Wings of the Morning

by Beryl Matthews

  ‘You’ve got it all wrong, Annie. You’re not a substitute. The only one I’m thinking about is you. It’s you I’m in love with!’

  Annie was incensed by what she considered a blatant lie. ‘Don’t you make fun of me, Reid Lascells. And don’t try to excuse your conduct by lying to me. I know you’re only looking after me to keep the promise you made to Paul. Your mother told me all about it. All I can say is that you can’t love this girl very much if you are willing to put someone else in her place for one night. I would not have expected you to take advantage of our situation.’

  Reid gave a ragged sigh. ‘I’m telling you the truth.’

  Annie had had enough of this. If she didn’t get rid of him soon she would burst into tears, and she was damned if she’d do that in front of him. The lying devil! She picked up a pillow and a blanket and tossed them to him. ‘You can sleep in the kitchen. There’s an old armchair in there by the fire.’

  It had been a long and sleepless night. Annie had found it difficult to stop her mind from racing. The fact that Reid had tried to make love to her after telling her he was crazy about some other woman was beyond belief, and had hurt dreadfully. Not that she loved him, of course, but she objected to being taken advantage of like that. Although they always seemed to fight when they met, she respected him, and to think he would stoop to doing something like this was upsetting – and disappointing.

  Reid was already in the kitchen making tea and toast for their breakfast. He gave her a hard stare as she walked in. ‘Did you sleep well?’

  ‘No,’ she admitted. ‘Did you?’

  He didn’t answer as he spread margarine on the bread and placed it in front of her. ‘The weather’s cleared a bit so I can drive you back to Bedfordshire as soon as you’re ready.’

  ‘I can catch the ten o’clock train.’ She bit into the toast and ignored the look of fury racing across his face.

  ‘Don’t you argue with me, Miss Webster,’ he growled, ‘because I’m not in any mood to put up with your nonsense this morning.’

  She decided it would be best if they didn’t speak to each other if they couldn’t be civil, and they certainly didn’t seem to be able to this morning! The atmosphere between them was positively explosive. They drank their tea and ate the toast in silence. Within half an hour they were on their way.

  Annie slept most of the journey, making up for the hours of tossing and turning last night. It was the safest thing to do because if they argued any more she’d start to crumble, as her emotions were raw at the moment. She’d never known anyone who could upset her like this man.

  ‘We’re here.’ Reid shook her awake and got down to help her out. He lifted her out of the truck and handed her the kit bag. He looked her straight in the eyes for a few moments. His expression was intense and strained. ‘I’m not a liar, Annie,’ he said quietly, and then jumped back into the vehicle and sped off up the lane.

  She stood there for a while as she wrestled with a deep sense of hurt. She was convinced that Reid was only paying her all this attention because of the promise he’d made to his brother. How she wished his parents had never told her about it.

  ‘I’m back, Sam.’ She looked into his office and wiggled her foot. ‘Look, no plaster.’

  ‘Good. I didn’t think you’d make it,’ Sam said. ‘Are the trains running?’

  ‘Reid brought me back in an air force truck.’

  ‘Did he now?’

  ‘Yes. He collected me from hospital yesterday and we stayed overnight at my house.’ Annie wondered why Sam was frowning.

  ‘But your family are still in Wales, aren’t they?’ he asked. ‘Were you alone with him all night?’

  ‘I could hardly send him out on a terrible night like that, could I?’ Annie had had enough! What was the matter with these men? She’d had to put up with Reid in a foul mood, and now Sam.

  She stormed out and headed for the ops room. Sam and Reid were as bad as each other. She wasn’t daft. It was obvious that Sam was looking in her direction as a mother for his adorable son, so he might not like to think there was another man on the scene to spoil his plans, but what was Reid up to? And what right did any man have to make plans regarding her future without finding out if she was agreeable or not?

  Annie had always considered that she understood men reasonably well but not any longer. She had been wise to remain single. They were a blasted mystery!

  29

  April 1944

  The watery spring sunshine filtered through the high cloud and bathed Tangmere airfield in a golden glow. Reid shaded his eyes as he scanned the sky. The invasion of France couldn’t be far away now and troops were being moved to various places along the coast. He’d been overjoyed when he’d heard that his old squadron was being transferred here for the next few months. This was just the lift he needed. Since that disastrous night in January, he had stayed away from Annie, hoping this tactic would work as Rose had suggested, but he doubted it. It was his own fault, of course; he should have convinced her, but the truth was he had bungled it. He had been thrown by her disbelief that he could love her, and dismayed to find she knew about the promise he’d made to Paul. It was clouding their relationship and the way she thought about him. He might be a good pilot but he had a hell of a lot to learn about women.

  One Spitfire roared over their heads and spun into a victory roll. Reid chuckled, his worries forgotten for a moment. Bouncer. He was tempted to put his reckless friend on a charge for that.

  Some of the pilots now landing had been involved in the Battle of Britain, as Churchill called it, and although that phase of the war was over, life was still dangerous for them. One of their many tasks was to escort bombers across the channel, and that meant they were fighting over France. If they had to bale out there, then they were taken prisoner. Reid felt his insides clench when he remembered how close he’d been to that when Dunkirk was being evacuated. He’d have hated to have been locked up and unable to take any further part in the war.

  ‘Hi, skip.’ Timber Woods sauntered over to him.

  Reid slapped the tall pilot on the shoulder, then he was surrounded by the men of his old squadron. Some he knew; some he didn’t; many he missed. ‘It’s good to see you all.’

  They fell silent as they watched Bouncer land. It was always a breathtaking moment.

  ‘Ye Gods!’ Reid exclaimed. ‘He doesn’t get any better, does he?’

  ‘No,’ Timber agreed, ‘but once he’s airborne he’s a real demon.’

  ‘I remember. He’s always a good man to have with you.’ Reid walked over to his friend who was clambering out of the plane. His mobility was still slightly impaired, but nothing to speak of considering how badly he’d been injured. It was five months since he’d seen Bouncer but instead of slapping him on the back in delight Reid kept his expression serious.

  ‘Patterson! You’re on a charge for that fancy bit of flying.’ Reid used his best command voice.

  Bouncer sprang to attention. ‘I realized the undercarriage wasn’t down so I had to go round again. Took a bit of shaking loose.’

  ‘Is that the best excuse you can come up with?’ Reid asked, raising a brow in query.

  His friend rubbed his chin. ‘It worked in the past.’

  ‘Not this time, you’re talking to me now.’

  ‘Ah, well.’ Bouncer gave a resigned sigh. ‘What’s the punishment, then?’

  ‘You’ve got to get the first round of drinks in tonight.’

  A cheer rang out from the rest of the pilots. They were in full agreement with that kind of reprimand.

  The ground crews were waiting to get their hands on the new planes, and Reid called Charlie over.

  ‘Bouncer, Charlie, Annie’s brother, will look after your Spit for you.’

  The pilot beamed and shook Charlie’s hand vigorously. ‘How is the delightful Annie, now?’

  ‘Completely recovered from her accident and back to normal,’ Charlie told him.

  Reid made a sound that so
unded suspiciously like a snort of disgust, and Bouncer eyed his friend.

  ‘Don’t tell me you’re still fighting with each other?’

  Reid’s only answer was a wry smile.

  ‘I think you need your head examined, old boy.’ Bouncer turned back to Charlie. ‘Give her my regards next time you talk to her, and tell her I’ll be writing shortly.’

  Charlie nodded and hurried off to check over his new charge.

  ‘What are you writing to Annie for?’ Reid asked.

  ‘It’s nothing to concern you, old chap. I’ve got a bit of news for her, that’s all.’ Bouncer watched Charlie clambering over his plane. ‘Good, is he?’

  ‘The best we’ve got,’ Reid assured him. ‘He’ll look after you well.’

  His friend nodded. ‘Thanks. Wouldn’t like to cop it now the end is in sight.’

  Reid looked at Bouncer in astonishment. ‘When did you start worrying about your safety?’

  ‘Things change.’ He punched Reid on the arm and grinned. ‘Things change.’

  Bouncer had changed, though in what way Reid couldn’t quite fathom. There was something different about him. The strained, rather cynical look about him wasn’t there any more, and his friend seemed alive with happiness, but what could have caused this transformation wasn’t clear. He’d have to get to the bottom of the mystery later.

  Reid shot back his cuff and checked his watch, then looked at the group of pilots. ‘I shall expect you all to be in the Fox and Hounds by twenty hundred hours.’

  ‘Yes, sir!’ they chorused.

  Reid watched them amble off to stow their gear and settle in, and he felt more uplifted than he had done for many a long week. It was going to be wonderful having them stationed here. How he’d missed the camaraderie, the flying, the exhilaration of touching down after a hard fight, and even the danger. That was when he’d felt truly alive – every moment had been precious and to be lived to the full.

  He marched back to his office with a purposeful air to his stride. Now they were stationed here he was going back up with them at the first opportunity, and damn his responsibilities on the ground. When the invasion began he was going to be a part of it!

  *

  The pub was in uproar by the time Reid arrived.

  ‘You’re late,’ Bouncer scolded and pushed two pints towards him. ‘Get those down you at the double; the next round’s on its way.’

  Reid complied, then sat back as the table was quickly filled with full glasses again. Timber held one of the glasses aloft.

  ‘Here’s to Bouncer. Congratulations, mate.’

  ‘What’s all this about?’ Reid glanced round at the smiling faces and took a mouthful of beer.

  ‘I’m getting married,’ Bouncer told him.

  Reid choked on the drink and received thumps on the back from the men. ‘You’re what?’ he asked hoarsely.

  ‘I’m getting married in two weeks,’ his friend repeated.

  ‘Good God! I never thought I’d see the day.’

  Bouncer gave a smug grin. ‘I told you things change. Will you be my best man?’

  ‘Of course I will. When did you meet her?’

  ‘It was soon after I returned to Kenley. Jenny’s so lovely and kind, Reid, she really bowled me over.’

  ‘I’m very happy for you,’ Reid told him with sincerity. He had recovered from the shock now and surged to his feet. ‘This calls for a real drink. I wonder if the landlord’s got a bottle of good whisky tucked away somewhere?’

  ‘If anyone can get him to part with it, it’s you,’ Timber encouraged.

  The barman was only too happy to help the pilots celebrate and Reid was soon back with double whiskies and beer chasers.

  ‘Oh, well done!’ Bouncer complimented. ‘That officer’s uniform does have its uses sometimes.’

  ‘I should hope so.’ Reid held up his glass of whisky. ‘Let’s all drink to Bouncer and his bride. May they grow old together in happiness and peace.’

  ‘That was a fine toast, my friend.’ Bouncer looked quite overcome for a moment. ‘I’d like as many of you to come to the wedding as possible.’

  ‘We’ll all be there,’ Reid announced. ‘I’ll fix it. We can’t have one of our squadron getting married without a guard of honour.’ Although he was no longer a part of this group he still felt as if he belonged, and after the Battle of Britain he doubted that the link would ever be broken.

  ‘Jenny would like that.’ Bouncer drained his whisky, quickly followed by the beer. ‘My round again, I believe.’

  By now they were a very happy crowd, and although Reid had drunk as much as anyone else his mind felt surprisingly clear. He had allowed himself to become bogged down with responsibilities and cares. The job he was doing wasn’t always easy or smooth running. Then there was Annie. She had tied him up in knots and he was a fool to have allowed that to happen. It would be best if he just accepted that she couldn’t stand the sight of him, and that she would eventually marry Sam.

  He downed another pint. Yes, that’s what he’d do. Much better for both of them, and that decision might help to improve his temper. He would still keep an eye on her, of course. After all, he’d promised his brother, hadn’t he?

  Annie loved receiving letters and she had four today. The first one was from her mother and Rose, giving her all the family news, the second was from Dora, and that had her in fits of laughter; motherhood certainly hadn’t dimmed her sense of humour. The next was from Charlie and she gave a wry smile as she read the account of Reid’s old squadron arriving, and the party they’d had in the pub that night. ‘You should have seen them, Annie,’ he wrote. ‘Those men certainly know how to have a good time.’

  She could just imagine.

  The last letter was in a hand she didn’t recognize, and after slitting it open she gasped in pleasure. It was from Bouncer inviting her to his wedding in six days’ time. She had taken a great liking to Bouncer and she was very happy for him. She would go, if it were possible.

  Annie went immediately to see if she could have the leave. She didn’t think there would be any problem because she was always willing to work extra hours, and often didn’t even take the time off she was allowed.

  ‘I can let you have twenty-hour hours only,’ the wing commander told her. ‘And make the most of it because it might be the last for some time.’

  ‘Thanks.’ She stopped on her way out and turned back. ‘Do you think the invasion is imminent?’

  He shrugged. ‘Couldn’t say, but if any more troops and equipment arrive this island will sink into the sea from the weight of it all.’

  Annie laughed at the thought and went back to her post. The tension and anticipation were building, and Sam was becoming more restless as each week passed. If there was an invasion of France this summer, then she knew that Sam would be right behind the first wave of troops.

  *

  Annie had managed to catch a train to Chichester all right, but she’d had to wait ages for a bus to Boxgrove where Bouncer and Jenny were getting married. It was a beautiful spring day, just perfect for a wedding; Annie was looking forward to this very much. Bouncer was a fine man and deserved to be happy. She reached the church just in time; the bride’s car was arriving as she hurried inside. Bouncer was in the front pew, laughing at something the man next to him was saying. Of course, Reid would be the best man, Annie thought, as she studied them. An impressive pair, they were great friends who had been through hell together.

  The organ burst into tune and the large congregation stood to watch the bride walk along the aisle. She was quite lovely, with chestnut hair, and wearing a flowing gown made of parachute silk. Annie couldn’t help smiling to herself: it looked as if Bouncer had made good use of his parachute at last.

  It was a touching ceremony but there was a slight ripple of amusement as Charles Algernon Patterson took his vows. Bouncer was going to take some ragging for that, Annie realized, and fought back a chuckle. It was probably the first time any of them had he
ard his real names. While the register was being signed, the ushers urged everyone outside.

  ‘Charlie!’ Annie cried in delight when she saw her brother. ‘I didn’t know you’d be here.’

  ‘Didn’t know myself until the last minute, but Reid fixed it for me. They’ve chosen this church because it’s not much more than half a mile from the Tangmere airfield. Friends can pop along to the wedding, even if they can only stay for a hour or so.’

  ‘It’s good to see you.’ She hugged him, and then stood back. ‘Why have they made us come out of the church?’

  ‘You’ll see in a minute.’

  Reid strode out, gave an order, and two lines of pilots formed a guard of honour. When Bouncer and his bride stepped through the door they made an archway of swords for the newly-weds to walk under.

  ‘That’s wonderful,’ Annie sighed. ‘And a fitting tribute to a brave man, but where on earth did they get the swords from?’

  ‘Those crazy men can get anything if they set their minds to it. But they’re all special, Annie. I watched them through the battles; never knowing if they were going to die that day, and waiting in vain for friends who never returned. They may seem crazy at times but it’s just their way of coping with the danger.’

  ‘I agree, Charlie, and there are others working quietly in the background who have that kind of courage as well.’

  Her brother gave her a studied look. ‘Yes, you would know about that, wouldn’t you, little sister?’

  Annie merely smiled and watched Reid. Wearing full dress uniform he was enough to take her breath away. How could the girl he was crazy about not fall into his arms? His temper and sarcastic tongue were disturbing, of course, but he had seen and done things beyond the imagination. And now he had a lot of responsibility. She had judged him too harshly.

  Bouncer called them over for the photographs. ‘Annie, thank you for coming; this is Jenny.’