They scraped the worst of the snow from their boots, kicked them off and then removed their overcoats. Ellie hung up her overalls hoping everyone else would be as forgiving as Mrs B about her laziness.
‘I’ll get the breakfast as you had to do my job.’
‘There’s no need, Ellie, it’s boiled eggs and soldiers this morning. We need to leave room for our Christmas dinner.’
‘In which case, Mrs B, I’ll light the fires everywhere.’
The sitting room wasn’t icy, the fire she’d revived in the middle of the night was still smouldering and clearing out the ash from underneath the grate and getting it burning merrily again didn’t take long. The dining room and music room fires were laid and she just had to put a match to the newspaper scrunched up underneath the kindling.
There was enough woodland on the farm to keep them in logs all winter. Dad bought in coke for the Aga and coal for the house fires as this gave more heat than logs and kept the fires burning for longer.
She’d paid special attention to her outfit this morning, although she hadn’t put on a frock. Greg loved her for who she was, she realised that now, and didn’t want her to pretend to be something else. Therefore, she was wearing slacks, but they were very smart. Her blouse was cream and her cardigan a gorgeous bright red, perfect for Christmas morning.
As she was about to return to the kitchen she paused, there was something different about the sitting room and she couldn’t think what it was. Her mouth curved in delight. She’d hung up five socks, but someone had put up a sixth, there was one made for her.
Loud voices echoed down the passageway from the back door. The men were back. On Christmas Day the pigs and cows weren’t mucked out – but the milking parlour and dairy always had to be pristine. Tomorrow she would help with both unpleasant jobs to make up for her absence today.
Greg met her with open arms and a smile that made her hot all over. ‘Good morning, darling, and happy Christmas.’
They exchanged a brief embrace, it wouldn’t do to kiss in front of anyone.
The stockings were judged to be perfect. They agreed to not open the gifts under the tree until after lunch. Ellie was now wearing her engagement ring and had never been happier. As she was laying the table the telephone rang.
Neil answered it and he poked his head into the dining room a few minutes later. ‘That was George, he offered his congratulations. He’s promised to bring Fiona to meet you when the weather improves.’
‘I thought it might be Mum. I don’t understand how she can cut herself off from us all like this. We’re still her children even if she doesn’t love Dad.’
‘Don’t worry about it, little sister, you never really got on with her anyway. I expect Sir Reginald insisted she did so. I wouldn’t be surprised if the divorce was his idea too. She’s hardly going to be getting married again.’
‘I don’t see why not, she can’t be more than forty-six, that’s still quite young. I’m certain Dad and Mrs B will make a match of it one day. You must have noticed how close they’ve become.’
‘I’d have to be blind not to have done so. What with you and Greg mooning over each other as well, Jack and I are feeling rather left out.’
She finished the final touches to the festive table and stepped away to admire her handiwork. The centrepiece was made from two fat red candles pushed into a cut glass bowl filled with glass baubles. The best linen had been used and the bone china dinner service would be in evidence too.
Satisfied the room looked as it should she stopped to ask if she was needed in the kitchen – she wasn’t – so went to join the others. The room went silent as she entered. They were all looking serious and her dad was white as a sheet.
‘What’s wrong? Are you ill, Dad?’
‘You’d better sit down, Ellie love, I’ve had a bit of a shock. I hadn’t opened the last lot of cards that came yesterday. There was this letter from my solicitor amongst them.’ He held out the expensive paper and she walked across to take it from him.
She scanned the contents with growing disbelief. ‘I don’t understand. I thought everything had been agreed before you signed the papers.’
‘So did I. I reckon that nasty bugger is behind this. Charlotte, for all her faults, would never stoop so low.’
Twenty-four
‘Can the lawyers make you sell the farm, Fred?’ Jack asked.
‘It’s been in this family for over a century – I’d like to see them try,’ Fred replied.
Greg wasn’t sure if it was his business to comment, but as he was now engaged to Ellie he thought it would be in order to do so. ‘Let me get this straight. Mrs Simpson’s lawyers are saying she’s entitled to half the value of your farm as compensation for the years of ill-treatment she suffered at your hands?’
‘That’s about the sum of it. I only agreed to allow her to divorce me on the understanding that I wouldn’t have to pay maintenance or any other costs.’
‘Did you sign a document stating this?’
‘No, Greg, but I have it in a letter. Surely that’s enough to prove my case?’
Ellie moved to stand beside him and he put his arm around her waist. ‘Please don’t let this spoil what might be the last Christmas we have together,’ she said.
Jack laughed. ‘Blimey, which of us do you think is going for a Burton then?’
‘I didn’t mean that; you know I didn’t. But you could all be posted to different parts of the country, or even overseas, and wouldn’t be able to come home.’
She handed the letter to her brother and he put it in a large manila envelope. ‘Ellie’s right, there’s nothing we can do about this now and worrying about it won’t change a thing.’
‘I came to tell you that Mrs B wants everyone in the dining room. I’m famished, a couple of boiled eggs wasn’t nearly enough to fill me up.’
*
The sideboard was laden with delicious treats. The capon, gammon joint and goose took pride of place. Dad carved each in turn and she acted as waitress. By the time they’d demolished second helpings they scarcely had room for the pudding.
Whilst Ellie and Mrs B got on with the washing-up Greg and the other men retreated to the safety of the sitting room. They had agreed Ellie wouldn’t have to go out today, they would take care of the outside tasks between them.
Greg now appeared to enjoy the stench, cold and the less than friendly animals. He was happy to help but glad he’d never have to do this sort of manual labour to earn his living. The family estates had a dozen prosperous farms but these were run by tenants. His father would be horrified to think his son and heir was up to his ankles in pig muck – and on Christmas Day too.
The opening of individual presents had been delayed until no one had to go outside again. As he was rinsing the filth from his wellingtons he saw Ellie by the barn. She must be shutting up the chickens for Mrs B.
He’d bought her half a dozen novels and a bottle of a perfume called Joy. He’d been assured by the shop assistant in Harrods it was all the rage. He’d got the usual gloves, handkerchiefs, and scarves for the others.
‘Drop your overalls in the boiler, Mr Dunlop, you won’t be needing them again today,’ the housekeeper told him as he came in.
‘Thank you, but I’ll want them for tomorrow morning. The men aren’t coming in until the afternoon.’
‘Bless you, we’ve plenty of spare. Nobody has to wear dirty clothes whilst I’m in charge.’
He nabbed the bathroom first and put his uniform back on. He supposed he could wear mufti but hadn’t brought anything else with him.
Neil arrived as he left. ‘I’ll be down in ten minutes. Mrs B is bringing cake, mince pies and tea to the sitting room. Jack and Dad should be in shortly.’
Once all of them were assembled Ellie began to hand out the gifts. Greg and Neil received a similar rectangular box from her but Jack’s gift was obviously a garment of some sort. She put her parcels to one side, as always putting other people before herself. Whatever she
thought, he was certain she would make him the perfect wife and would adapt to being the lady of the manor without too many problems.
He opened his box and discovered a card with a picture of a bicycle. Neil had the same thing. She was bubbling with excitement. ‘Both of you must go into the scullery – you’ll find your gift there. I do hope you like them.’
Sure enough there were two shrouded shapes one on each side the scullery. His name was on the one on the left. He pulled back the dust sheet. ‘Ellie, it’s magnificent. It looks as good as new and I love the patriotic colour scheme. Nobody will be able to steal my bike.’
Neil did the same and was equally delighted. His was red and black, just as distinctive.
‘I did most of the work myself but Jack and Dad helped with the chains. I’m so glad you like them.’
He picked her up and swung her around. ‘The best Christmas present I’ve ever had, sweetheart. Every time I use it I’ll think of you.’
‘Thank you, little sister, exactly what I need to get around the base. If the snow stops, I think I might be able to peddle to Hornchurch when I go.
Ellie was thrilled with the books. He rather thought the expensive perfume was a dud as far as she was concerned. He should have known better; Ellie wasn’t a girl who worried about her appearance and he doubted she’d ever use it.
*
By midday the house was ready for the invasion of partygoers. Ellie had reluctantly decided to put on a frock so she could use some of the expensive perfume Greg had given her. Somehow perfume and slacks didn’t seem right together.
She’d allowed her hair to grow since she’d stopped flying and it was now long enough to put up. She spent a good half an hour fiddling around with hairpins and grips and was still dissatisfied with the result. The first guests would be arriving any minute. She ran her fingers through her curls, applied a smudge of red lipstick and was ready.
Jack was in charge of drinks but her brother and Greg were going to help as well.
‘Ellie, you look lovely.’ Greg kissed the top of her head and sniffed appreciatively. ‘You’re wearing my perfume. It smells quite delicious.’
‘I thought maybe we could announce our engagement at the party, make it a bit of a celebration.’
‘I’ll speak to Fred, if he doesn’t want to do it then I’ll ask Neil.’
‘I heard people arriving. I’m so glad it stopped snowing as several people will have walked.’
He brushed his fingers across her cheek and then went in search of her father. Jack had set out a temporary bar in the music room. He called out as she passed.
‘You look a million dollars, Ellie, it’s amazing what an expensive dress will do.’
‘Thank you. Your uniform’s very flattering – but I’m not sure it complements your red hair.’
They exchanged grins. ‘What do you think?’ He gestured at the impressive array of bottles, glasses, jugs and steaming punchbowl. ‘Fred suggested I made this, he thinks people will need warming up. It’s not very alcoholic – would you like a glass?’
‘It smells wonderful, very Christmassy. Is the hot water to make squash for the children?’
‘Mrs B’s idea, but there’ll be cold as well. I hope they won’t be bored. I found some dominoes, a pack of cards, a chess set and a pile of paper and pencils. I’ve put them at the far end of the sitting room.’
‘You’ve thought of everything. You mustn’t spend the entire time in here, I want to introduce you to everybody. I’ve got to go; people are coming in.’
All the guests had arrived by one o’clock and as they all knew each other there were no need for formal introductions. The children, once they had a plate of food, settled happily in the designated place and were no bother to anyone.
She and Greg were congratulated on their engagement. However, by the end of the party she was heartily sick of being asked if they had set the day.
Gladys and Bert had come, as well as Sid and his wife. She hadn’t seen them since the airfield closed and spent most of her time talking to them.
‘I don’t expect you’re in a hurry to get hitched, Ellie,’ Sid said after his third pint of beer. ‘To tell you the truth I didn’t think you were the marrying kind.’
‘What you mean?’ She spoke more sharply than she’d intended but he didn’t take offence – after all, he’d known her since she was a schoolgirl.
‘I thought you’d join the WAAFs, didn’t see you as a girl to stay at home even if you are doing war work by being on the farm.’
‘I was tempted, but when Dad had his stroke I decided I’d better stay to take care of him.’
‘No need, my girl, your housekeeper will do that a lot better than you can.’
She obviously wasn’t the only one to notice the closeness between Mrs B and her dad. ‘I think I might join up, but it will be hard being so close to aircraft and not allowed to fly them.’
‘Better than moping about here worrying whether your brothers, Jack or Greg are going to be shot down every time they fly.’
‘You’re right. Next time I go into town I’ll ask at the library.’
‘No need to do that, Ellie, you can go to the Drill Hall in London Road. It’s been set up so girls can volunteer.’
‘Then that’s where I’ll go – but I can’t until the weather clears. Are you sure they actually want new recruits when nothing much is happening?’
‘It will all start soon enough, and when it does, it makes sense to have people already trained and in place.’
The party ended as the sun set. Those who were walking home didn’t want to do so in the dark. When the final person departed, she was relieved. She’d much rather spend time with her close friends and family.
‘Is there any food left, Greg? I didn’t get the chance to eat.’
‘Neither did I, shall we go and investigate?’
Jack and Neil were in the dining room piling their plates. ‘We’re going to eat before we go out again. Mrs B is making tea and coffee and said she’ll bring it through.’
‘She and her friends did a splendid job. The washing-up’s done and only what’s left in here will need clearing later,’ her brother said.
‘I’ve not seen Dad for a while, is he all right?’
‘He went upstairs for a lie down on Mrs B’s insistence. I can’t remember seeing him so relaxed in company before – I think he might have even enjoyed the party.’
‘That would be a first,’ she replied through a mouthful of cold chicken and chutney.
*
Whilst the men were outside taking care of the livestock she helped Mrs B wash-up the remaining crockery and put it away. ‘You must thank your friends for their help, they worked so hard making sure everything went swimmingly.’
‘They went home with a basket full of goodies – I hope you don’t mind. None of them had done a lot of extra cooking as they were on their own. They all ate their Christmas dinner with family.’
‘I’m glad you did. The boys have to catch the ten o’clock train tomorrow so I’m going to spend the evening with Greg – I don’t know when we’ll be able to meet again.’
If she did join the WAAFs it would be even more difficult to see him as she could be sent anywhere in the country.
‘I just hope things can be sorted out with the solicitor, my Fred doesn’t need the aggravation.’
Ellie was a bit startled that Dad had not only told Mrs B but that the housekeeper now considered him her property. Things would change if they got married and she wasn’t sure she wanted to be here then.
*
Although she and Greg had spent a couple of hours alone together last night they’d only discussed how they were going to meet in the future, how they were going to stop the lawyers forcing the sale of the farm, and what was likely to be Hitler’s next move. She hadn’t told him she’d decided to join the WAAFs, as he would probably object. Until they were married, as far as she was concerned, she was free to make her own decisions. Loving someone
didn’t mean they owned you.
Over breakfast Dad told her what he’d decided about the solicitor’s letter. ‘I’m going to put the farm in Neil’s name, then they can’t make me sell it. Not that I was going to. I’m taking Jack’s car and going into the office this morning to get it sorted.’
She’d wondered why he was not in his usual overalls but in a smart tweed jacket and tie.
‘That’s an excellent idea, Dad, but I want Ellie’s name down as well.’
She swallowed a lump in her throat knowing exactly why her brother had made this suggestion. Both he and George might be killed and they all thought she was going to be remaining here helping on the farm.
‘Righto, son, I’ll do that. If you don’t get off, you’re going to miss that train. Take care of yourselves, boys, and keep in touch.’
There wasn’t room in the cab for all four of them so Jack volunteered to travel in the back with the two bicycles. Ellie was dreading having to drive to Romford when the roads were lethal but she wasn’t going to ask one of the boys to drive as she would still have to do the return journey herself.
‘I’ll get the truck started, it can be a bit tricky when it’s cold even though it’s been standing in a barn with a blanket over it,’ Ellie said as she pushed her chair back.
‘The bikes are already in. We’ll be out in a jiffy,’ Jack said.
They arrived at the station without incident and she was rather proud of her driving skills. Neil got out to help Jack get the bicycles down, leaving her with Greg.
‘I don’t want you to ring at a set time anymore, Greg, just when you can. I’ll write to you, but not every day, once a week seems sensible.’
‘I agree, we are both too busy to keep up the daily correspondence. I don’t suppose I’ll see you for a few weeks – not until the weather improves anyway. I’m going to miss you, darling, but knowing you’re safe here away from the action will keep me focused on what I have to do.’
Perhaps now was the time to tell him her decision – but she kept the information to herself not wishing to spoil their parting with an argument.
Heartwarming and emotional story of one girl's courage in WW2 Page 22