The Spitfire Sisters

by Margaret Dickinson

  Ted’s mouth dropped open. ‘You’re kidding me! A young lass like that flying Spitfires and the like. No!’

  ‘Not Spitfires yet. Though she can’t wait to fly them.’

  ‘Get away. Well, I’ve heard it all now.’ He turned to his wife. ‘You hear that, Mabel? This lass ’ere flies all sorts of planes, taking ’em to the likes of this young feller for him to keep Hitler at bay.’ In his enthusiasm, the man hadn’t quite got it right, but Johnny didn’t bother to correct him. He, if no one else, was confident that it wouldn’t be long before Daisy and the other ATA girls were flying Hurricanes and Spitfires, to say nothing of Wellingtons.

  Johnny glanced up to the roof of the tunnel they were sitting in. ‘I should be up there now, trying to stop his bombers.’

  ‘You can’t fly twenty-four hours a day, young feller. Even you’ve got to get a break now and again. Now,’ he wagged his finger, ‘if you’ll take a bit of advice from me, get a ring on this lass’s finger before you miss your chance, ’cos I’ll tell you now, if I was thirty years younger—’ His remark earned him a sharp dig in the ribs from Mabel, but he only laughed and winked broadly at Johnny.

  ‘D’you know, Ted? I think I will.’

  ‘Don’t think about it, lad, do it!’

  Thirty-Two

  The air raid lasted over an hour, during which time Johnny sat with the child cradled in his right arm and his left arm around Daisy, ignoring the stiffness in his shoulder that her weight was causing him. He would have borne any cramp for a week if it meant he could hold Daisy close.

  As the all-clear sounded, she stirred and the child, too, woke up and began to whimper again when he found he was in the arms of a stranger. People began to move, picking up their belongings and heading towards the stairs.

  ‘Alfie! Alfie!’ They heard her voice echoing down the platform long before they could see her.

  ‘Mum!’ The child shouted so loud that Johnny felt his right ear tingle.

  ‘Alfie – where are you?’

  Then they saw her, thrusting her way through and dragging two other children with her.

  Daisy waved. ‘Over here. He’s here . . .’ And Alfie cried out again. And then she was in front of them, reaching out for her boy and clasping him to her, whilst Alfie wound his arms around her neck and clung to her, still crying, but now with relief and thankfulness.

  ‘Oh, thank you, thank you for looking after him. Gawd bless you. I thought he was holding onto me coat. It wasn’t till I got to the bottom of the steps that I realized he’d let go. And then, I couldn’t find him. I’ve been so terrified he was still up top.’

  ‘We’ll help you. Here, Daisy, you take the little girl’s hand and we’ll make sure you all get up the stairs safely. Do you live far from here?’

  ‘No, just round the corner. This is the safest place to come, but it’s always crowded.’

  As they parted at the top of the steps, Johnny asked, ‘Are you sure you’ll be all right now?’

  ‘We will and thanks again.’

  Johnny and Daisy walked back to the dance hall, only to find some of their friends looking forlorn.

  ‘The bus has been damaged in the raid. God knows how we’re going to get back to camp. Phil has rung the adjutant. He’s hopping mad, but I don’t think we can get back tonight, so we’re all going to find a hotel. What about you two?’

  Johnny glanced down at Daisy. ‘Shall we do the same?’

  ‘I think we’ll have to. It’s a bit late to descend on Aunty Milly or Uncle Mitch, isn’t it?’

  Johnny laughed. ‘Maybe, but I don’t think they’ll be asleep. That’s if Aunty Milly is even here. No, you’re right. We’ll find somewhere to stay.’

  In a small but clean and friendly hotel, Johnny found them a twin room and they slept chastely only three feet apart, both yearning to be in each other’s arms, but not saying a word.

  With alternative transport arranged, they all returned to camp.

  ‘I think I’ll have to report for duty, Daisy,’ Johnny said, when they alighted from the bus bringing them back to Duxford. ‘Even though I’ve still got another few hours left. After last night’s escapade, I don’t think I’d better push my luck.’

  ‘No, and I’d better see if my aircraft is ready.’

  ‘Oh, it will be,’ Johnny said swiftly, without stopping to think what he was saying.

  ‘Have you seen Jimmy?’

  ‘Er – well, no, not exactly.’

  ‘Johnny,’ she said warningly, ‘what’s going on?’

  ‘Erm – I’ve a confession to make.’

  Daisy pretended to adopt a serious expression, but could hardly suppress her giggles. ‘Go on.’

  ‘I – um – got my mate to say that there was something wrong with the Moth so that you’d be forced to stay the night.’

  She stared at him and then could contain her laughter no longer. ‘How did you know it would be me coming?’

  ‘I didn’t. We just arranged that if I brought a girl to see him, it’d be you.’

  ‘You could have got us both on a charge and the poor aircraft fitter as well.’

  ‘Not really,’ Johnny said smiling, relieved to see that she was not angry with him. ‘No one ever argues with an aircraft fitter. If they say an aeroplane can’t fly, then it can’t fly. Even Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding wouldn’t dare argue with Jimmy.’

  Impulsively, he took her hands into his. He had no idea when he might see her again. ‘Look, Daisy, you must know how I feel about you. Just tell me one thing. Have I a chance or are you really going to marry Luke – or even Harry, like he’s always saying?’

  For a moment, Daisy stood completely still, her heart hammering so loudly in her chest that she was sure he must hear it. For a moment, she couldn’t speak.

  At last, huskily, she said, ‘No, I don’t know how you feel about me. You’ve never said.’

  ‘I thought women knew these things. Daisy Maitland, I have been in love with you for years, probably since the very first time I met you. Only I thought you and Luke—’

  Daisy’s eyes were shining and she was shaking her head vigorously. ‘No, there’s nothing like that between me and Luke – at least not on my side anyway. Nor with Harry. I love them both dearly – they’re like the brothers I never had – but marry them, heavens, no!’

  ‘Oh Daisy, Daisy.’ He pulled her into his arms and there, on the windswept airfield, not caring who saw them, he kissed her soundly.

  ‘And if that gets me on a charge,’ he murmured against her lips as, at last, they broke apart, ‘then it was worth it.’

  Although she desperately wanted to stay longer now, Daisy was obliged to take off. She circled once, waving to Johnny on the airfield below, and then set course for Henlow. After that, she knew she would have to return to Hatfield and somehow, sometime very soon, she would have to try to get a delivery to Tangmere to see Luke if she could.

  This was something she must tell him herself.

  On the same day that Daisy was flying to Duxford, and, as it turned out, into Johnny’s arms, Gill was landing at Tangmere.

  As she taxied to a halt and climbed down, she asked the fitter, ‘D’you know if Luke Cooper is here?’

  ‘He was earlier, miss. Try the mess.’

  She knew where it was, but hesitated at the door. This was the airmen’s domain.

  ‘Looking for someone, miss?’ a friendly voice spoke behind her. She turned swiftly but her heart sank. It wasn’t Luke.

  ‘I – er – um – yes. Luke Cooper. D’you know him?’

  ‘I think he’s in here playing cards and probably losing all his money. Come on in.’

  He held open the door for her and she stepped inside. Several faces turned in her direction and began to smile, but there was only one who stood up quickly, his chair falling over behind him.

  ‘Gill! What a lovely surprise.’ Luke came towards her. ‘How long can you stay?’

  ‘Only till the Anson picks me up.’

 
; ‘Is Daisy flying that today?’

  Gill felt her heart sink. It was Daisy – always Daisy – he wanted to see. As if rubbing salt in the wound, he said, ‘Where is she today?’

  ‘Gone to Duxford.’

  ‘Ah. She might see Johnny.’ He paused and then asked, ‘Is there anything between them, d’you know? I think you’d know if anyone would.’

  ‘I . . .’ Tears choked her throat but she held them back and said bravely, ‘I really don’t know, Luke.’

  ‘I really want to see her – to talk to her. Sooner rather than later. Perhaps you’d tell her that for me, would you? Maybe I can come over on my motorcycle some time.’

  Gill sighed deep inside herself. It looked as if she had no chance with Luke, yet she knew now that she had been in love with him for months, maybe even years, since she had first met him when he’d been visiting Daisy at Studley.

  You see, she told herself sharply, it’s always been Daisy. It’s obvious now that he wants to see her to make sure there’s nothing going on between her and Johnny. Why do you go on torturing yourself over someone you obviously can’t have?

  She forced a bright smile on her face. ‘What have you been doing recently?’

  Luke pulled a face. ‘Same as usual. Still trying to keep control of the skies over Britain and to prevent enemy bombers getting through.’ For a moment his face was bleak. Gill wanted to touch his arm, but she gripped her hand into a fist to prevent it reaching out to him. Instead she said, ‘You’re one of those whom Churchill calls “The Few”. You should all be very proud. You’re the ones standing between us and being invaded.’

  He nodded, but did not meet her gaze.

  ‘It’s – not easy,’ he murmured. ‘It’s all we can think about just now. Your personal life goes on hold.’

  A little later, as he walked with her to where the Anson waited, Gill pressed her lips together to stop herself blurting out all that she so dearly wanted to say to him because now she knew she could never tell him just how very much she loved him.

  Back at Hatfield eventually, Daisy sought out Gill.

  ‘Have you seen Gill?’ she asked Violet.

  ‘She’s on a delivery up north somewhere. Won’t be back till tomorrow.’

  Daisy didn’t see Gill for three days. She continued her own deliveries and their paths didn’t cross until the fourth day, not even at the billet they shared.

  ‘There you are,’ she said, finding Gill sitting at a table, a cup of coffee in front of her, stirring it absentmindedly and staring into the far distance. She jumped at the sound of Daisy’s voice. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d’ve thought you were avoiding me.’

  Gill smiled weakly and dropped her gaze, now looking intently into her coffee.

  ‘Don’t tell me you’ve got sugar in that. You’re stirring it to death.’ Daisy cocked her head on one side. ‘What’s up, Gill? Have you had some bad news?’

  ‘No. I – um . . . No.’

  ‘There’s something wrong. Come on, you can tell me whatever it is.’

  Gill shook her head and got up suddenly from the table, almost knocking her coffee over.

  ‘Sorry. I’ve got to go. I’ll – see you later.’

  Daisy watched her friend rush from the room. She was puzzled. There was definitely something troubling Gill, but Daisy couldn’t understand what it could possibly be that she felt unable to confide in her closest friend. With a sigh Daisy collected and ate her evening meal and then, yawning – it had been a long four days – walked the short distance to their digs. Gill was already in bed, lying on her side facing the wall and curled up into the foetal position, making it obvious that she didn’t want to talk. With a sigh, Daisy quietly got ready for bed. She was tired and sleep would not be long in coming, but just as she drifted off, she was sure she heard a muffled sob from the other bed.

  Thirty-Three

  At the end of September, after a fortnight of solid flying operations, Luke was due leave and, deciding to use his precious petrol allowance, he travelled to Lincolnshire on his motorcycle. He needed to talk to Sam and his mother, if no one else at this point. They would keep his secret and he was sure they would understand too.

  ‘This is a lovely surprise,’ Peggy said, beaming, scuttling around her kitchen to get him something to eat.

  ‘Don’t go to any trouble, Mam.’

  ‘Trouble! It isn’t trouble to look after my boy. That’s what mothers do, Luke.’

  He grinned sheepishly and allowed her to fuss over him. After all the weeks and months of worry, he knew it was what she needed to do.

  ‘Dad and Bernard will be home soon and then we can have a proper tea.’

  ‘How’s everyone?’

  ‘We’re all fine, really. Times are difficult – I don’t need to tell you that – but in general, we’re all faring pretty well.’ Her face sobered. ‘We hear that London is suffering dreadfully under the bombing.’

  ‘They are. It’s so tough for civilians. They just have to sit there and take it. They can’t do anything. At least we can get into our Spitfires and chase the buggers. Sorry, Mam.’

  She smiled and gestured with her hand, indicating that she understood.

  ‘No – bad news yet?’ Luke asked. Several young men from the village were serving in the forces.

  Peggy shook her head as if to put aside that question; it was something she didn’t like to think about when both her sons were flying.

  ‘Most of the men have joined the Local Defence Volunteers, only they’ve changed the name now to the Home Guard. Dr Everton is the captain and your dad is his sergeant. Dr Maitland, senior, that is, is just a member of the platoon. Evidently he didn’t want to take on any responsibility, but he’s enjoying being a part of it. And Mrs Maitland has got all us women working for the WVS.’ She laughed. ‘Even Granny Nuttall.’

  Luke grinned. ‘Not taken to her bed this time, then?’

  Clara Nuttall was a legend in the village for taking to her bed every time something catastrophic happened in her life. The first time had been when her only son, Sam, had enlisted in the Great War. On that occasion, it had been Henrietta and old Ma Dawson who had prised her out of her bed. The second time – that Luke knew of – was when Sam had married Peggy, when she was pregnant with his baby. Clara had not wanted him to marry a girl who already had one illegitimate child and was now expecting another. That time it had been Pips to the rescue.

  ‘Not even when Harry went?’ Luke asked with a chuckle. Harry was Clara’s blood grandson whereas Luke was not, though everyone always treated the boys equally, apart from Len Dawson, who never seemed to tire of pointing out that Harry was not his blood relative.

  ‘Surprisingly, no, but, yet again, I think Mrs Maitland helped there, either deliberately or inadvertently – I’m not sure which. She’d already signed Clara up to WVS work.’

  ‘Aunty Hetty’s a wonderful woman,’ Luke murmured, wondering how the Maitlands would react to his news when they eventually heard about it. The last thing he wanted was to lose their friendship and respect.

  ‘She’s been so good to your Aunty Betty, you know. She’s got a job there as personal maid to both Mrs Maitland and Alice for the rest of her life.’ Peggy’s face sobered. ‘She wouldn’t have much of a life if it wasn’t for them.’

  Betty’s fiancé, Roy Dawson, had been killed on the Somme with his other two brothers, Bernard, and Luke’s father, Harold.

  ‘I’ve been so lucky to have Sam. There weren’t enough men to go round after we lost so many in the last war. There are a lot of spinsters from that generation and your Aunty Betty is one of them.’

  Luke forbore to say that the very same thing might happen again this time round.

  ‘And he’s been a good dad to you, hasn’t he?’ Peggy went on, knowing nothing of Luke’s sober thoughts.

  ‘He has indeed. I couldn’t have asked for a better stepfather, Mam, so don’t you ever worry about that.’

  ‘I don’t, Luke. I can see with me own e
yes just how fond you are of each other. He’ll be that pleased to see you home. It’s just a shame Harry’s not here too.’

  ‘Has he been home recently?’

  ‘A couple of weeks back. I think he’s still training to be a bomber pilot, though he doesn’t tell us a lot.’ She set a steaming cup of tea in front of him and two buttered scones. ‘There, that’ll tide you over till tea’s ready.’ She bent towards him, her eyes sparkling with fun. ‘He didn’t stay long. We reckon he’s got a girlfriend.’

  Luke, with a piece of scone halfway to his mouth, paused and stared at her. ‘A – a girlfriend?’

  Peggy nodded. ‘He couldn’t stop talking about a WAAF called Lucy, who works where he’s stationed. And he only stopped the one night with us, even though we knew he had three days’ leave.’

  ‘But – I thought . . .’

  She sat down on the opposite side of the table. ‘Yes, I know what you’re going to say. Daisy. All that about him going to marry Daisy one day was obviously childish nonsense. I think it was to try to compete with you. After all, it’s always been you and Daisy, hasn’t it? And now, you must excuse me while I get the tea on. You sit by the fire and read the paper. Sam and Bernard will be home soon and then we can all have tea together and a nice chat.’

  As Luke settled himself into one of the armchairs, he sighed. Chat they certainly would, but whether it was going to be ‘nice’ remained to be seen.

  At Hatfield, the ferry pilots were busy. All types of aircraft were needed all over the country and, during the daylight hours, the men, and the girls too, felt as if they were flying non-stop. Daisy and Gill hardly saw each other, but Daisy still had the feeling that Gill was doing her best to avoid her.

  ‘D’you know what’s wrong with Gill?’ Daisy asked Violet, who had become their closest friend amongst the other ATA women, as they walked to the airfield. Violet rented a room in a house close to where Daisy and Gill lived and they often walked into work together. But this morning, Gill had risen and disappeared before Daisy had woken up.

  ‘Not a clue,’ Violet replied cheerily, ‘though, now you mention it, she does seem a bit glum. D’you want me to have a word?’