Wings of the Morning

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘So were we,’ Charlie told him. ‘He got married in February to one of Annie’s friends.’

  ‘How is your sister?’ Reid knew that question had come out with a hint of eagerness when he saw Charlie’s speculative glance.

  ‘Fine, as far as I know.’

  Reid was pleased to hear he had dropped the ‘sir’ and was chatting quite normally with him. ‘What does she do, exactly?’

  ‘She’s a wireless operator but she never talks about her work. We’ve even tried to find out from Sam, but he doesn’t talk either. Of course, with her languages she’s probably involved in some secret work,’ Charlie said, obviously proud of his sister.

  ‘Who’s Sam?’

  ‘He’s French and Annie works with him sometimes. He’s a nice bloke,’ Charlie added, looking back at the engine he’d been working on.

  Reid could see he was eager to get on with it, and he had wasted enough of Charlie’s time. ‘Remember me to your mother when you see her again.’

  ‘I’ll do that.’ Charlie was already climbing on the plane.

  It was a lovely summer day, and Reid wandered back to his office deep in thought. Annie had obviously taken this Sam home, because Charlie seemed to know him quite well.

  He stopped suddenly, surprised by the depth of feeling running through him, and at that moment he wanted the hostility between himself and Annie to be at an end. He was in a strange mood and the thought of all that paperwork waiting for him made him change direction, so instead of returning to work he headed out of the gate; he had a bit of time before the meeting. Once outside he walked along a small lane, deep in thought. When he’d been listening to Charlie talking about Annie he’d wanted to ask what she had been like as a child, what did she like and dislike? In fact, he’d wanted to hear all about her – all the small and large things that made her the woman she was today. Had she had any lovers?

  He paused and gazed across a field, watching the birds pinching the farmer’s soft fruits and treating the scarecrow with contempt. He was experiencing a feeling quite alien to him – jealousy! He remembered her smile, the way her eyes glowed when she was angry, and how good she looked in her uniform. Her slender figure and shapely legs even the awful stockings couldn’t hide. But it wasn’t just her outward loveliness; there were hidden depths to Annie Webster that it could take a lifetime to discover …

  A gust of wind blew the hair into his eyes; he brushed it away and gave a sardonic laugh. Of course, it was obvious. He had fallen in love with her, and that was a damned stupid thing to do!

  *

  The next morning Reid tossed his bag in the car. The sun was shining and there were seven peaceful days ahead of him. He needed this break. Being station commander was not an easy job, but Bouncer was right, he was well suited to it, and most of the time he enjoyed the work, but he did miss flying and the friends he’d made in his old squadron. Bouncer was back with them now, and if his letters were anything to go by he was thrilled to be flying again.

  The drive to his home in Berkshire was relaxing and Reid used the time to analyse his feelings for Annie. There had been other women in his life but he’d never felt like this about any of them; they had been there for a while and then gone, and he could hardly remember any of them now. But Annie Webster was different; he wanted to be with her all the time, to touch her, hold her, laugh and even argue with her, just so long as they were together. When they’d first met he’d been determined to dislike her, but that hadn’t been possible, and he had a sneaking suspicion that he’d fallen for her the moment he’d set eyes on her. He’d fought it, of course, but it was no use denying that he was in love with her. Yet she showed no liking for him. However, he’d never been one to back away from a challenge and by the time he reached home he knew what he was going to do about her.

  His mother hugged him as soon as he got out of the car. ‘How long have you got?’

  ‘Seven days.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘Where’s Dad?’

  ‘He’s at the factory; some sort of crisis. They are struggling to get out an order of nuts and bolts, I think.’

  ‘Shall I pop down there and see if I can help?’ he asked.

  ‘Would you? Father would be so relieved. He’s always saying that you are twice the businessman he is. Have a cup of tea before you go, though.’

  They went inside and she put the kettle on to boil. ‘Are you going to stay in the air force after the war, Reid?’

  ‘No. I’ll get out as soon as possible.’ That was something he was clear about. Paul would probably have considered a career in the air force after the war, but not him, he would be out as soon as he could.

  ‘Oh, that’s a relief. Your father isn’t finding it easy managing the engineering business again and said that if you decided to stay in the air force then he would sell the factory.’

  ‘There’s no need for that.’ He stirred his tea and smiled at his mother. ‘By the time this lot’s over, I’ll have had all the excitement I can handle. It will be a pleasure to take over the business again.’

  His mother looked at him hopefully. ‘Time you settled down.’

  That’s what he wanted as well, but he was going to have a fight on his hands if he wanted to win Annie.

  Reid walked into the factory and found it strangely quiet; one of the machines was standing idle. A middle-aged man came up to him, all smiles, and shook his hand.

  ‘It’s good to see you again,’ the worker told him.

  ‘And you, Tom. How’s the family?’

  ‘We lost our son-in-law, but our daughter’s a sensible lass and she’s pulling her life together again.’ Tom looked sad. ‘Damned shame about Paul, he was a nice boy.’

  ‘Yes, it was a shock. I’m sorry to hear about your loss as well, Tom.’

  ‘Bloody war. Still, it looks as if things are on the turn now.’

  Reid nodded. ‘Let’s hope so. Now, what’s going on here?’

  ‘The machine has broken down and we can’t repair it. Your dad’s at his wits’ end; we’ve got a shipment of nuts and bolts to deliver in three days, and this has to happen. It’s old, of course, and needs replacing.’ He gave a helpless shrug.

  ‘Let me have a look.’ Reid removed his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and started to examine the machine.

  ‘Hello, son, when did you arrive?’

  ‘Just got here, Dad.’ Reid noticed how tired his father looked, and smiled in encouragement. ‘This always was a temperamental brute, but it knows better than to argue with me.’

  It took him the best part of an hour, but he finally stepped back with a grunt of satisfaction. ‘Try it now, Tom.’

  The machine coughed, shook, and sounded as if it wasn’t going to start properly, but when Reid aimed a kick in the region of the motor it sprang into life with a roar.

  His father slapped him on the back and grinned in relief. ‘Haven’t lost your touch, I see.’

  Reid washed his hands in the sink to remove the worst of the grime, said goodbye to Tom and led his father out of the factory. ‘I’ll be here for a week, so you needn’t worry if she goes wrong again.’

  ‘But it’s your leave,’ his father protested. ‘It isn’t right to have you working when you need a break. And just wait until your mother sees you. You’re covered in oil.’

  When they arrived back his mother was sitting in the garden under the old oak tree talking to a girl in uniform.

  ‘Annie!’ His father walked across the lawn to greet her. ‘How lovely to see you.’

  ‘And you, Mr Lascells. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to come sooner.’

  ‘We understand, my dear.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘How long have you got? Can you stay a while?’

  Reid saw Annie glance at him, and as she hesitated he stepped forward, smiled and also kissed her cheek. Though he would like to have done more. She was so lovely and he wanted to keep her here for as long as possible.

  ‘Please stay,’ he said.

  ‘Well …’ She was obviously surpr
ised by his greeting. ‘I’ve only got a forty-eight-hour pass, and I haven’t brought any overnight things with me.’

  ‘Don’t worry about that,’ Mrs Lascells said. ‘I have spare toothbrushes and everything else you could need.’

  ‘In that case I’d love to stay tonight.’

  ‘Wonderful! I’ll start dinner at once.’

  ‘Can I help?’ Annie asked politely.

  ‘No, my dear, you stay here and talk to the men.’ Mrs Lascells examined her son. ‘What on earth have you been doing? That shirt’s covered in grease.’

  ‘He’s repaired one of our machines,’ her husband told her. ‘I swear he’s the only one who understands the temperamental beast.’

  ‘You’d better change out of that shirt before dinner and I’ll soak it overnight.’

  Reid nodded and sat on the grass, leaving the garden seat for Annie and his father. ‘I was talking to your brother Charlie yesterday,’ he told Annie.

  Her smile was animated at the mention of her brother. ‘How is he?’

  ‘Fine. He was working on a Spitfire I had just landed.’ As soon as the words were out he knew he shouldn’t have said that.

  ‘Are you still flying?’ his father asked, concern showing on his face.

  ‘Whenever I can,’ Reid admitted.

  ‘Whatever you do, don’t tell your mother. She thinks you are permanently grounded now.’

  ‘I won’t say anything to worry her, but I love flying, Dad.’

  Just then his mother came back and there was silence for a moment as they stopped speaking. Reid hoped she hadn’t heard their conversation because the last thing he wanted to do was upset her. But she was smiling.

  ‘Only an hour to dinner,’ she told them.

  Annie moved up to make room for her on the seat. ‘There’s something I’m curious about, Mrs Lascells. Reid is an unusual name; where did it come from?’

  ‘My maiden name was Reidmont, and I wanted to keep something of it, so when our first son was born we named him Reid.’

  ‘I’m glad you didn’t call me Reidmont,’ he remarked with a slight grimace.

  ‘I was tempted,’ she laughed, ‘but your father wouldn’t let me.’

  ‘Thank heavens for that!’ Reid caught sight of his shirt and hauled himself on to his feet. ‘If you will excuse me, I’ll go and change.’

  Once in his room he stood by the window gazing at the garden below. His parents were talking to Annie and they were all laughing. What a bit of luck her turning up like this; it would give him a chance to put things right between them. He felt optimistic about being successful because he hadn’t sensed the usual hostility. Of course, she might just be appearing polite for his parents’ sake, but he didn’t think so. She had very expressive eyes, and they hadn’t been glaring at him in contempt.

  He whistled as he washed and changed his clothes. Time to put his plans into action.

  ‘Fancy going dancing?’ Reid asked Annie later when they’d finished their meal.

  She hesitated for a moment. ‘I don’t think I can do that. I came to see your parents.’

  ‘Don’t stay in because of us.’ Mrs Lascells smiled at them both. ‘You go and enjoy yourselves.’

  ‘Of course you must,’ her husband agreed. ‘We shall have the pleasure of seeing Annie tomorrow.’

  ‘Well, if you’re sure? It would be nice, I haven’t been dancing for some time.’

  ‘Then you must go,’ they said together.

  Reid stood up and held out a hand to Annie. ‘Come on then, let’s jive the night away.’

  ‘Can station commanders jive?’ she asked, looking highly amused.

  He put on a hurt expression. ‘I’ll have you know that I was the squadron expert.’

  ‘This I’ve got to see.’ She laughed and placed her hand in his.

  He closed his long fingers around her delicate hand with a feeling of elation. She had clearly changed her opinion of him and was prepared to be friendly. But he wanted more than friendly.

  He took her to Newbury Corn Exchange which was situated in the historic market place. Reid told her that the building had opened for trade in 1861 but was now being used as a community venue. The place was crowded when they arrived, and a big band was in full swing. Dancing was a favourite pastime for everyone, but especially young service people. It gave everyone a chance to relax, mix with a crowd and enjoy glorious music.

  Reid towed Annie into the middle of the throng and was delighted to see that she was an excellent dancer, and obviously loved it.

  ‘You’re good.’ He shouted above the sound of the orchestra, as he spun her round.

  ‘So are you,’ she told him.

  He pulled her back into his arms. ‘Something we agree on at last.’

  Annie smiled up into his face. ‘It took a while, didn’t it?’

  The music had now changed to a foxtrot so he wrapped his arms around her, and as there was hardly room to move he marked time, enjoying the feel of her close to him. He wanted to bury his face in her silky hair, but resisted the urge. He mustn’t move too fast.

  ‘I’m sorry I’ve been so rude to you, Reid,’ she told him.

  He held her away from him so he could look into her upturned face. ‘I’m the one at fault, Annie. I had no right to shout at you.’

  ‘Why did you?’ she wanted to know.

  ‘I was devastated about losing Paul and your composure angered me.’

  ‘That was the second time in about eight months I’d lost someone close to me and I was still hurting,’ Annie explained. ‘The blow of Paul’s death hit me hard, but I wanted to grieve in private. Can you understand that?’ Reid nodded. ‘Who was this other person? Not one of your family, I hope?’

  ‘No, he was a dear man and everything possible was done to save him but to no avail.’ She smiled up at him. ‘This is a very gloomy subject when we are supposed to be forgetting our problems and enjoying ourselves.’

  ‘You’re right.’ The tempo changed to a quickstep and he swung her round and back into his arms again. ‘Now we’ve both apologized, do you think we can be friends?’

  ‘I’d like that.’ Her laugh was exuberant as they started to jive along with all the others on the dance floor. The American dance had soon caught on, and people were finding it a wonderful way to relieve the stress of wartime life.

  That was one hurdle over but he was determined to deepen the relationship. It was going to be difficult since they could only meet occasionally; he would have to make the most of every opportunity.

  During the interval they took their drinks and went outside for a breath of fresh air.

  Annie sighed and leaned against a wall. ‘Phew! That’s better. It’s like an oven in there.’

  Reid finished his beer and put the glass down. ‘Who’s Sam?’

  Annie looked startled by his sudden question. ‘Someone I work with. Why?’

  ‘No reason, I was just making conversation.’

  ‘Well, I think you’d better change the subject because you know I can’t talk about my work or anyone connected with it.’

  ‘Of course. Careless talk costs lives,’ he added rather flippantly. ‘I should have known better. Would you like another drink?’

  ‘Yes, please.’

  He picked up the empty glasses and headed for the bar. He was curious about this man and he would have to see what he could find out about him.

  He was soon back with two more drinks. ‘How’s Captain Freeman?’

  ‘Bill? He’s fine as far as we know.’ Annie sipped her drink. ‘How long is this blasted war going to last?’

  ‘Fascism in Italy is finished, and there’s a good chance they will surrender now Mussolini’s been ousted.’ He took the glass out of Annie’s hand, put both their drinks down, and pulled her towards him. ‘It’s another step in the defeat of Germany but there’s a long, hard fight ahead of us still.’

  She didn’t protest as he wrapped his arms around her, so he lowered his head and sought her lips
. When she relaxed in his arms he deepened the kiss, ignoring the whistles he could hear coming from others enjoying the night air.

  Suddenly, and with surprising strength, she pushed at his chest. He released her at once and stepped back. If they hadn’t been in such a public place he might have been able to find out how much she really did like him, for he felt that her whole attitude had changed, and it was exciting. After taking a deep breath to steady himself, he said, ‘I thought we were friends?’

  ‘Not that friendly.’ She straightened her jacket and glanced at the interested spectators.

  ‘How friendly do you want to be, Annie?’ He placed his hands on either side of her face, bringing her attention back to him. He knew he was pushing his luck, but after tomorrow she would return to her post and it might be months before he saw her again. It wasn’t any surprise that there were so many hasty marriages these days. There wasn’t time for long courtships when you weren’t sure if you’d ever see each other again.

  ‘I don’t know. You confuse me,’ she admitted, ducking away from him. ‘The dancing’s started again.’

  He led her back into the hall. Confused was she? Well, he would settle for that tonight, and he had the satisfaction of knowing that she hadn’t pushed him away immediately. In fact it had taken her quite a long time.

  As they swung into an energetic dance routine, she was soon laughing again. Reid spun her round and round, feeling light-hearted. One thing he was certain about – he wasn’t at all confused!

  26

  October 1943

  Annie smiled to herself as she walked along the country lane, feeling the leaves crunch under her feet. She loved to walk whenever she had some spare time, and autumn was her favourite time of the year, with its riot of colour and nip in the air. She breathed in deeply; the war seemed a million miles away on a day like this.

  Dora and Will’s baby was due in a month’s time. Much to Dora’s disappointment she hadn’t been pregnant soon after the wedding, but she certainly was after Will’s next leave! Annie’s family were scattered around at the moment. Her mother and Wally were looking after Dora, Bill and Will were at sea and goodness knows where, Charlie was still at Tangmere, and Rose was staying in Wales with George and the children. Her sister had taken over the responsibility for Jacques, and according to her letters the boy was settling in quite well. Bob was attached to a British unit and was still in this country, managing to see their mother now and again, which made Marj very happy. George was also delighted to have his daughter out of the firing line. Annie knew he had fretted all the time that Rose was in London, for he knew she would be in the most dangerous place she could find.