He leant on the windowsill in his bedroom listening to the nightingales, breathing in the clean country air. Twice today, a man he respected above all others, Frankie, had told him he was invaluable and the best at what he did. Maybe his CO was right and he was being too hard on himself.
*
Ellie had no time to dwell on her near miss because by the time she’d dealt with the paperwork the taxi Anson was waiting to give her a flip to the RAF bomber station at Marston Moor. Although she said nothing about why she was going there, people seemed to know and she was congratulated and wished good luck by everyone she met.
Overnight accommodation had been arranged for her in the WAAFS’ small hut. After eating a hurried meal of spam and chips in the communal canteen she retreated to her room. She didn’t like being ogled by the airmen. She wondered which unfortunate girl had been turfed out of her bed so she could have it.
The next morning, she ignored breakfast – her stomach was churning – she’d much rather be flying a Spitfire than converting to fly a huge Halifax bomber. Would Jack be proud of her or feel this was just another slight to his manhood?
‘Right you are, Miss Simpson,’ the instructor, who was going to oversee her training. said briskly. ‘I see from your logbook that you’re very experienced. This should be a piece of cake for you. I warn you that there are going to be flight engineers receiving their training in the aircraft with you.’
‘Golly – I bet they’ll be thrilled to have me flying them.’
She clambered into the massive bomber, walked past the apprehensive trainee flight engineers, and climbed into her seat. The view from here was excellent, in fact, far better than the one she had when flying a fighter plane.
She had already studied the notes in her blue book so was familiar with the layout in the cockpit. She ran through her preflight checks audibly and was pleased her voice sounded natural and didn’t display the tension she was feeling.
‘Righto, I’ll take us up, do one circuit and bump. You watch what I’m doing and then it’s your turn.’
Knowing that the flight engineers behind her were too terrified to take any notice of what their instructor was saying made her even more determined to succeed. After an hour and several circuits and bumps, the atmosphere behind her relaxed. Presumably they were now confident they weren’t about to meet their Maker.
A further three hours and her instructor patted her on the shoulder. ‘You’re on your own now, Miss Simpson. We’re going to take a break for a wad and a cuppa whilst the old girl’s being refuelled. Then you go solo and do the same again. You’re a competent flyer and I don’t anticipate any problems.’
Having eaten no breakfast, she was starving, but first she must find the WC. On one never to be forgotten time when delivering at an RAF base, she’d been obliged to pee behind a hangar and had no intention of ever doing that again however disgusting the facilities were.
A fresh-faced member of the ground crew grinned when she enquired. ‘It ain’t much cop, miss, but better than nothing I reckon. I’ll stand guard, make sure no other bugger comes in whilst you’re in the bog.’
She was long past being embarrassed by this sort of comment. ‘Thank you, much appreciated. I just hope there’s some food available when I get back.’
The instructor overheard her comment. ‘Don’t worry, young lady, I’ll make sure there’s ample left for you as well as plenty of coffee. It’s the real stuff – courtesy of our American friends.’
The remainder of the day went brilliantly and she passed the conversion course with flying colours. Pauline would be pleased there was another pilot able to deliver Class V aircraft in time for the contract from the Cunliffe Owen factory at Eastleigh.
She and Jack had been apart for several weeks. This was quite long enough and she was determined to go and see him and tell him what a fool he was being to keep them apart.
Five
Ellie remembered, just as the taxi was about to land at Hamble, that tonight they were holding a midsummer party. As the nights were so light in June, most of the pilots had completed their day’s delivery, even though they worked for longer, in time to join in with a jolly knees-up. There would be three hours to enjoy oneself and then those that were based elsewhere could still get a taxi back as it would be light enough to fly. The gathering was for all ATA personnel, not just those based at Hamble.
For her, this would be a celebration of becoming one of the handful of women now able to deliver the massive Halifax. However, she had no intention of swanking about her achievement but would quietly raise a glass to herself.
Not only was Margaret there to congratulate her but Pauline had flown in as well. ‘I say, well done indeed. Not that I had any doubt you would pass,’ Pauline said.
‘The instructor told me it would be a piece of cake. I’m not sure that was accurate, but it was certainly a lot simpler than I feared.’ She was handed the stripes that would indicate she was now promoted to a first-class officer.
‘Gosh, I’d forgotten I’d be elevated to such heights. Thank you.’ Ellie took the small square of material and hastily pushed it into her pocket. Was this another nail in the coffin of her marriage?
Margaret pumped her hand. ‘Excellent work, Ellie. I know you didn’t want to take time off until Amanda has the baby, but I insist you go and see your family. I don’t want you back until Sunday.’
‘Then I’ll go tonight. Is there a taxi going to Hornchurch by any chance?’
‘Sorry, old thing, there isn’t. But Pauline said you can take the Tiger Moth. Don’t you have a strip at your farm you can use?’
‘I do and I know my dad keeps it mowed even though the rest of the field has been put down to potatoes.’
‘Oh, before I forget, a letter came for you this morning.’ Margaret handed over an envelope and Ellie recognised who had sent it. Why was Jack writing to her now? She shoved it into her pocket beside her stripes. She would read it when she was home.
Ellie no longer wanted to waste time socialising. If she left immediately, she’d be there long before dark. Even in a Moth the flight wouldn’t take her more than an hour. Half an hour later she was taxiing down the runway waiting for the green light.
She hadn’t flown one of these kites for almost a year. The open cockpit had been a nightmare in the winter but now she enjoyed the breeze. Her thick flight suit, helmet, goggles and gloves kept her warm.
The narrow strip of green at Glebe Farm stood out amongst the potato plants and she wondered why no one in authority had demanded that Dad plough this up too. She circled a couple of times and then throttled back and came in to land. This wasn’t as smooth as it should have been but she would blame the uneven surface for that.
She left her parachute, flight suit and overnight bag under the front seat, where a passenger would sit, and then jumped out. The sound of this little aircraft was distinctive and she was certain her family would have heard her. In hindsight, it might have been better to ring them and let them know she was coming.
The evening was warm, the sun had just set, and she was relishing the idea of a strolling through the dusk enjoying the countryside. Then the silence was broken by the sound of the two dogs and someone pedalling furiously in her direction.
She froze. The only person this could be was her errant husband. She really should have checked before setting out. Her hands were clammy and there was a lump in her throat that made it hard to swallow. She wanted to turn and run back to the plane and fly away, not have to see him.
Then he appeared around the bend in the lane, wobbling precariously, and she forgot her reservations. The joy on his face told her everything she wanted to know.
‘Darling, I can’t believe you’re here.’ He skidded to a halt, dropped the bike and hurtled towards her. Her feet moved of their own volition and she met him halfway.
‘I’ve missed you so much. I love you; I can’t bear to carry on like this.’
‘I love you too and want to come back if
you’ll have me.’
His cheeks were wet, she was blinded by tears and she fell into his arms. They might well have made love in the middle of the lane if the dogs hadn’t made this impossible by their excitement at having both their favourite people home together.
‘Did you know I was here?’
‘No, I’ve not taken leave for weeks and Margaret insisted I come here for a couple of days. What about you?’
‘Same here. Frankie said I needed a break as I haven’t had a day off either.’ He kicked the bike. ‘I suppose I’d better take this back but I’d much rather walk with my arm around you.’
‘Put it in the hedge – it’ll be safe enough there – and you can collect it when I go back.’
‘I was hoping you’d give me a flip to Hamble and that Alison would give me something to deliver to my neck of the woods.’
‘I didn’t think of that. We could always try riding the bike together. We’ve done that once or twice before.’ She wished the words back as soon as she’d said them as he’d had both hands when he’d given her a crossbar. But he grinned and picked the bike up.
‘Why don’t you pedal and I’ll be the passenger? Strapping young lady like you should have no trouble.’
‘Well, I’ll give it a go. Don’t blame me if we both end up in the hedge.’ She laughed as she said this. ‘Do you remember the day we first met and you hooted in your car and I swerved straight into it?
‘I’ll never forget. Let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself.’
*
With great care Jack balanced himself on the crossbar. ‘Okay, I’m ready. Do your worst.’
He joined in her laughter as she pushed off and began to pedal slowly down the track. At first, they swayed dangerously but once she got up to speed the bike straightened.
‘See, it’s working. We should have thought of this way round before,’ Ellie said.
‘Don’t speak too soon – I still think we’re going to end up in the hedge.’
She proved him wrong, as she often did, and they arrived in one piece in the farmyard. Both Fred and Mabel were waiting anxiously, but took one look and their expressions changed to happiness.
‘Well I never, imagine that!’ Mabel said and seemed incapable of continuing coherently. She mopped her eyes on the corner of her pinny. Fred got his handkerchief out and blew his nose noisily.
Jack hopped off the bike and then steadied it in one hand whilst she dismounted. Only then did he realise Ellie couldn’t touch the ground with either feet once sitting on the saddle.
‘Dad, Mabel, I’m so glad to be home.’ She rushed forward and kissed first Mabel and then Fred, leaving him to prop the bike against the wall.
‘Ellie love, how did you get permission to fly here? Our Jack had to come on the train.’
‘Pauline Gower, the most important person in the ATA as far as I’m concerned, gave me permission.’ She paused as if what she was going to say might be contentious. ‘I’ve just converted to Class V and been promoted to first officer so she thought I deserved a treat. In fact, coming here was a direct order, so how could I refuse?’
Jack walked to her side and she held out her hand, making it clear to him and her parents that they were now reunited. ‘Same here – I’ve not had a free day since April and Frankie insisted that I took some leave. Congratulations on your promotion. I’m really proud of you.’
There was no need for him to explain the significance as she nodded. ‘We’ve got so much to talk about, Ellie. Will you come for a walk with me?’
‘You’re not going anywhere, either of you, until our girl has had something to eat,’ Mabel said firmly.
‘I am famished as I haven’t eaten since breakfast.’ She glanced at him with a shy smile. ‘Do you mind, Jack? I’ll certainly come with you as soon as I’m done.’
‘I wouldn’t say no to some supper if there’s any going spare, Mabel?’
‘Both of you look like plucked chickens. I don’t reckon you’ve been eating enough to have lost so much weight. You might only be here for a few days but I’m going to do my best to fatten you up.’
Fred chuckled. ‘How long can you stay, Ellie love?’
‘I have to report back on Sunday, which gives me three nights. What about you, Jack?’
‘Monday morning. Couldn’t be better as I can come back with you and spend one night in the cottage and then get a taxi back.’
He’d spoken without thinking and for a horrible moment he thought she might tell him he couldn’t come. He was worrying unnecessarily.
‘That will be lovely. The cottage hasn’t seemed the same since you stopped coming.’
They followed her parents into the kitchen. There was so much he wanted to say to Ellie but it would have to wait until they were on their own. He was happier now than he’d ever been in his life and from the way she was looking at him she felt the same.
Mabel produced delicious, homebred ham sandwiches in freshly baked bread and handed them both a large mug of tea. They devoured the food and conversation lapsed until they’d cleared the plate.
‘Thank you, Mabel, they were the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. I didn’t realise how hungry I was.’ Ellie wiped the crumbs from her face and looked around hopefully. ‘I don’t suppose there’s any cake in the tin, is there?’
‘No, lovey, but how about some nice hot toast with my strawberry jam for afters?’
Eventually they were both full. No one ever resisted freshly made toast and Fred and Mabel had also had some.
‘Now then, son, what’s been happening to you these past couple of months?’ Fred asked.
Jack regaled them with his exploits for the camera crew and they were suitably impressed. ‘They’re going to fertilise the strip at White Waltham on Friday as the grass needs improving.’
‘I suppose that means flights will be diverted whilst it’s been done.’
‘It shouldn’t disrupt anything as Frankie said they can do it when everybody’s back – there’s at least three of hours daylight.’
‘I suppose you’ll be delivering some of those blooming great bombers now, Ellie love?’
‘Halifaxes at the moment, Dad, as our pool has got a contract to clear some starting in a week or two. I’ll still be ferrying all sorts as well.’ She removed her golden stripes from her pocket. ‘I’ve got to sew these on before I go back.’
‘Why don’t you go and change into civvies, love, and let me do it for you?’
‘I will, thank you, Mabel.’ She pushed back a chair and pressed Jack’s shoulder as she passed. ‘I won’t be long, darling, then we can go for a walk. I can’t believe it’ll be July in a couple of weeks. Amanda should be having her baby then.’
‘Have you bought her anything yet?’
‘No, perhaps we could make it a joint gift?’
‘I’ve bought a solid silver christening set.’
‘That would be perfect. See you outside in five minutes.’
*
Ellie wanted to do a headstand or a cartwheel but decided that would have to wait until they were outside. She wasn’t a religious person, but finding Jack here had to be more than a coincidence. Did the Almighty have a hand in this?
She was still laughing at her nonsense as she tore off her uniform and pulled on an old cotton dress that she hadn’t worn for years. If there was a God, he would hardly concern himself with such trivial matters as her marriage. He had far more important things to do.
In the two months since they’d been apart something had changed Jack. She’d known as soon as he’d arrived on his borrowed bicycle that things were different. What could possibly have happened to bring the old Jack back to her?
As there were no lights on in the passageway, the front door was standing open and he was waiting just outside. ‘That was quick. Do you really want to walk or shall we go and sit in the arbour in the garden?’
‘The arbour. To tell you the truth I’m exhausted. When did you arrive?’
‘Last ni
ght. Tell me about your conversion course. I bet the guys were terrified having a girl at the controls.’
‘Absolutely right. It was more than an hour before they were able to concentrate on their own instruction, but after that everything was fine. I have to have someone with me when I collect or deliver a four-engined bomber. Did you know it’s quite likely going to be a cadet who won’t be more than sixteen years old? I’m not sure I want to be responsible for someone else’s child.’
‘I certainly wouldn’t want my son or daughter to do it but as everyone keeps telling us, there’s a war on and we must all do our bit.’
‘I was amazed when I heard about our Lancasters managing to destroy the dams at Möhne and Eder in Germany. How did they get them to bounce like that?’
‘Haven’t the foggiest, honey. Do we really need to talk about the war right now?’
‘Of course not. You’ve changed since I saw you last. I’ve got my old Jack back and that’s all I care about.’
‘I wrote to you. I take it you didn’t get my letter before you left.’
‘I did, but I didn’t have time to read it. Do I need to go and get it as I left it in my uniform pocket?’
‘No. I’ll tell you what it said. I just wrote that I’d like to come to Sir Reginald’s funeral and to visit Nigel and Amanda when the baby comes.’
‘I was hoping you would. The last time I spoke to George our grandfather was bedridden and had a nurse coming in every day. I don’t think it will be much longer. I find I’m a bit sad after all, as I thought he would have several months to spend with his family before he died.’
‘Wouldn’t it be strange if he went for a Burton on the same day that Amanda produced her infant? What you call a fair exchange, I suppose.’
‘Idiot. What do you want us to do about Greg’s money?’
‘Nothing at all. I was being childish and selfish. I married you knowing that you were wealthy and if I was going to make a fuss, I should have done it then. I can’t tell you how sorry I am I behaved badly…’
‘Shall we forget about it? I think this beastly war is going to be over more quickly now the Americans are here. Why don’t you start applying to universities? You can resign your position in the ATA whenever you want to and honestly, I think training to be a civil engineer will be even more useful to the country than delivering fighters.’
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