“Miss Harkness has secured approval of a programme to place airmarkers in 290 cities and towns [in Massachusetts]. The other 65 have already been so marked. Since her appointment a little over a month ago, Miss Harkness has also got the airmarking programme signed up in New Jersey and now she is working in Maryland.”
Boston Post, October 21, 1935
September–October 1935—Washington, DC
“We don’t have a plane,” Louise Thaden said, walking into the aircraft hangar just outside of Washington, DC, where Nancy had been told to meet up with her team, which included Louise and Helen MacCloskey. Phoebe Omlie had bowed out of the hands-on flying for the Airmarking Program, returning instead to her NACA job.
Louise Thaden’s deep-blue eyes set off her high cheekbones and brown hair. Her height was a touch over five foot eight, one of the taller female aviators Nancy had met. “This letter explains it all,” Louise continued, holding up an envelope she carried.
It was September, and Nancy had been assigned to the East Coast as her territory.
“Why not?” Helen demanded with a shake of her wavy brunette bob.
“WPA funds won’t cover it.” Louise stopped by the desk in the corner of the hangar, where Helen and Nancy pored over maps of their divided territories.
“Are we expensing our own travel?” Nancy had planned for this job to be a boon to her finances, not a drain.
Louise handed over the official-looking letter, and Nancy scanned through it, then said, “We’re to travel on regularly scheduled airlines as long as the cost doesn’t exceed rail plus Pullman.”
Pointing to the next paragraph, Louise added, “But we’re to use government aircraft and automobiles whenever they’re available.”
Helen frowned, peering at the letter. “It also says that we can use our own automobiles if we can do it more economically. We’ll be reimbursed five cents a mile.”
“Don’t,” Louise said with a laugh. “It won’t be more economical since you’ll be paying for your own car repairs.”
“The five cents a mile won’t cover that?” Nancy asked.
Louise smirked. “It sounds good in theory, but I recommend using public or government transportation.”
“It will take ages to drive to all these locations,” Nancy mused. “I’m going to book the next flight to New Jersey.” She pointed to the map. “Tomorrow.”
Louise clapped a hand on her shoulder. “That’s the way. Now, we have funds to hire two more women—so you’ll be crossing paths with them from time to time. Blanche Noyes and Helen Richey.”
Nancy hadn’t met either woman yet. She’d been part of these planning meetings for only a couple of days, and it was all wonderful so far—well, except for this change in transportation method. And she was already missing Bob. It was a strange thing to miss someone who wasn’t related to her this much. She supposed she missed her parents, but she didn’t yearn to call them every few hours or to write them lengthy letters. Which, of course, she wasn’t doing with Bob, even though she wanted to.
The sooner she started working in her territory, the better. Letters had gone out to all the towns and cities in advance of her arrival, but she knew it wouldn’t be easy. She’d packed as light as possible, adding her flight jacket, helmet, and goggles, just in case she had any chances to fly.
Throughout the first week, Nancy stuck to wearing her print dresses, heels, hat, and white gloves. No one seemed resistant to a program in which the government was hiring workers and paying them. In fact, there were meetings she attended to explain the program in which men and women lined up outside buildings, thinking she was part of the actual hiring committee.
A couple of farmers didn’t want their barns painted, but Nancy would let the city officials deal with those kinds of details.
She met in offices, in coffee shops, in front of barns, before town councils, and, once, in a barber shop. It wasn’t difficult to secure approval after approval. She also got to fly more than once. A perfect job if she didn’t count her aching heart.
“You’re a lady flyer?” one town mayor asked after his council had approved the program. They’d be painting the roof of a factory near the airfield, along with constructing arrow markers.
“Yes, sir.”
The man, with a rather large nose and bushy mustache, eyed her. “How long have you been flying?”
The afternoon sun had nearly reached the horizon, splashing gold streaks everywhere, and Nancy would be spending the night in this town’s bed-and-breakfast. As she walked with the mayor into the parking lot, she filled him in on her aviation experience, wondering if he’d be nosy enough to ask for her pilot logbook.
He didn’t ask but informed her, “I own a Waco. Comes in handy.”
Nancy stopped near a parked car. She’d be heading the other direction, and she wasn’t about to accept a ride from this man. “I’ll bet it does. If the government had the budget, I’d rent it from you and finish New Jersey.”
The mayor eyed her. “I could give you a deal if you return me a favor.”
Nancy’s heart skipped a couple of beats. She didn’t exactly like the gleam in this man’s eyes. “What sort of favor, sir?”
“My son is about your age,” the mayor said. “He’d be pleased to meet a fine girl like you. One with so much ambition and a good job. What do you say?”
“I’m . . .” Nancy couldn’t say she was engaged because it wasn’t true. “I have a sweetheart back in Boston.”
The mayor didn’t seem put off. “I don’t see a ring on your finger, miss. Or are you feeding me a line?”
Her neck heated. “I’m not feeding you a line, sir. Bob and I have come to an agreement, even if things aren’t official yet.” She might be stretching the truth, but this man would never know.
The mayor rocked back on his heels. “If it’s not official, there’s no harm in meeting someone for dinner. My son lives down the road. Works part-time at the bank as a clerk, but he’ll move up quickly.”
Nancy drew in a breath. “I’m sure he’s a nice fellow, but I should get going. I wish you and your family all the best.” She turned away from him, almost expecting him to call her back to ask her more questions or to continue to insist that she meet his son.
But the mayor didn’t call out to her, so Nancy continued to the sidewalk, moving as briskly as her heels allowed.
By the time she reached the bed-and-breakfast, she’d perspired through her checkered dress, and it wasn’t even a hot day. She didn’t take time to change before sitting at the desk in her small boarding room, then she picked up the phone receiver and dialed the number she’d memorized.
“Inter City Aviation,” Bob answered.
Relief at the sound of his voice swept through her. She usually called him when he was home for the evening. “Bob, it’s me.”
“Nancy, how are you?” He paused, probably realizing the early hour. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, everything’s all right,” she said. “Mostly.”
“What is it? Are you still in New Jersey?”
“Yes. I’m almost finished. In two days, I’ll be heading to Massachusetts.” Her voice sounded raw, scratchy, and she wished she weren’t having to talk to Bob over the phone. She wanted to see him in person.
“Great, we can meet up for dinner.” At her silence, he continued. “Any problems? Are people signing up for the program?”
“Yes, that’s all fine.”
“What’s going on, Nancy?”
“Nothing really. I just miss you, I guess . . .” Her voice hitched.
“I miss you, too, sweetie.”
Tears stung her eyes, and she twisted the telephone cord around her fingers. She was enjoying this job, most of the time. So why did she feel like crying when she heard Bob’s voice? She didn’t feel that way talking to her parents. There was so much she wanted to say to Bob, but it was too stilted over the phone, not to mention expensive. She’d have to keep herself busier until she saw him again. The other pilots who were working other states hadn’t made as fast progress as she had, but she could do even more. She knew it.
“When will you be back in Boston?” His voice cut through her thoughts.
She reviewed her schedule and told him.
“That will be here before we know it,” he said. “I’m already counting the days.”
She heard the smile in his voice, but her heart only felt heavier. “Me too.”
“Look, sweetie, you sound melancholy. If this job isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, come back to Inter City. I’d never turn down the help. You gave it your best shot with airmarking and already made significant progress.”
“No, I need to stick this out.” Nancy moved to her feet and stood before the window that overlooked an unfamiliar street. “I told the mayor of this town that I was almost engaged.”
Bob chuckled. “What? I hope you were referring to me . . . unless you’ve met someone?”
“I was referring to you, but the mayor didn’t believe me. Said I was trying to get out of being set up on a date with his son.”
Bob laughed, then went silent. “Really? He really said that? Which town are you in? I’ll call him myself.”
Nancy leaned her head against the window. It was cool with the approaching twilight. She didn’t want Bob to call the mayor, and it was probably an empty threat anyway, but now she was curious. “What would you tell him?”
“I’d tell him to stay out of your way,” Bob said, his voice rising. “Maybe I’ll fly in. I could be there first thing in the morning. What’s the nearest airfield?”
At this, Nancy did smile. “You can’t do that for every city I visit.”
“This has happened more than once?”
“You know how charming I can be.”
Bob released a groan. “You’re lucky you’re hundreds of miles away. I hope you’re not out there being a flirt.”
She knew he was teasing, but she didn’t like it anyway. “I’m not a flirt, Bob.” She straightened from the window. “You know that better than anyone. I’m more likely to slam a door in a man’s face.”
“Well, that’s true. I guess I’d better do something about all of this.”
Nancy scoffed. “You’re not calling the mayor or anyone else. I’ll try to be less charming.”
“Nancy, be yourself. Charming and all. That’s not what I meant.”
“What do you mean?”
His pause seemed significant, and she wondered if he was changing his mind about what he almost said.
“Keep your chin up, sweetie, and I’ll see you in Boston next week.”
It was a few more minutes before Nancy hung up with Bob, and she was no closer to finding out what he was referring to, yet she felt better, and that was significant. It wasn’t like she could talk to him for hours on end each night because that would deplete her paycheck on long-distance phone calls.
Over the next week, she hardly took a break and even pushed up some of her appointments so she could head to Boston a full day early. When she called Bob to tell him the news, he seemed surprised, and distracted. But he told her to fly into Inter City, ferrying a plane that he had at another airfield.
When Nancy flew into Inter City just as she said she would, he was there, waiting for her.
She’d been thrilled to fly again, but she realized she was more happy to see Bob Love standing at the entrance of the hangar.
As she taxied toward the hangar, her heart leaped. Talking to him at night had only slightly eased the ache in her chest. Now the ache was back full force with her knowing she had to be back on the road again soon.
Bob wasn’t wearing a flight jacket but a tailored suit, complete with a tie. He stood with his hands in his pockets, hair stirring in the wind.
She stopped the plane and turned off the engine.
Before she could climb out, Bob scrambled onto the wing. “Welcome home,” he said the second the door was open.
“Is that where I am?”
He grinned, then leaned over and kissed her, and when he pulled away, it was much too soon. Still grinning, he grasped her hand and helped her climb out. Once they were on level ground, she hugged him, and he tugged her close.
Chuckling, he said, “So, you did miss me.”
Nancy only held on tighter. “Maybe a little.”
It was a long moment before she finally released him. “You’re dressed up. Are you going somewhere?”
“We’re going somewhere.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’m dead on my feet, Bob, and I smell like airplane fuel.”
“I have reservations.”
Nancy’s pulse skipped a beat; he’d put in some planning. “I’d need a shower and a change of clothing and—”
“I can wait.” He linked their fingers and led her toward his car.
Once settled inside, Nancy let her body relax, but her mind continued jumping ahead. She felt like she’d been gone months instead of weeks, and it was surreal to be back in Bob’s car. It wasn’t like she’d forgotten anything about him, but the small things were so endearingly familiar, and her heart felt like it had swollen two times inside her chest.
The way he fiddled with the radio only to land back on the original station that overplayed Bing Crosby. The way he studied her at every stoplight. The way his thumb brushed over her knuckles as they held hands while he drove, even while shifting gears. The roughness of his calluses that came from helping the mechanics.
Once they reached her place, she tried to hurry through getting ready for dinner, but it was a full hour before she emerged.
Bob was still waiting and didn’t even seem put out.
“Did we miss the reservation?” she asked.
A smile lit his eyes. “I called ahead.”
“Must be your favorite place?”
“My parents like it.”
“Wait, are they going to be there?” She’d met his parents a few times, but she wanted Bob all to herself right now.
“It’s only us.” He held the door open for her, and they headed out of the building.
As they drove, he told her about a couple of new airplane clients.
“Things are looking up?” she asked. “Maybe I should have left earlier.”
“No, that’s not any sort of reason. The economy is getting better, that’s all. I’m sure when my number-one salesgirl returns, it will be even better.”
“I’m your only salesgirl.”
Bob laughed.
The sound warmed her through—if only time could race forward, and she could be finished with the Airmarking Program.
They pulled into a parking lot of a restaurant, and she caught a glimpse of candles and crystal goblets through the large front windows. “This place looks very posh. I don’t think we need to be spending all this money on food.”
Bob simply opened his car door, climbed out, and walked around to open hers.
When she stood, she said, “Really, Bob. A simple meal is fine. Or maybe we can order an appetizer at the bar so we don’t brush off the reservation.”
“Nancy, you’re making this really hard.”
“What’s so hard? I think it would be much easier and quicker to eat at a diner. We can talk without being interrupted by a tuxedoed waiter every two minutes.”
“I’d have to cancel the reservation,” Bob said on a sigh.
She didn’t know why she was protesting so much, but she couldn’t back down now. “Is that so hard?”
The edge of his mouth lifted. “No, but I did wait an hour for you to get ready.”
“You said you didn’t mind waiting.”
He rubbed a spot on his forehead. “I don’t think I’ll ever win an argument with you.”
Nancy simply folded her arms.
“Fine. I’ll be right back.”
She watched with amusement as he strode into the restaurant and spoke with the maître d’. She should feel guilty that he had gone to some trouble tonight, but she didn’t want all the fuss, all the people. She just wanted him.
When he returned, she said, “Thank you,” and gave him a quick hug.
He squeezed her back, then opened the car door for her again.
Once they were resettled in the car, he said with what had to be purposeful patience, “Where to, Miss Harkness?”
“We passed a diner a couple of streets back. Let’s try it out.”
The place was almost empty, and Nancy didn’t know if that boded well. But the waitress was welcoming and, most importantly, left them alone to talk.
“Much better,” Nancy said, taking a bite of the chicken dish she’d ordered. It was good, and she took a few more bites because she suddenly felt ravenous. “How’s your steak?”
“Fine.” Bob had taken only a single bite though. He was studying her.
She took a sip of her drink. “If you don’t like the steak, I can trade you. The chicken’s good.”
“Look, Nancy,” Bob said, low and serious. “I spoke with your father earlier today.”
Her brows popped up. “You did? Is everything all right?”
“Yes, he’s fine,” he continued. “I asked him for permission to marry you.”
Just like that? Bob had . . . Nancy set her fork down. She wasn’t sure she was breathing right. “Bob . . .”
“He gave me, gave us, his blessing.”
Nancy had no words. Literally.
Bob’s gaze scanned the quiet diner. “I hadn’t really planned to do this in a place like this, but maybe it’s fitting. Our first date was in a diner in New York City.”
“Do what?” Nancy’s heart had lodged into her throat.
He reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out a small object—a black box—then moved off the red leather bench and knelt on one knee.
“Bob, what are you doing . . . ?” she whispered.
“I’m proposing, Nancy,” he said matter-of-factly.
She felt a strange urge to laugh, but nothing about Bob’s expression held amusement. That meant in the black velvet box could be only one thing. “Did you buy me a ring? How did you know my size? I hope you didn’t spend a fortune.”
“Nancy, may I proceed here?”
She clamped her mouth shut and nodded.
He waited a heartbeat, as if to make sure she was finished. “You know I love you and that I was willing to wait for you. I still am, but I think we can be engaged while I’m doing all this waiting.”
He opened the black box. The diamond ring glittered against the black velvet, and she didn’t know much about sizes and carats, but Bob had gone way overboard.
“You did spend a fortune,” Nancy burst out.
His voice scratched out, sounding amused. “I love you, Nancy, and I want the world to know it. Especially small-town mayors.”
But she couldn’t take her eyes off the ring. She’d always imagined that she and Bob would one day visit a jewelry store and argue over the selections. But he’d gone ahead and bought the ring himself. She didn’t know how she felt about that.
“It’s really big, Bob,” she blurted, “and I don’t know if it would be prudent to wear something so fancy.”
“Prudent?”
“You know, prudent means ‘sensible’—”
“I know what prudent means, Nancy,” Bob cut in, shifting a little on his knee. “Can we focus on something else besides the size of the ring? I’m trying to ask you to marry me.”
She met his gaze. “So, then, ask.”
Lines appeared between his eyebrows, and she didn’t know if he was amused or fed up with their debate. “Nancy Harkness, will you marry me? You can pick the wedding date, but don’t torture me for too long.”
She gave him a sweet smile. “I’m torturing you?”
“Immensely.”
Nancy laughed. “I kind of like that idea.”
He released a soft groan. “I probably shouldn’t have brought it up.”
“I have one question, Bob: Why did you buy a ring without my input?”
“See? There’s a perfect example of your torturing. Do you like the ring or not? We could take it back if you prefer—”
“Oh, don’t take it back. I love it.”
He stared at her. “You could have said that from the beginning.”
“Can I try it on?”
“Are you going to say yes?”
Nancy covered her mouth. “I haven’t even answered.”
“No, you haven’t,” Bob said in a dry tone.
She lowered her hand and leaned forward. “Yes, Mr. Love, I’ll marry you.”
“Thank the heavens above, she finally answered.” He looked toward the ceiling as if someone were actually listening.
Nancy laughed, then rose from the bench and tugged him to his feet. She wrapped her arms about his neck. “I love you, Bob.”
“I love you, too, sweetie.” He kissed her, and Nancy had no idea where the waitress had gone, but she wouldn’t have cared if they’d had a restaurant full of people watching.
“Oh.” Nancy drew away. “This is why you wanted to do a fancy dinner and everything.”
Bob’s mouth quirked. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry if I ruined that.”
“I think the outcome is the important part,” he mused, looking down at her.
“Right. Now can I try on the ring?”
Bob kissed her again, harder and fiercer, then he pulled the ring out of its little box.
It turned out that the ring fit perfectly. Nancy drew in her breath at the sight of the sparkling diamond on her finger. It looked so official, so permanent. And she decided she loved it even more because Bob had done this on his own.
“It’s almost too beautiful to wear,” she said.
“It’s where it belongs.”
She smiled up at him, her heart knocking against her chest. “Are you crying?”
“No.” But he wiped at his eyes.
She hugged him again. “I’m not going to make you wait that long, Bob,” she whispered against his ear. She felt his smile against her neck as he tightened his hold.