Joanna was on edge all morning, waiting for the arrival of the WAAF officer. She was worried whoever it was might find the accommodation unsatisfactory and remove all the girls. Although she still had a satisfactory financial cushion – so to speak – from selling David’s hunters, she didn’t want to dip into that as she was quite certain there would be other unexpected expenses over the next months and years.
‘You’re daydreaming, my dear, I’m quite sure you didn’t hear a word I just said.’
‘I’m so sorry, Elizabeth, I can’t settle this morning. I’ll be glad when this inspection’s over. Thank goodness Millie took that other wretched girl away with her when they marched to the base this morning.’
‘Good heavens, it’s over two miles by road. The poor things will be quite exhausted before they’ve even started their day’s work. Do sit down, Joanna, and I’ll tell you again what you obviously didn’t hear.’
‘Actually, I heard most of it. You’ve found the name of an excellent solicitor in Ramsgate and have invited him to visit us this afternoon. You’ve also made an appointment at Coutts for next week.’ She smiled at her mother-in-law. ‘There, did I get it right?’
Elizabeth had begun to use the telephone with enthusiasm and had even answered it on occasion.
‘You did indeed. I have found my financial documents and wanted to share those with you.’
‘Good heavens, you don’t need to do that. It’s absolutely none of my business.’
‘Oh, but it is. I know we started off badly, but I believe we’ve come to an understanding. I’m hoping that this can be my home until I die. I intend to change my will and leave everything to you – that’s if there’s anything to leave after we’ve paid off the bank.’
Joanna was uncomfortable talking about money, especially as she had absolutely none. They’d not heard from that objectionable solicitor since he’d departed in a huff, but she’d already written to the firm asking for everything relating to the family to be sent to them and telling them that they would no longer be representing Goodwill House.
She was worried that someone even more unpleasant from that firm would appear at the door to harangue her. She smiled, thinking that Elizabeth could deal with it as she was more than capable of sending anyone packing.
‘Of course this is your home, as it is mine, let’s just hope that somehow we can keep it out of the hands of the bank. If only David had been more honest about our financial situation then I would have been better prepared.’
‘I rather think that my son dashed off with such alacrity because of the way he left things. Have you considered, my dear, that his intention was to die fighting for his country and thus save you from having to pay death duties?’
‘Suicide by war? I had thought the same thing. But him dying doesn’t help us at all, really, does it? He knew the bank would foreclose but couldn’t possibly know that you’d be here and offer to settle the mortgages.’
‘I was thinking, my dear, that both of us should perhaps pretend to be more grief-stricken than we actually are. His tenants and villagers will expect you to be in black at least for a few weeks. Your housekeeper was telling me that there are several families who have lost family members too.’
‘You’re absolutely right. We’ve been carrying on as if nothing untoward has occurred at all.’
‘Baxter has already sorted things out for us – shall we retire and change into mourning? It might make this queen bee less officious and will certainly be expected by the solicitor who’s coming later.’
The almost monosyllabic Baxter was now also acting as Joanna’s dresser – a kind thought of Elizabeth’s – and it was certainly easier having someone sorting out one’s clothes.
There was no longer any need to worry about her mother-in-law ascending or descending the stairs as she’d regained her joie de vivre and looked positively robust for someone of her years.
Joanna had barely buttoned up the front of her plain black frock when someone knocked on the front door. She checked that her hair was neatly pinned into its French pleat and hurried along to Elizabeth’s apartment.
‘I was hoping you would wait for me, my dear. My word, don’t we both look incredibly drab. I expect they’ll be holding a memorial service of some sort for David and the others fairly soon – have you spoken to the new vicar about it?’
‘I haven’t – he’s not actually here yet. His wife and children are living at the vicarage and the curate has joined the army as a padre. I’m hoping someone will take the service this coming Sunday.’
Liza was halfway up the stairs by the time they reached the gallery. ‘My lady, an ever so bossy WAAF officer and two others have come to see where the girls sleep. I’ve told her to wait in the hall.’
‘Thank you, Liza, we’re coming now. Would you be kind enough to show them around?’
‘Be happy to, my lady, it’s all tickety-boo in them rooms. Not a speck of dust nor nothing anywhere. Them girls have laid out their kit on the bed or folded neatly like – I ain’t seen anything like it in my life. What a blooming waste of time, if you ask me.’
Joanna smiled. ‘I hope you don’t say anything like that to the officer coming to have a look, Liza. However, I do agree with you. I think a lot of what goes on in the services would be considered a waste of time by a civilian. I think it’s to do with discipline.’
‘Righty-ho, my lady. Shall I be bringing tea to the drawing room for them?’
Elizabeth clicked her tongue. ‘Good heavens, absolutely not, child. We don’t entertain such people in our drawing room.’
Millie, as a witness to the event the night before, gave her account and was then told to wait in an empty office for the officer, who wished to speak to her. Was she in trouble? Had there been some discrepancy in the way the girls had laid out their kit?
She’d told Ted she wouldn’t be long and hoped he’d wait for her. After pacing the room for twenty minutes, Flying Officer Jones stalked in.
‘LACW 342, I am impressed with your work here. I’m having three drivers sent to you immediately. I’ve inspected the new accommodation on the base and it’s perfectly adequate for occupation. You will move your girls next week and will be promoted to corporal.’
Millie saluted. She couldn’t find the words, but at least her arm still worked. Eventually she recovered the power of speech. ‘When will the other girls be coming? Presumably an officer will arrive with them as well as other more senior NCOs.’
‘I doubt that the main contingent will be here until July. Obviously, when they arrive, things will be reorganised but until then you will be in charge. Don’t let me down.’
‘No, ma’am, I won’t.’
She saluted a second time and the woman returned the gesture, turned on her heel and marched out, every inch an officer. Now she had even more to tell Ted.
She rushed around to the back of the building and at first didn’t see him. Then, after careful inspection, she saw his feet – the rest of him was hidden behind a corner of the building. She ran eagerly towards him and burst around the corner.
‘Ted, Ted, I’m to be a corporal!’
He’d been dozing with the newspaper over his face and woke with a start when she spoke to him. He sat up so abruptly the deckchair collapsed and he was flat on his back on the grass. She was laughing so much she could scarcely speak.
‘Here, take my hand and I’ll help you to extricate yourself from that fearsome beast.’ He’d somehow got his legs entangled in the canvas and one arm was hooked around the wooden frame.
He was laughing as much as she was. She leaned down and braced herself. Instead of pulling himself up, he yanked her hand and she ended up on his lap.
‘That was unfair, Flying Officer Thorrington. It wasn’t my fault you made a ninny of yourself. Kindly release me, sir, or we’ll find ourselves on a charge for behaviour unbecoming.’
‘Good god, you sound like something out of Jane Austen novel.’
He didn’t let her go but did the reverse. One arm was firmly around her waist and his other hand cupped the back of her head and held it whilst he looked into her eyes. His were the deepest blue with strange purple flecks. She was mesmerised. If she’d struggled, if she’d really wanted to be free, he’d have let her go immediately.
A wave of something strange washed over her and instead of pulling away, she relaxed into his embrace. The touch of his lips on hers was magical. Everything a first kiss should be and more. A blissful few minutes later, he lifted her and replaced her on her feet and then with remarkable agility was standing beside her, the wreck of the deckchair at his feet.
Things had changed between them and it wasn’t just the kiss, although that had helped. ‘I’ve never had a boyfriend, that was the first kiss I’ve ever had and I must say it was absolutely splendid.’
He reached up and straightened her cap, which had slid over one eye. ‘I’m not sure I should tell you this, Millie, but I’ve never had a serious girlfriend and that was my first kiss too. I agree it was absolutely spiffing.’ His eyes twinkled and she loved the way he was teasing her.
‘Then we’ll learn about things together. I don’t want to rush into anything serious, do you?’
He’d turned his back and was reassembling the deckchair. ‘It just fell apart but I think whoever it belongs to won’t notice there’s anything wrong until he sits on it.’
‘Don’t talk about deckchairs, Ted, you didn’t answer my question.’
Slowly he faced her. ‘I think it’s too late for both of us. I’m already in love with you – I think I was from the moment I saw you in your twilights stuck on the fence.’
‘I don’t know what being in love should be like. I think you’re the most wonderful man in the world, the handsomest, the bravest, the kindest and the most intelligent – does that mean I’m in love with you?’
His laughter made her blood fizz around her limbs. ‘I think it means that you’re somewhat biased, my darling girl. I also hope that it means you reciprocate my feelings.’
Without hesitation, she stepped back into his arms and rested her face against his chest. She fitted perfectly within his embrace, as if she was meant to be there.
‘We can’t get engaged or anything like that…’
‘I wasn’t aware that I’d asked you to marry me – but whatever your feelings on the matter, Corporal Cunningham, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that we will be married – maybe not this year but certainly next.’
She tipped her head back and was going to say something sensible but he kissed her instead and she forgot what it was she’d been going to say.
‘Shall we find the NAAFI van? It would probably be safer to talk in public.’
‘I’ve only known you a couple of weeks – how can we be in love and talking about getting married after so short a time?’ Millie was genuinely puzzled and wanted an answer, but he shook his head and smiled down at her.
‘Don’t ask me questions like that, it’s taken me as much by surprise as you. We’re far too young, there’s a war on, but I just thank God that we did meet, as now I’ve got something real to fight for.’
They remained hand in hand until they reached the edge of the building and then quickly separated. ‘I’m going to put this deckchair back where I found it and tidy myself up. I think you can see your reflection in that window – your hat is still at rather a jaunty angle.’
He was chuckling to himself as he strode off, swinging the deckchair in a manner that risked it falling apart again. She watched him until he vanished around the corner and wanted to turn cartwheels, hug herself and dance.
Instead, she pulled herself together, checked her appearance in the window and was every inch a senior NCO by the time he returned.
Ted now understood why he’d behaved so out of character earlier – falling in love with a beautiful young woman had given him the courage to stand up for himself. Life had always been a mystery to him – he wasn’t a religious man and, like most of the blokes, attended church parade because it was mandatory – but suddenly it all made sense.
He’d been sent to Manston so that he could meet Millie. If he’d remained with his Spitfire squadron, as he’d hoped, their paths would never have crossed. Now, not only did he have her in his life, he was also back with his beloved Spit.
Yesterday he would have hovered with the deckchair hidden behind his back, hoping no one would see him replace it, but today he just parked it where he’d found it, and didn’t give a damn if anyone complained.
He exited through the rear of the building, as that was the nearest place to where he’d left Millie, and sure enough, she was waiting there, looking smart as paint. Her lovely smile made him feel a giant among men and he couldn’t help but be aware that several chaps looked at him enviously.
‘I know we’re not supposed to fraternise, but what about sharing my bicycle when we go the NAFFI van?’ Millie said. ‘I keep it hidden under an old tarpaulin behind the Officers’ Mess. It’s a good thing we haven’t been leaving our bikes in the woods behind the fence, as we wouldn’t be able to access them now.’
‘I’ve got my own bicycle – Dickie Bird gave it to me. It’s got wayward steering, very little braking power, but apart from that, is absolutely fine.’
‘Where do you hide it so the other chaps don’t steal it?’
He smiled. ‘It’s so dilapidated nobody would bother. It’s that one over there, leaning drunkenly against the wall, no other bicycles anywhere near it.’
She giggled. ‘I’m not surprised it’s in isolation – it doesn’t look at all safe. However, as I don’t have to ride it, that’s not my problem.’
Her bicycle was almost new and he whistled in appreciation.
‘As a member of the motor pool, we get a smart bike to use. There have to be some perks as we get paid less than anybody else – even someone in catering gets more than us.’
He heaved his bike upright, checked there was still sufficient air in the ancient tyres, and swung his leg over the crossbar before answering.
‘That doesn’t make any sense – you have to undergo a three-month training and the girls in the mess learn on the job. Mind you, Joan, a nice girl that I chat to occasionally, told me she’d just come back from a butchery course.’
‘I don’t care. I could have been something hush-hush and got paid a lot more, but Di and I wanted something practical and wanted to work outside. I love driving – the bigger the vehicle, the better I like it.’
From his higher vantage point, he scanned the base. ‘The van must be with the Aussies – I can see a huddle of flyers at the side of the huts. Are you sure you want to brave the Blenheim squadrons?’
She was already pedalling furiously along the apron in the direction he’d indicated. He took off after her and was worried that something vital would fall off his ride before they got there, the speed they were travelling.
She dismounted whilst the bike was still in motion – obviously something she did frequently – but he doubted she did it very often wearing a skirt, as she was normally in overalls. He was impressed that she hadn’t come a cropper. She was the most amazing girl and he couldn’t believe his luck that she’d chosen him out of the thousand or so men on the base.
He pushed his clanking cycle alongside her. ‘I’ll always have a fondness for your twilights.’
She returned his smile. ‘I wonder if you’d still love me if I’d been wearing my blackouts – now they are really unattractive.’
‘You’d look beautiful wearing a sack. I still can’t believe my luck. If you hadn’t been posted here, I’d never have met you.’
‘You might have done – but anyway, it doesn’t matter. We have met and that’s all that matters. Look, you were right, the van’s doing a roaring trade just over there.’
Ted had expected them to be greeted with ribald comments, sly grins and other risqué remarks from the uncouth Australian pilots, but the reverse was true. Nobody said anything untoward – they were treated with respect and were urged to go to the front of the queue and not wait in line.
Today there were hot choices as well as the usual sandwiches and so on. In fact, now he looked more closely, he realised this was a new vehicle – bigger and better equipped than the last one.
‘This is very swish, isn’t it, Ted? It’s about time you boys got decent food when you’re waiting to be scrambled. I’m going to have a meat pie, tea and an iced finger. What about you?’
He nodded at the woman waiting to serve him in her less than flattering green uniform. The WVS frock was as unattractive as the overalls that Millie wore when working.
‘I’ll have the same, thanks.’ He paid and was glad she didn’t insist on going Dutch. They took the food back to their bicycles, both aware that someone stealing hers would be fair game if it was left unattended for long.
One of the blokes pointed to the bicycles. ‘Now we know that’s yours, darling, we’ll not borrow it. Yours is safe enough, Ted, only a lunatic like you would ride it.’
‘That’s the only reason I’m still in possession of my own transport,’ he shouted back with a friendly grin.
They found themselves a patch of relatively clean grass and sat down, neither of them bothered about the possibility of getting mud on their uniforms.
‘You get on well with the Aussies, Millie. I expected more banter when we appeared together.’
‘I do like most of them, but it’s not because of me they were being so polite – you’re held in very high regard by everybody here. I shouldn’t be surprised if you don’t get another promotion.’
‘I don’t want it – there are men here who have been serving longer than me and I outrank them already. I don’t want to be a Flight Lieutenant – well, at least, not at the moment – I’m perfectly happy being a Flying Officer.’