I will,’ she added, making a slight concession, ‘talk it over with Nell first.’

  The following morning, Emily arrived at work earlier than usual. Since Trip now needed the whole of his factory space, Emily now had only the three workshops, the two in Rockingham Street and the one in Broad Lane. Her workshop in Creswick Street and those of the little mesters there had been incorporated into Trippets’ munitions factory.

  ‘Nell, I need a word in the office.’ Nell was in the main workshop today as they had a big order to complete.

  ‘T’lasses’ll be all right on their own for a day or two,’ she’d told Emily, referring to the trainees under her supervision. ‘They’re all coming on nicely.’

  Nell, who was just about to don her buff brat and start up her machine, raised her eyebrows.

  ‘Right you are. Be with you in a moment. Maisie –’ Nell addressed the errand lass who had been working for them for two weeks. Winifred had now learned enough to start work as a proper buffer girl and so another errand lass had been set on. Straight out of school, she was mesmerized by the work and still needed instruction and guidance. ‘Get the fire lit and make us some tea. And mind you have our dinner hot by midday. That’s when the girls like to eat. And then, this afternoon, I’ll show you how to cut out brown paper aprons. Oh, and by the way, I’ll want some shopping doing this afternoon. I’ve to work late tonight and won’t have time . . .’

  Then she stepped into the office.

  ‘Just shut the door for a minute, will you?’

  ‘This is sounding ominous. Am I on the carpet, Emily?’

  Emily smiled thinly. ‘Not you, no, but Lizzie might well be. I’ve heard that she’s been going to the pub most nights and keeping company with an airman.’

  Nell was shocked. ‘Oh ’eck.’

  ‘You hadn’t heard anything?’

  Nell shook her head and Emily knew she’d been right to keep Steve’s name out of the conversation. Nell would likely give him a hard time if she learned that he hadn’t told her first. Luckily, she didn’t seem interested in how Emily had found out, only about how they could put a stop to it.

  ‘Does her mam know?’

  ‘She must know she goes out. Lizzie’s still living with her.’

  ‘So what are we going to do?’

  ‘Catch her at it, that’s what. Are you up for coming with me?’

  ‘Of course. Poor old Billy. I hope he doesn’t find out. A nicer bloke you couldn’t wish to meet. The little tyke, her. He doesn’t deserve that. I’m with you all the way, Emily. We’ll put a stop to this. We’ll go tonight. I’ll not work late like I’d planned and I’ll call for you about a quarter to seven.’

  That evening, when normally she would have been working late or catching up on her household chores, Nell arrived at Emily’s home all dressed up for a night on the town.

  Trip opened the door. ‘Hello, Nell. My, you look smart.’ Used to seeing the young woman in her working – and it had to be said – dirty clothes, Trip was always surprised by the transformation on the few occasions he had seen Nell in her finery. ‘Where are you two off to, then?’

  ‘We have a job to do, Trip,’ Nell said, stepping over the threshold. ‘Is Emily ready?’

  ‘She’s upstairs. She shouldn’t be long.’

  He waited, the unspoken question hanging in the air, but Nell made no further comment.

  Trip laughed, ‘All I can say is he must be a very important customer for you both to be going to see him dressed to kill and in the evening, too.’

  Still, Nell said nothing. She just smiled weakly and glanced impatiently towards the staircase as if willing Emily to appear. Then they heard the bedroom door close and her footsteps on the stairs. Trip was sure he heard Nell breathe a sigh of relief.

  ‘Right, we’re off, then, Trip. Don’t wait up.’

  ‘Oho, like that, is it?’ he teased. ‘Maybe I should come with you.’

  Alarm crossed both their faces and Trip laughed. He wasn’t worried – only perhaps about their safety in the blackout – as long as they stayed together. Nell was well known in the city, as was her connection to Steve Henderson. Although he had changed his way of life, the memories of what he could do if crossed were still sharp. His bright blue eyes and his cheeky grin could change to thunder in a trice. Only Mick Dugdale had ever been foolish enough to endanger Nell and incur Steve’s wrath. And though Trip was curious to know exactly what it was they were going to do, he had a shrewd suspicion that it had to do with what he had told Emily about Lizzie.

  The two women set off, arm in arm.

  ‘Do you know where she’s going?’

  ‘The Marples Hotel.’

  ‘Blimey! She doesn’t do things by halves, does she?’

  The hotel was one of the most popular venues in the city for entertainment. It was seven storeys high and boasted a concert hall as well as a number of bars.

  ‘I’ve heard that Joe Davis is due to give an exhibition billiards match there tonight,’ Nell said. ‘Steve was going, but he’s decided not to. I’m surprised. He enjoys his billiards.’

  Emily said nothing; she knew why Steve had changed his mind. He knew that his wife and Emily would be going there tonight and didn’t want to interfere with their mission.

  ‘I’m surprised that Lizzie goes there. It’s very popular with folks calling in after they’ve been to the cinema, to say nothing of its own entertainments. There are bound to be people see her there who know her. And who know Billy too.’

  As they walked towards Fitzalan Square, the sirens started to wail.

  ‘Ought we to find a shelter?’

  ‘Nah, it’ll only be a false alarm. Besides, if we get to The Marples, it’s got the safest underground cellars I know.’

  They entered one of the hotel’s bars; it was crowded with soldiers and airmen grabbing a few hours’ leave. Emily was reminded poignantly of Harry, but she pushed the thoughts away and concentrated on finding Lizzie.

  Nell touched her arm. ‘There she is. Over there, in the corner. Just look at her, Emily, laughing and talking and pawing that young pilot. She’s nearly old enough to be his mother.’

  ‘That’s half the trouble, I reckon. If only she’d had children . . . Come on.’

  ‘Let’s get a drink first. I think we’re going to need one.’

  When they’d been served after quite a wait, they weaved their way through the throng and stood in front of the small round table. Lizzie looked up and a variety of expressions flitted across her face. Surprise, anger and then a kind of sheepishness. But then defiance came to the surface as Emily, with her hands on her hips, asked, ‘Lizzie, what d’you think you’re playing at?’

  Lizzie lifted her chin, but she avoided meeting Emily’s eyes; eyes that flashed with anger and disapproval. ‘What’s it look like I’m doing? Having a bit of fun, that’s all. Where’s the harm in that?’

  Emily leaned towards her. ‘Plenty, when you’ve a husband away fighting for his country.’

  ‘Eh? What was that?’ The young pilot at her side spoke up, his speech a little slurred. ‘A husband, you say.’ He turned reproachful eyes on Lizzie. ‘You didn’t say you was married.’ He stood up suddenly, knocking the table and spilling Lizzie’s drink. He turned towards Emily, ‘Thanks for that. I’m not getting involved with anyone who’s married. I thought she was fair game. She’s a bit long in the tooth, but she’s a looker all right.’

  As he lurched away, Emily and Nell sat down, one on either side of Lizzie.

  ‘Thanks for nothing,’ Lizzie muttere
d bitterly.

  ‘Is he the one you’ve been seeing for some time?’

  ‘Got your spies out on me, have you?’ Lizzie snarled. ‘What’s it got to do with you anyway?’

  ‘Nothing. Absolutely nothing. But what about Billy?’

  ‘He’s not here.’

  ‘Precisely. He’s away fighting and could be killed at any minute.’

  ‘No, he won’t be. He’s still in this country. And don’t tell me he could be sent abroad, because where would they send him? We got pushed out of France at Dunkirk, didn’t we? It’s been up to the RAF boys since then. Lads like him –’ she nodded towards the young man she’d been sitting with – ‘they’re the ones in danger. They’re the ones who could be killed any minute. Like your Harry. Wouldn’t you like some nice girl to sit with him and laugh and joke for a few hours, if he’s going to get killed tomorrow?’

  Emily winced as Lizzie’s voice grew louder. One or two drinkers glanced round at her, but she was beyond caring. ‘And who d’you think you are to tell me what I can and can’t do? The high an’ mighty Missus Trippet with her business empire. A business that should have been mine. We started it together, the three of us, but you stole it away from me. You wanted it for yourself . . .’

  ‘Eh, hang on a minute, Lizzie,’ Nell butted in. ‘That’s not fair and you know it. It was your brother that was to blame for all that. If he’d let well alone and let us manage things for ourselves, it might have been different, but he had to come the big I am and threaten poor Mr Hawke into renting us his workshop and getting machinery. I shouldn’t wonder if he didn’t threaten others into putting work our way.’

  ‘Well, it was your brother that was the cause of all the trouble.’ Lizzie prodded her finger into Emily’s shoulder. ‘Don’t you forget that .’ She was shouting now, so that the whole of the crowded bar could hear her. ‘I was never in love with Billy. It was Josh I loved.’

  Emily turned white, shocked beyond belief that Lizzie could still believe herself in love with Josh. Crossly, she said, ‘Don’t start all that nonsense again, Lizzie. It was infatuation, pure and simple.’

  ‘No, it wasn’t.’ Lizzie thumped the table and the glasses rattled. ‘I truly loved him, Emily, but don’t worry, your precious brother’s quite safe.’ Tears sprang to her eyes. ‘He never wanted me – just that whey-faced Amy and her brood of brats.’ She laughed hysterically. ‘See, I couldn’t even get pregnant with Billy, could I?’