Daisy's War

by Roberta Grieve

  She was glad that Harold had already gone, leaving them to haul the empty cart back to the NAAFI. She didn’t want anyone to see how close she’d come to breaking down.

  Lily tactfully didn’t say anything on their way back.

  For once Mrs Green was in a good mood and didn’t comment on how long they’d been gone. ‘You’ve done well, girls,’ she said. ‘Off you go. You too, June. Have a nice evening and be back here bright and early tomorrow.’

  The three girls didn’t need telling twice. They threw off their caps and overalls and went out into the May sunshine.

  Lily said, ‘It’s a lovely evening. Let’s walk along the seafront.’ On these early summer evenings, they had got into the habit of taking a look at the sea instead of going straight home.

  Daisy was still thinking about those poor men. What must they have been through? Still, at least they’d been rescued and managed to get home. What about those who’d been left behind? Oh, Bob, where are you, she thought.

  ‘Come on, Daisy, cheer up.’ She took her friend’s arm and whispered. ‘Try not to worry. Like your mum said, he’s probably landed at Dover. You’ll hear from him soon.’

  Daisy wasn’t convinced but she summoned a smile and said. ‘Let’s hope so.’

  The three girls linked arms and started up towards the promenade, past the entrance to the fairground. It had been a favourite haunt of the local kids before the war. Now the gates were locked, the big wheel dismantled, and the rides all boarded up. Beyond the fairground site on the seawall, two guns were mounted.

  They hurried past and up towards the beach.

  ‘What’s going on,’ Lily asked, pointing to a group of soldiers on the promenade.

  As they got nearer, they stopped, staring. Barbed wire was stretched across the gap in the wall and huge pyramid-shaped concrete blocks also barred the way onto the beach.

  ‘Clear off. You can’t come this way,’ one of the men shouted.

  Lily wasn’t deterred and she marched up to the men. ‘Why not?’ she demanded. ‘We always walk home this way.’

  ‘Orders,’ he said.

  ‘Orders,’ she muttered. ‘That’s their answer for everything these days.’

  Daisy pulled at her arm. ‘Come away, Lily. They’ve got guns,’ she whispered.

  Lily pushed her off reluctantly and followed her and June as they started off across the grass by the boating lake.

  They stopped when one of the men hailed them and Daisy turned to see Lofty coming towards them. ‘Hang on a minute, girls,’ he called.

  ‘Is all that because of the invasion?’ Daisy asked.

  ‘Yes, although we’re not supposed to say. They’re giving out that it’s flood defences.’

  Daisy scoffed. ‘That won’t fool anybody. Barbed wire won’t keep out a flood.’

  Lofty laughed. ‘Too right. Anyway, I just wanted to apologise for my mate. He didn’t have to be so rude.’

  ‘That’s OK. Anyway, we’d better get home. My mum doesn’t like me being late for tea.’

  ‘You’re not staying in after, are you? It’s a lovely evening. Care to meet up later?’

  Lily grinned. ‘We’re going to the pictures, the three of us. You can join us if you want.’

  ‘All right. Which one?’

  ‘The Rio, seven o’clock.’

  The girls walked off giggling, leaving Lofty staring after them.

  ‘I told you he’s taken a shine to you, Daisy,’ Lily said. ‘I think he’d prefer it if you went on your own to meet him.’

  ‘Not on your life,’ Daisy said. ‘I don’t want him getting ideas.’

  ‘You shouldn’t flirt with him then,’ June said.

  Was she flirting? Was Mr Browning right to accuse her? It was harmless enough really. If any of them got too cheeky, she reminded them that she had a boyfriend serving abroad and they usually backed off.

  They reached the Clock Tower in the town centre and went their separate ways, arranging to meet later. Daisy made her way up the High Street still thinking about the soldiers rescued from Dunkirk.

  Indoors, she automatically glanced towards the mantelpiece for a letter. Disappointed, she went upstairs to change into a summer dress for her evening out. Surely if Bob had managed to get back to England he would have written. As she tidied her hair, she made up her mind to stop worrying and enjoy her evening out with her friends. She would put it all out of her mind - the worry about Bob, the forthcoming invasion, as well as her concerns about possible thieving from the stores. She went downstairs and laid the table for their meal while her mother dished up.

  ‘Going out tonight?’ Dora asked as she put a plate of sausage and mash in front of her.

  ‘Pictures, with June and Lily.’ She didn’t mention that Lofty was joining them. She didn’t want Dad to start on about her being flighty or young Jimmy to start teasing. Not that there was anything in it, she told herself. He was just a friend. But she couldn’t deny that she was looking forward to seeing him outside the working environment.

  She finished her meal and asked to be excused from the table, put her jacket on and picked up her handbag from the sideboard.

  ‘Don’t be late, love,’ Stan said. ‘You know how your mother worries.’

  Daisy smiled. Dad worried more than Mum, but he tried to hide it. ‘I’ll come straight home,’ she said, kissing his cheek.

  June and Lily were already waiting outside the cinema. ‘Come on, we don’t want to miss the start of the film,’ June called.

  ‘No sign of lover boy,’ Lily teased. ‘Disappointed are you?’

  ‘Course not,’ Daisy protested but she felt herself blushing when he hurried up to them, apologising for being late. She would make sure that she sat between her friends, didn’t want him getting ideas. But as they made their way along the row, Lily pushed past her to sit between her and June, so she found herself next to Lofty after all.

  She didn’t mind though, but she kept her eyes on the screen where the Pathé news was just finishing. She wondered what it would mean for them now that Italy had declared war. It seemed to be all bad news lately.

  She sighed and settled down to watch the film, hoping it would take her mind off things. ‘The Four Feathers’ told a good story, although John Clements wasn’t one of her favourite actors. And it was quite upsetting in parts, the war scenes making her think of Bob and all those others fighting for their country.

  It had a satisfying ending though and she found herself sniffing a bit and fumbling for a hanky. Lofty handed his to her without a word and none of the teasing comments she usually got when she became emotional over a film.

  Outside, June and Lily chattered about the film, but Daisy didn’t join in. Lofty walked beside her and, as her friends turned the corner and waved goodbye, he took her hand and guided her across the road. Confused, she felt she should pull away. But she had to admit she liked the feel of his hand in hers. She wasn’t being untrue to Bob; it didn’t mean anything. Besides, Bob hadn’t written for ages, even before all the confusion of the Dunkirk evacuation. He’d written to his mother, and June told her she’d heard from her brother who was in the same regiment. So why hadn’t he written to her? And why shouldn’t she go out and enjoy herself while he was away?

  ‘You’re very quiet,’ Lofty said as they reached the turning to her street. ‘Didn’t you enjoy the film?’

  ‘I did, but I couldn’t really concentrate on it. I felt guilty for enjoying myself, thinking of those poor men, the ones left behind in France.’

  ‘Bob, you mean? I know you’re worried about him, but you can’t sit at home brooding. I hoped I could help you take your mind off things.’

  ‘Easier said than done,’ she said.

  He kept hold of her hand and bent towards her from his greater height. ‘I don’t like to see you unhappy. I would change that, if I could,’ he said. ‘I know you don’t think of me that way, but I’m fond of you, Daisy.’

  ‘Please, don’t talk like that,’ she begge
d. ‘I like you, but I promised Bob...’ her voice trailed off and she pulled her hand away. As she pushed open her back gate, she looked over her shoulder and said with a half laugh, ‘Besides, I don’t even know your real name.’

  She left him staring after her. But she heard him say, ‘It’s Christopher – Chris.’

  ***

  Chris strode down the road, scarcely looking where he was going, his thoughts in turmoil. He shouldn’t have told Daisy how he felt. Now, she would probably avoid him, and he wouldn’t even have the chance to join her and her friends at the cinema or chat to her as she served him at work.

  That’s it, he told himself, I’ll stop going in the NAAFI, keep out of her way. Now he wished he had been sent abroad with the rest of the regiment. Despite what was happening over in France, at least he wouldn’t have met Daisy in the first place.

  Unbidden, the treacherous thought wormed its way into his head. Perhaps Bob won’t make it back. No! That wasn’t right. Oh, why hadn’t he been sent over there away from temptation?

  Chapter Eleven

  Daisy woke early next morning and lay for a while in the dark before switching on her bedside lamp. She had been dreaming – a pleasant dream of walking along the cliffs at Minster hand in hand with someone who made her feel warm and loved. As the dream faded, she couldn’t be sure if it had been Bob or Lofty but as she sat up, a faint smile twitched at her lips. ‘Christopher – Chris,’ she murmured.

  Shaking her head and telling herself not to be so silly, she got out of bed and started to dress. It was just a dream after all.

  She and Lily were on late shift today and had arranged to meet by the Clock Tower and have a wander round the shops during the morning - not that there was much to buy these days what with the rationing as well as shortages even of stuff that wasn’t rationed.

  She took her time getting ready, nice not to have to rush. When she came downstairs, Mum was just leaving for her shift at the WVS shop in the High Street.

  ‘Where’s Dad,’ she asked.

  ‘Special meeting of the LDV – preparing for invasion,’ Dora replied.

  ‘They really think it’s going to happen then?’

  ‘Don’t worry, we’ll smash ‘em,’ Jimmy said, stuffing toast into his mouth.

  ‘Don’t talk rubbish,’ Dora snapped. ‘Anyway, time you was off to school.’ She turned to Daisy. ‘Make sure he’s not late.’

  ‘Not going to school,’ Jimmy said after the door had closed. ‘Don’t tell Mum or Dad.’

  ‘You must go. You’ll get into trouble.’

  ‘Don’t care. Besides, I’ve got a job.’ Jimmy stood up, shoving the last mouthful of toast into his mouth. ‘Gotta go.’

  ‘What job?’

  But she was talking to empty air. He had gone, slamming the door behind him. Daisy sighed and shrugged. She couldn’t stop him. Mum and Dad were sure to find out anyway. Besides, she had too much on her mind to worry about what her brother got up to. He was probably up at Barton’s Point making a nuisance of himself around the gun crews. Although with the invasion scare, they would probably chase him off. Knowing Jimmy, he would soon find some other mischief to get up to.

  Daisy finished her tea and cleared the breakfast things away. After a little hesitation, she washed the dishes. It wasn’t fair to leave it all to Mum. She dried her hands, noticing how rough they were. She’d have to go to Boots and get some Pond’s cream – that’s if they had any left.

  Lily was waiting for her by the Clock Tower and they carried on up the High Street, looking in the shop windows although there was very little to catch their eye.

  ‘What’s the use of earning good wages when there’s nothing to spend it on? ‘Lily complained.

  ‘Well, at least I managed to get my cream,’ Daisy said.

  ‘Let’s go back to Woolworth’s,’ Lily suggested.

  After looking round the store they went across to the Neptune Cafe for a cup of tea and a bun. Usually, on a fine day like today, they would have gone for a walk along the prom or wandered round the Fairground. But that was all closed now, locked and boarded up.

  ‘I suppose that’s it for the duration,’ Daisy said, ‘unless the Germans come.’

  Lily shivered. ‘What will happen if they do?’ she asked.

  ‘How do I know?’ Daisy snapped, then immediately regretted her sharpness. ‘Sorry. Don’t let’s talk about it.’

  Lily took a sip of her tea. ‘Changing the subject, what about you and lanky Lofty?’

  ‘His name’s Christopher,’ Daisy said, and then wished she hadn’t as Lily’s eyes widened.

  ‘Ooh, really. So, have you given up on Bob then?’

  ‘Certainly not. I promised to stay true to him, didn’t I?’

  ‘But Lofty walked you home. Did he kiss you goodnight?’

  Daisy’s face flamed and when Lily giggled, she gave her friend a little push. ‘Don’t be silly.’ She finished her tea in silence, while Lily apologised and turned her attention to her rock bun which, she said, was more rock than bun.

  Daisy gave a vague smile, lost in thought. Lily’s teasing recalled last night when Lofty became so serious. And for one moment she’d thought he was going to kiss her. How would she have responded if that had happened? Being honest with herself, she admitted that she might have found it very pleasant.

  She became aware that Lily was trying to attract her attention and she turned to her friend with a smile. ‘What have you been up to? You’ve been dying to tell me, haven’t you?’ she asked

  ‘I’ve met someone,’ Lily said, her pale face flushing and her eyes lighting up.

  ‘Who? When? Not one of the customers,’ Daisy said.

  ‘Not on your life. He’s a bit more exciting than that. An RAF officer, would you believe?’

  ‘You’re a dark horse.’ Daisy leaned forward. ‘Is it serious, Lily?’

  ‘I think so. Oh, Daisy, he’s ever so handsome. I can’t believe he asked me out.’

  ‘How did you meet him?’

  ‘It was on my last day off. I was on the bus going up to Eastchurch to see my auntie and he came and sat next to me. He’s stationed up at the aerodrome, training the Polish airmen.’

  ‘And he asked you out?’

  ‘We went to the pictures last week and then the other evening we went for a lovely walk along the cliffs.’ Lily blushed.

  ‘I knew there was something going on. Why didn’t you tell us before?’

  ‘I don’t know really, wanted to keep it to myself for a while. Besides, you were worried about Bob and I didn’t want to rub it in that I had someone.’

  ‘Don’t be silly. I’m pleased for you.’ She was reminded of Sylvia’s young man - Roland. ‘My sister brought an officer home a few months back when she was on leave,’ she said. ‘He was being posted to Eastchurch and they travelled down on the same train.’

  ‘A boyfriend?’ Lily asked.

  ‘I’m not sure. She seemed keen but she had to go back to Norfolk.’ Daisy realised Lily hadn’t told her the new boyfriend’s name. She grinned. ‘I wonder if they know each other,’ she said.

  Lily didn’t reply. She looked at the clock on the wall behind the counter and gasped. ‘Goodness, I must go. I promised Mum I’d look after the little ones for an hour.’ She grabbed her bag and rushed off, turning at the door. ‘See you at work later on.’

  Daisy gazed after her, wondering what the hurry was. She hadn’t mentioned having to look after her little brother and sisters before. Perhaps she was just a bit shy about this new boyfriend and didn’t want to talk about him. Daisy shrugged. She was in no hurry and she ordered another cup of tea. Fancy Lily going out with an officer though. Could it be the same person? Of course not. There were hundreds of RAF personnel based at Eastchurch.

  Her sister hadn’t answered her letter yet. Knowing Sylvia, she had probably found someone else to take her out dining and dancing. She was never short of admirers and often teased Daisy for ‘settling for the boy next door’ as she put it.


  ***

  Sylvia was not out dancing, in fact she had not gone out at all since returning to Norfolk. She was off duty this evening and lay fully dressed on her bed in the Nissen hut that served as a billet for seven other girls. They had all gone off to the nearby town, but she’d stayed behind. She looked at the clock, wishing now that she had gone with them. No use moping around feeling sorry for herself. She sat up and shook her blonde curls, pushing her hair back behind her ears. She straightened her clothing and went over to the wash basin, peering into the mirror behind it and rubbing her eyes, red and swollen from crying when once more there had been no letter from Roland.

  She’d watched for the post every day, convinced that Roland would keep his promise to write often. Despite what she had told Daisy, she was desperately in love with him and had been devastated when he was posted away. Of course she was grateful that he was not flying, although she knew how frustrated he was when he had been grounded and sent down to Kent. At least he wasn’t in any real danger, not like so many of the young men on this base who never returned from their mission.

  She sighed. At least there was one thing she didn’t need to worry about now, as she’d discovered this morning. When she had first suspected she might be pregnant she’d almost dashed off a letter to Roland straight away. Now she was glad she hadn’t. She still longed for him to contact her, although she vowed she’d never even hint at what might have happened. She was furious with him for persuading her to go up to his hotel room that night – not that she’d needed much persuading. But she had trusted him when he said you couldn’t get pregnant the first time. Even so, she still treasured tender thoughts of that magical evening. She would forgive him – if only he would write.

  She splashed water on her face - she didn’t want her friends to see her tear-stained face when they came back. Joyce especially would tease her unmercifully.

  ‘You’ve got the pick of the bods in the officers’ mess,’ she’d said. ‘Don’t waste your time crying over the one who’s not here.’