by Ellie Dean
‘But surely,’ said Sybil, ‘if the Americans finally enter the war then the Pacific will be safe from further Japanese attack?’ Her voice was unsteady as she clung to Jock’s strong arm, her expression full of hope. ‘We’ll be all right, won’t we, Jock?’
‘Our forces are the very best in the world,’ he replied firmly. ‘Allied to the might of America, we’ll soon have these Japs on the run. They don’t have the stomach for real fighting – that was proved during their war with China – so we’ll be quite safe.’
‘Absolutely, sir,’ said Philip. ‘Our new defences in Singapore are so strong that I doubt any of us will get the chance to actually see any real action – more’s the pity.’ He took Sarah’s hand. ‘Your father and I must go to Kuala Lumpur. The local Defence League has sent out a call for every member to attend an emergency meeting. I’ll try to telephone you later today.’
She stood, shocked by how badly she was trembling. ‘But you won’t be going north to fight, or anything, will you, Philip?’
‘I shouldn’t think so,’ he said with rather more disappointment than Sarah wanted to hear. ‘I’m only a volunteer, after all, and our chaps upcountry will soon have the blighters back in the sea.’
‘I’ll get dressed and follow on,’ said Jock as he drained his cup of fragrant tea and then strode out of the room.
Philip drew Sarah into his embrace. ‘We may be away for some time,’ he murmured. ‘But don’t worry. I’ll look after Jock.’
‘See that you do,’ said Sybil, her voice unsteady. ‘The silly man’s likely to shoot himself in the foot with all the excitement.’ She blinked away her unshed tears and hurried out of the room.
Philip’s hand was strong and warm as he led Sarah towards the front door, but despite his calm veneer, Sarah could almost feel the excitement building inside him – and that terrified her, for she’d seen it reflected in her father’s eyes – and excitement led to carelessness and even the euphoric belief that they were invincible.
Once outside, he took her swiftly into his arms again and kissed her. ‘Try not to fret, my darling. We British know how to fight, and every man on this peninsula is ready to do his bit to protect all we hold dear.’
‘That’s exactly what I’m afraid of,’ she admitted, her words muffled by his shirt.
He drew back and tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ears as he looked down into her eyes. ‘But it won’t ever come to that, Sarah. The Japs are just sabre-rattling and trying to scare us. We aren’t Pearl Harbor – we’re very well prepared.’
This didn’t sound at all reassuring in the circumstances, and she couldn’t help but voice her doubts. ‘But if they’ve got through our radar and reached the beaches, then surely—’
‘They won’t get much further,’ he said flatly.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Positive.’
They fell silent as they stood there above the forest canopy, their gazes locked, the words she really wanted to say imprisoned by a dreadful sense that if articulated, they might tempt fate and bring about disaster.
His eyes were very dark as he traced his fingers tenderly over her cheek. ‘I have to go,’ he murmured regretfully. ‘It’s a long drive to KL.’
Sarah nodded, unable to speak through the lump that had lodged in her throat.
Philip seemed to understand, for he cupped her cheek and softly kissed her lips. ‘I’ll be back tonight to talk to your father, and then we can celebrate, my darling. Please try not to worry.’ Before she could reply, he’d turned to run down the wooden stairs to the clearing where he’d parked his truck.
Sarah stepped out onto the rain-washed veranda and cupped the precious diamond ring in her hand as he climbed behind the wheel. She struggled not to show her fear as she returned his cheerful wave.
The truck engine roared in the pre-dawn stillness, causing birds to fly from their roosts in alarm, and the monkeys to screech. And then he was gone, the headlight beams lost amid the trees, the sound of the engine dwindling to silence.
Sarah was still standing on the veranda when Jock came hurrying out several minutes later with Sybil distractedly following in his wake, her long fair hair drifting over her shoulders and her dressing gown fluttering round her ankles.
She caught a glimpse of her father’s sturdy brown knees between the voluminous shorts and long socks, and the slouch hat was rammed low over his eyes. ‘Look after your mother and sister,’ he said gruffly. ‘I doubt I’ll be back before tonight, so make sure those bills of lading are in order, and see to it that the tappers and coolies don’t take our absence as an excuse to idle about.’
He kissed her forehead, gave her a swift hug and stumped down the wooden steps to the truck parked beneath the overhanging veranda. With barely a wave, he drove away.
Sarah took her mother’s slender hand as they followed the flash of the headlights through the trees. Once they were gone, they put their arms about each other’s waist and continued to stand there as the predawn chorus of birdsong filled the already heat-laden damp air. It was only four o’clock in the morning, but already it felt as if the day had lasted for ever.
Their private thoughts were interrupted by Jane, who came running out in her nightdress, her face alight with excitement. ‘Are you going to marry Philip? Is that why he came so early to talk to Pops? Can I be a bridesmaid?’ She tossed back her tangle of long fair hair. ‘It’s all terribly romantic, isn’t it – and he’s so handsome. You are lucky, Sarah.’
Sybil drew her to her side. ‘That’s quite enough, Jane,’ she admonished softly. ‘You’re far too young to have an opinion on such things – and I don’t think Sarah is feeling frightfully lucky right at this moment.’
Jane looked at them both and frowned. ‘Then why did Philip come to see Pops in the middle of the night? And why were they wearing that uniform? Are they soldiers now?’
Sarah and Sybil exchanged glances over Jane’s head. ‘Not really, darling,’ Sybil murmured. ‘But he and your father have to dress like that when they go to KL on special business.’ She smoothed back the untidy hair and kissed her cheek. ‘I shouldn’t worry your pretty head about such things when I’m sure Wa Ling can be persuaded to cook us all pancakes for breakfast.’
Jane regarded her mother and sister thoughtfully, and Sarah suddenly wondered if Jane had a much clearer understanding of what was going on than they realised.
Sybil’s smile was tinged with sadness as she cupped Jane’s chin. ‘Go and get dressed, and let Amah brush your hair,’ she murmured.
As Jane pouted and reluctantly left the veranda, Sybil’s smile faded. ‘Your father and I agreed that it’s better if we don’t tell her too much,’ she said softly. ‘She wouldn’t understand, and we don’t want her upset by all this talk of war.’
Sarah shook her head. ‘I think Jane knows far more than we give her credit for,’ she replied. ‘We forget sometimes that although she has childlike ways, she also possesses a keen curiosity and hears a lot of things that perhaps she shouldn’t.’ She blushed. ‘And, judging by her questions just now, I suspect she overheard Philip proposing to me last night.’
Sybil reached for her hand, her smile warm and delighted. ‘Oh, my dear. I’m so pleased. Is there a ring? Can I see it?’
Sarah drew the slender chain from beneath the bodice of her dress and held out the ring so her mother could coo over it. ‘He was planning to ask Pops’ permission today, but with everything else going on it looks as if we’ll have to put our plans on hold for a while.’
‘Not at all,’ said Sybil, her eyes alight with pleasure and excitement. ‘Goodness me, it’s taken him long enough to pop the question. We can’t have him dillydallying now just because of a few little yellow men causing trouble upcountry.’
Sarah gave Sybil a gentle hug, the mound of the baby between them making it rather awkward. ‘Perhaps, when Philip and Pops get back, we could all go down to Singapore City and celebrate the occasion at Raffles?’ she said, in an effort to ke
ep the mood light. ‘We could do some shopping and have a bit of a holiday before Christmas.’
Sybil caressed the mound of her stomach where it pushed against her dressing gown. ‘I’d like that, but I’m not sure your father will agree. Baby’s not due until late February, but he’s such an old fusspot he’s refused to let me go anywhere. Besides, he won’t want to leave the plantation, and with things as they are, I actually think I’d rather stay here.’
Sarah was startled by this uncharacteristic declaration from her mother. ‘I never thought I’d hear you turn down a trip to Singapore.’
Sybil laughed and slipped her hand into the crook of Sarah’s arm. ‘The mere thought of travelling all that way in this heat is too exhausting. But don’t you dare tell your father I said that,’ she added quickly. Her smile softened and her voice was mellow. ‘Bless him. He clucks about me like a mother hen as it is. And he’s got enough to worry about without me adding to his woes.’
They walked slowly along the veranda until they came to Sybil’s bedroom. ‘I’m thrilled about Philip’s proposal,’ she said as she turned in the doorway. ‘That’s one in the eye for those old cats at the country club,’ she added with a saucy wink, ‘and I can’t wait to tell them all just how enormous that diamond is.’
Sarah kissed her mother fondly and left her to prepare for the rest of the day while she went in search of a houseboy to ask Wa Ling for the pancakes. But the happiness she should have felt over her engagement was obscured by doubt and a growing fear. For with the Japanese threatening the north-eastern shores and Philip and her father itching to get stuck into the fighting, she could no more concentrate on weddings and shopping than fly to the moon. She just wanted them home, and life to return to normal – but she sensed that things were about to change, and that nothing would be quite the same after today.
Twenty minutes later they were seated at one end of the dining table as the servants brought pots of tea and coffee, fresh milk and chafing dishes filled with delicate pancakes. Sarah and her mother did their best to appreciate the food, but neither of them was hungry, and they left Jane to do justice to Wa Ling’s efforts as they sipped their morning drinks. The talk was desultory, not only because of the rude awakening at such an early hour and the worry over Pops and Philip, but because – unlike Sarah, who was often up before dawn – Sybil had never really come to terms with being up and about much before ten, and usually had her breakfast on a tray in her bedroom.
Sarah sipped the hot, strong black coffee and tried to pull her thoughts into order. There were many things to be done in the office today, and her father expected her to keep a clear head. A shipment was due to be delivered to Singapore harbour, and she would have to check that the lorries were loaded properly, and the drivers had the appropriate documents. There were also papers to read through, and the bills of lading to organise before she even started on typing the letters and checking the weekly accounts. At least the tappers and coolies knew what was expected of them, and the Chinese foreman would see they kept to the daily routine.
Sybil interrupted her thoughts by clattering her teacup in its saucer and pushing it away. ‘As you’ll be busy for most of the day,’ she said, ‘and I can’t sit about here worrying over your father, I thought Jane and I could have a bit of a morning siesta to catch up on our sleep, and then go down to the country club so she could have a swim in the pool. I did promise Elsa Bristow I’d make up a four at bridge this afternoon, and there are always plenty of young people about to keep Jane company.’
Jane dabbed her mouth with a linen napkin and carefully placed it beside her empty plate. ‘I’d prefer to go and help Sally Bristow with her horses,’ she said tentatively.
‘You know how I feel about you and horses,’ said Sybil. ‘You’re to stay away from them, do you hear me?’
‘But I don’t see why I can’t—’
‘That’s enough,’ snapped Sybil uncharacteristically. ‘I will not have you anywhere near horses or stables – and if you continue to argue with me, you won’t go to the country club either.’
Jane bowed her head and gave a deep sigh. ‘Can I wear my new bathing costume then?’
‘Of course you may. Now run along and finish the homework your tutor set.’
Jane regarded her mother with a woeful expression. ‘Do I have to?’
‘Yes,’ said Sybil firmly. ‘Mr Dawson will be here tomorrow and he expects to see what progress you’re making on that essay.’ Sybil smiled to coax Jane out of her sulk. ‘I know it’s still frightfully early, but as you’re awake and full of breakfast, it’s the ideal time to get things done before it gets too hot.’
Jane was clearly not persuaded.
‘When you’ve finished,’ continued Sybil, ‘you can nap for a couple of hours, and then we’ll go to the club and have lunch there after your swim. And do remind Amah to pack a parasol. She always insists upon sitting right by the pool out of the shade so she can keep an eye on you, and I don’t want her getting sunstroke again.’
Still sulky, Jane nodded and slowly headed for the small study at the back of the house where her homework awaited her on the rather scratched and scruffy desk that Sarah had once used.
Sybil ran her fingers lightly over her hair, which her maid had styled into a smooth, neat chignon, and then brushed non-existent crumbs from the lightweight dress that covered her burgeoning stomach. ‘I don’t like to bully her, but she’s making excellent progress considering her difficulties, and it’s so important she’s properly educated. Her handwriting could still do with some improvement, as could her grammar.’
Sarah finished her coffee. ‘Having said that, she certainly hasn’t lost her extraordinary ability with figures,’ she replied. ‘In fact, I was wondering if she’d like to come to the office for a couple of hours a week and help with the book-keeping.’
Sybil frowned. ‘Do you think giving her that kind of responsibility is wise?’
‘I certainly think we should give her the chance to spread her wings a bit. She’s getting bored, Mother, and I’m sure Philip would agree to pay her a small wage. That way she’ll feel she’s doing something worthwhile, and will have a bit of her own money to spend.’
Sybil sighed deeply. ‘Maybe,’ she murmured, ‘but I’d square it with your father first. You know how he hates surprises – especially when it concerns his precious office.’
Sarah was about to reply when she thought she heard a roll of distant thunder. The monsoon storms had been a regular feature all week, and it sounded as if there was another on the way. But as the rumble continued and developed into something else, she felt a prickle of unease. ‘Do you hear that, Mother?’
‘It sounds as if we’re about to have yet another downpour,’ Sybil replied as she got to her feet. ‘I think I’ll go and have a lie-down before the sun comes up and the humidity gets any worse.’
Sarah pushed away from the table and stood by the open doors. ‘That isn’t thunder,’ she murmured as the hairs on the back of her neck began to prickle.
‘No, you’re right.’ Sybil turned towards the sound and frowned in concentration. ‘It’s more like the noise of lots of planes – big planes. And it’s getting nearer.’
Sarah and Sybil stepped out onto the veranda and scoured the sky for the source of that deep rumble.
It was almost half-past four in the morning and the full moon was casting bright light over the forest canopy. The sky was black, laced with tendrils of cloud – and high above them against that darkness winked the pinprick lights of many aircraft.
‘Are they ours?’ breathed Sybil.
‘I can’t tell. They’re too far away to see any insignia, and I’m not very well up on aircraft recognition. But I hope to God they are, because there’s no mistaking the fact that those are bombers.’
Sarah became aware of the house servants creeping onto the veranda, and the coolies and their families emerging from their bamboo huts to stand in the clearing and stare up at the sky. Then she felt Jane’s h
and slip into hers.
‘They look pretty,’ she said. ‘Are they going to the RAF base in Singapore?’
‘I really don’t know,’ Sarah replied carefully, her gaze still fixed on the many lights and the shark-like shadows that were now crossing the moon. There was something stealthy and sinister about them that made her skin crawl, and, as she watched, she saw the formation change, with some of the bombers taking up a much lower flight path. There was little doubt in her mind now that they were Japanese, and the Singapore airfields at Seletar and Tengah lay directly in their sights.
The sense of dread was tangible as all eyes remained fixed on those dark harbingers of death. Sarah and her mother exchanged fearful glances as Jane leaned against the veranda railing and watched the bombers slowly move out of sight.
Sarah saw how pale her mother was suddenly, and decided it was time to get Jane indoors and the servants back to their duties. ‘The show’s over,’ she said as the last bomber disappeared into the distance. The coolies and servants melted away instantly, and she turned to Jane. ‘Have you finished your homework?’
Jane looked mulish. ‘It’s boring,’ she muttered. ‘And I’m sick of being treated like a baby.’
Sarah’s reply was forestalled by a muffled boom that came from the far south and resonated through the forest canopy.
Jane clutched the railing, her eyes wide with alarm. ‘What was that?’
‘Fireworks,’ said Sybil quickly as another boom echoed the first and was swiftly followed by several more.
Jane frowned. ‘That sounded very loud,’ she replied, ‘and I can’t see any rockets or sparkles going up.’
‘That’s because they’re too far away,’ replied Sybil purposefully. ‘Go and do your homework, Jane, otherwise there will be no lunch at the club, and no swimming.’
Jane eyed her mother and sister for a long, tense moment, then turned on her heel and went indoors.
Sarah had seen the look in Jane’s eyes and the scornful curl to her lip, and it confirmed her suspicion that Jane hadn’t been fooled – that she understood all too well that something bad had happened. ‘We’ll have to tell her the truth, Mother,’ she murmured. ‘She’s not stupid and she knows something’s up.’