He moved to one side and gestured towards the sitting room. ‘Would you care to come in and sit down? The housekeeper will be bringing tea and cake in a while.’
As soon as he said this he realised the chauffeur would be banging on the door and expect to spend the next hour or so in the kitchen. She wasn’t going to like that one bit.
The baronet marched past him, ramrod straight, bristling with annoyance. He reckoned the man was ex-military to have a bearing like that. He spoke quietly to Jimmy. ‘I’d better warn Mrs B to expect company. She won’t be pleased and I don’t blame her.’
Fortunately, he was able to speak to her in her rooms before the chauffeur arrived and was able to explain the situation. ‘I’ll not leave him in here with you any longer than necessary, Mrs B. I need to speak to Sir Reginald without him being present.’
‘Very well, sir, I’ll give him a cup of tea. But I’ve got to get on with my work and if he gets in the way he’ll have to go outside. I’m not having him in there without me present so he’ll have to kick his heels outside until I’m done here.’
‘Keep him hanging about as long as you want, Mrs B.’
Jack hurried back to the sitting room hoping that Jimmy would have been able to smooth things over, but the atmosphere was frigid.
Humphrey was standing in the centre of the room and looked ready for a fight.
*
‘It’s quiet enough at the moment, Greg, I hope this is a good sign. I’m not looking forward to this at all. I hate arguments and loud voices.’
‘There’s four of us and only two of them – that’s if you count his chauffeur – so you’ve nothing to worry about. I can assure you we can eject both them if we have to, and without recourse to the shotguns in case you were wondering.’
She hesitated outside the door. Then, taking a deep breath, she pushed it open with rather more force than she’d intended. It slammed against the wall and the four occupants reacted as one would expect.
Jack laughed, Jimmy shook his head, the uniformed man, standing to attention by the window, jumped as if stuck with a hatpin. The elderly man shot to his feet and glared at her. She glared right back.
He was about to rip into her but she was having none of that – not from him – and not in her own house. ‘I apologise if I startled you. Would someone mind explaining what that person is doing in my sitting room?’ She pointed an accusing finger at the chauffeur. She drew herself to her full height and stared down her nose at her aristocratic relative. For the first time glad she was so tall.
‘I don’t know how things are arranged in your home, Sir Reginald, but here the servants know their place and it isn’t in this part of the house.’ She pointed at his driver. ‘You – go back to your car. You won’t have long to wait.’
The man sloped off and she was sure she heard him muttering "make up your bloody mind why don’t you" as he left.
‘Don’t be uppity with me, young lady, I drove all this way…’
‘Actually, you didn’t. You were driven. I’ve written you a letter which you will receive tomorrow. I’ve no wish to speak to you in person. In fact, I never want to see or speak to you again. I hope when my mother realises what you are that she comes home to the people who love her.’
He looked ready to explode. His nostrils flared and his eyes bulged. She raised a hand imperiously to stop him speaking. ‘Please leave now. There’s nothing you have to say that I want to hear.’
‘You’re going to regret this. I intend to contact your brothers. Charlotte assures me that they will be delighted to meet me. You obviously take after your father.’
‘My brothers have joined the RAF to fight for King and Country. They already know you are a member of the fascist party and a supporter of Hitler. I hardly think they will want to acknowledge that there’s a traitor lurking in the family.’
His look was venomous but he said nothing and stalked out. She held her breath until the front door slammed behind him.
‘Well, that was fun! Unpleasant aristocrat routed by a commoner,’ Greg said approvingly.
‘We’ve had to put up with his ranting and raving, threats and so on about what would happen to us and our families if we ever spoke about what we know,’ Jack said with a smile. ‘After a bit we just ignored him. I’m surprised he spoke so freely in front of his man.’
The sound of the Bentley driving away at speed was a relief to all of them. ‘Why was the chauffeur in here?’
‘I think he’s more of a bodyguard – I sent him to the kitchen but Mrs B wanted him out so we had to let him come in here again.
‘Serves him right for working for someone so obnoxious. Jimmy, I hope you can stay for supper?’
‘I’d love to. The last train leads from Romford at nine thirty – as long as someone gets me there for that, as I’m operating tomorrow.’
She left the men talking and dashed upstairs to wash and change into something less utilitarian. Now that Mum had gone there was no one to comment on her clothes but, having three unattached gentlemen here at the same time, she owed it to herself to make an effort.
There was a pretty, navy blue, cotton dress with white spots hanging in her wardrobe. It had never been worn and now seemed the ideal opportunity to show it off. She had a strip wash standing in the bath and did the best she could with her short hair.
She was still dressing when Jack yelled up the stairs that the food was ready. She’d not heard Dad come up to change so he must have washed the day’s grime from his hands and face downstairs. Something he never did when Mum was in residence.
Satisfied there was nothing more she could do to improve her appearance, Ellie ran down to join them. It was too warm for stockings and she rather liked the feel of the early evening air on her bare legs. ‘Sorry if I kept you waiting.’
Jack whistled his appreciation and Greg smiled. He nodded towards Jack. ‘I’d have changed too, but that chap is wearing my only clean shirt.’
‘That’s true and I’ve no excuse as I’ve got my own togs now. Fred hasn’t bothered and he’s waiting in the dining room. Seems Mrs B intends to serve all our meals in there in future.’
*
The evening came to a close when Greg offered to drive Jimmy to the station. Something prompted her to offer to accompany them. ‘In which case, Jack, can we use your car? No room in the back for a passenger in mine.’
‘Go ahead. I’m going up anyway, feeling a bit rough.’
Immediately Jimmy became professional and stepped over to place his hand on his friend’s forehead. ‘No fever – and your arm’s healing nicely despite having been re-stitched. Try and take things a bit easier tomorrow, no cycling all over the countryside for you.’
‘I want to get back to work so will rest for a couple of days. Thanks for bringing the car back, Jimmy.’
It was still light enough to drive without the headlamps on. She sat in the back and let the men chat about football and cricket – not something that interested her particularly. She transferred to the front seat after Jimmy had departed.
‘It’s a beautiful evening – seems a pity to go home so soon. Would you like to have a drink with me somewhere?’
‘I don’t drink alcohol but would love a lemonade. Would you mind very much if we didn’t go to the pub in the village? There must be somewhere in Romford that isn’t too rough.’
‘You’re the local girl, I’d have thought you would know where we can go.’
‘To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I was here at night. Mum didn’t approve of girls going out in the evening.’
*
‘In which case, let’s give it a miss. We’ve got a busy day tomorrow,’ Greg said with some reluctance. Spending time alone with Ellie this evening had reinforced his determination to claim her for himself. Once war was declared he’d have no time. Having a fiancée, having someone of his own to fight for, would make what was coming a little easier to bear.
She was quiet beside him in the car and he co
uldn’t see her expression in the darkness. He wasn’t used to girls that didn’t feel the need to fill every second with sparkling repartee but were content to be still. Would she fall in with his plans? Could he convince her before he left?
Certainly, his own crowd thought he was a good prospect. He was personable, came from the top drawer, and would inherit a fortune one day. Would this be enough to convince her? Maybe he would speak to her father before he spoke to her – surely Fred would see the advantages for his only daughter. By the time they arrived at the farm he was convinced she’d fallen asleep.
‘Wake up, Ellie, we’re home.’
‘I’m wide awake, I was just thinking. Do you think that man can actually cause this family any harm?’
‘Can’t see how. He’s got more to lose than you have. I’m sure he understands you wouldn’t hesitate to inform on him, regardless of the consequences.’
‘Thanks, it’s reassuring that we have come to the same conclusion. I intend to forget about him and hope he does the same for us. One thing does puzzle me, the reason he came thundering down here in the first place. It doesn’t make sense that he just came here to threaten us.’
‘Possibly he just wanted to see where his daughter had spent the past twenty-five years, see if he could persuade you to leave Glebe Farm too.’
‘I doubt it. There has to be something else behind his visit and we just can’t work it out.’ She opened the door and ducked out. ‘The house is dark; everyone has gone to bed including Mrs B. I’d no idea it was so late.’
He left the keys in the car and followed her to the back door which fortunately had been left open. He didn’t fancy having to wake someone to let them in. He’d hoped to get a chance to kiss her but she was already inside. Maybe the opportunity would present itself at the airfield – fat chance of getting her alone here as Jack was always about. He appeared to have taken on the role of older brother where she was concerned. As long as Jack wasn’t interested in her as a girlfriend, things should be okay.
‘Night, Greg, see you at breakfast. Make sure you don’t wake Jack; he needs his rest.’
‘Thanks for a delightful evening, Ellie, you must let me take you for that lemonade before I leave.’
‘Actually, if you want to take me out, I’d love to see Gone with the Wind. I noticed it was playing at the cinema this week. If we go straight from the airfield we should just make the last performance.’
They were now standing at the bottom of the stairs talking in whispers.
‘It’s a date – but I’m not taking you in your overalls. You’ll have to take a change of clothes with you.’
‘I’m not a complete idiot, you know. And it’s not a date – it’s just two friends going to the pictures.’
She vanished upstairs and he heard the latch on her door as she went into her bedroom. Ellie might think it wasn’t a date but by the end of the evening he was sure she would have changed her mind. His lips curved. He would really push the boat out and buy her some fish and chips when they came out – how could she resist him after that?
He crept into his bedroom and almost tripped over his feet when Jack spoke to him from the darkness. ‘You took your time, Dunlop. Remember Ellie’s inexperienced, she’s a sweet young girl and not ready to have a serious relationship with anyone, and especially someone who reminds her of her obnoxious grandfather.’
The bed creaked as Jack turned over. The one-sided conversation was finished. Greg wanted to tip him out of bed but thought better of it. However, he would put Jack straight about a few things at the earliest opportunity.
Being told he couldn’t have something, and by someone like Jack Reynolds, hardened his resolve. He didn’t bother to find his pyjamas, just stripped off his outer garments and got into bed in his underclothes. He’d only been here a couple of days and already standards were slipping. He bit back his chuckles as he slid under the sheet. Glebe Farm and its inhabitants were changing him and he hoped it was for the better.
Fifteen
No more was heard from Sir Reginald and by the end of the week Ellie was convinced the matter was over. She removed the stitches from Jack’s arm, following Jimmy’s detailed instructions, and he was ready to return to work.
Saturday would be Greg’s last day and she was going to miss him. They’d been out twice together and she let him kiss her on the second date. Things had changed after that and he now had an annoying, proprietorial manner where she was concerned.
Greg was taking the de Havilland for a last jaunt when Jack arrived. He strode towards her looking serious. What now? Just when she was beginning to relax.
‘Fred said that Dunlop has asked for permission to marry you.’
For a moment she was too surprised to think of a sensible answer. This would explain why Greg had changed, but it didn’t explain why Jack thought it was any of his business.
‘I’d no idea. This is the first time I’ve heard about it. I can’t see why you’re so interested unless you’re jealous.’
He smiled. ‘Don’t be bloody ridiculous. I think of you like the sister I never had. You’re a damn good pilot and you shouldn’t give that up for someone you’ve only just met.’
‘I’ve no intention of giving anything up. Greg hasn’t spoken to me about getting engaged and if he did I’d refuse. I don’t think one kiss is sufficient reason for him to consider that I’m his property. Don’t worry – I’ve no intention of leaving here unless the government stops civilian flying. Then I’ll help on the farm as one of our men has already said he’d volunteer if there’s a war.’
‘Good, I’m relieved to hear you say that. I’ll join the RAF, if and when, but not until I have to. They didn’t make me feel very welcome when I enquired. I think I’m not posh enough for them. Not officer material – I don’t know if anyone from the ranks can be a pilot – certainly can’t be at the moment.’
‘As you’re here, you can see the books. Gladys finished early and is going to the bank on her way home.’ He followed her into the office and she pointed to the appointment book. ‘Chock-a-block, and we still have a waiting list. I wish we had some girls on our books. I can’t understand why they’re not interested. It’s something women can do as well as men as it doesn’t rely on strength.’
‘Girls like you are rare. Most young women are only interested in finding themselves a decent husband and setting up home. I take it that doesn’t appeal to you. Greg’s rich, good-looking, reasonably intelligent and would make a good husband. I’m surprised you’re not even considering it.’
‘If I was going to get married in the next few years then he would definitely be in the picture. I’m sure I’ll take the plunge eventually but it’s not on the agenda at the moment. I’ll tell him when he comes down.’
Jack was suitably impressed by the figures but left, saying he had business in Romford, an hour before Greg came in to land. She wasn’t looking forward to this conversation. In fact, she wasn’t sure she could bring the subject up as Greg hadn’t actually mentioned anything about them getting engaged.
She had no further pupils, Sid had gone home; she would be alone with the man who had taken it upon himself to discuss her future with Dad without having the courtesy to speak to her.
He landed perfectly and taxied the aircraft to its usual place. He climbed out and strolled confidently towards her swinging his helmet and goggles nonchalantly in one hand.
Perhaps it would be better to wait until they were home before she confronted him as she didn’t want to walk back if he took umbrage.
‘I’m done here. Mrs B’s doing a special farewell meal for you tonight and I want to put on my glad rags in honour of the occasion so, if you’re ready, I’d like to leave immediately.’
‘It’s a good thing I popped home to replenish my wardrobe. Are Jack and Fred going to wear a jacket and tie?’
‘I think so. I’m going to miss you, Greg, it’s been fun having you staying with us. You seem like one of the family now.’
&nbs
p; His expression changed and her stomach lurched. This was quite the worst thing to have said in the circumstances – did he think it gave him the necessary encouragement to speak? It would ruin the evening for all of them if he proposed and she refused him.
‘Can I drive? You promised I could have a go with your MG and this will be my last opportunity.’
The thought of her behind the wheel of his precious car was enough to distract him and the danger was averted. ‘Not today, sweetheart, but I give you my word, next time I visit you can drive her.’
‘Spoilsport! That mightn’t be for weeks. Never mind, Jack’s happy for me to use his Austin whenever I want and that’s probably more my speed.’
‘Good move Ellie. I can hardly refuse now, can I? You can drive home but promise not to go too fast. I don’t think my nerves can stand it. I’ve never been driven by a girl before.’
‘If you’re happy to be a passenger when I’m the pilot then I can’t see why you’re nervous about sitting next to me in a car.’
The MG was a dream to drive and she was sorry when the short journey was completed. ‘Thank you, that was lovely.’
Jack’s car was back; his business couldn’t have taken him very long. If she wanted to have a bath she needed to get in first or there’d be no hot water left.
*
Fred was relieved to hear his daughter’s plans didn’t include marriage. ‘Thanks for speaking to her, Jack, I’ll not worry about it anymore. Is anyone talking about what happened here?’
‘No mention of it. Latest gossip is that the barmaid’s in the family way and several of the customers were waiting to have the finger pointed at them.’
‘That Mabel is a generous girl; no money involved, you understand, but takes pity on the men who make eyes at her.’
‘Have you heard anything from Neil and George?’
‘Not a dickie-bird. Ellie wrote to both of them so they know what’s what.’
Heartwarming and emotional story of one girl's courage in WW2 Page 13