6

‘I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places . . .’ Rose closed her eyes as she sang her heart out, her voice echoing through the Ramsgate tunnels where, yet again, the residents were taking shelter. There had been a number of further air raids since the one that had interrupted the bingo outing a few days earlier. With every trip down into the tunnels, Rose felt it all the more important to do whatever she could to keep everyone’s spirits up.

Rose was always moved by the familiar words of heart-wrenching longing for those who dreamt of their loved ones on faraway shores. Her own thoughts were of her husband, Ben; although they’d been married since Christmas 1940, they’d only spent scattered weeks together while he served in the army helping to bring this war to a conclusion. His family involvement in the food business meant that he was often called upon to advise the War Cabinet on the distribution of food to the masses. So many people who worked in industry did similar work; in fact, Rose had heard that Joe Lyons and Co. did it too, but that was only a rumour discussed behind closed doors.

Finishing the song, she opened her eyes to a round of applause and cheering. ‘What would you like to hear next?’ she called out as the elderly man sitting nearby at an old, battered piano started to flick through the sheet music on top of it.

‘There’ll Always Be an England,’ called one woman, while another shouted, ‘Can we have something to dance to?’

The pianist pointed to the open page and, after Rose nodded enthusiastically, played several chords. Everyone soon joined in as Rose jollied them along, singing ‘Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run . . .’ They sang even louder as bombs rained down nearby, with the elderly raising their fists upwards towards the German planes while youngsters skipped around, weaving in and out among women who’d started to dance.

‘That done us the world of good.’ Several women stopped Rose to thank her as she returned to where Flora had been singing along with Miss Tibbs.

‘Phew, I’ve sung myself hoarse,’ Rose said as she accepted the cocoa Flora poured into an enamel mug from a thermos flask she’d brought from home. ‘That looks familiar,’ she added, peering more closely at the flask as she settled down on a bench next to her mum. Like many people, they had made their part of the tunnels into as cosy a little home as possible. Some old curtains and pieces of wood partitioned off the bunk beds allotted to the Sea View residents and a small paraffin stove meant they were able to warm food or boil a kettle.

‘It’s mine,’ Mildred was quick to say. ‘It was left on my boat and I thought it would be of use at Sea View.’

‘How strange, it looks like army issue. My Ben has one. Why would someone leave it behind?’

‘They probably pinched it,’ Miss Tibbs butted in. ‘There’s plenty of black-market stuff around these days.’

‘Well, I never. We’d best keep it out of sight in case someone thinks we have links to the black market,’ Flora said.

‘You can use it whenever I don’t take it with me for an overnight fishing trip.’

‘It must be so lonely and cold on your fishing trips, Mildred. Have you thought about retiring and doing something else?’ Rose asked as she sipped her drink.

‘I’ve thought about it from time to time, when I’m battling the waves to get back to the safety of Ramsgate harbour, but fishing is in my blood; I’d not know what to do with myself. Perhaps you could take me on as a Nippy?’ Mildred chuckled.

‘You would have to wear a uniform and smart footwear for a start. I couldn’t have you turning up for work in your wellington boots, reeking of fish. Somehow, I can’t see you as a landlubber. We would have to style your hair; perhaps give you a perm,’ Rose added, warming to the subject as Mildred started to scowl. They all loved Mildred as she was: slightly overweight with short, greying hair and a stubborn streak. She was reliable and a friend to them all.

‘I prefer to stay as I am, thank you very much.’

‘Perhaps you’re right. I adored coming out with you on your boat when I was younger, apart from when the waves were choppy.’

‘And you were violently sick, so we had to come back to port so I could hand you over to your mother,’ Mildred said as Flora raised her eyebrows.

‘I feel quite queasy just thinking about it. Now, shall we play a game of cards to pass the time? But no gambling, Mildred . . .’

It was much later when the friends made their way back up the road to Sea View. ‘Thank goodness the house is in one piece. I can’t stop the fear that one day our home will be a pile of bricks and memories,’ Flora shuddered.

‘Don’t even think about it,’ Rose said. ‘But if it should happen, you can move in with me – you as well, Mildred, and Miss Tibbs, I’ll make room for you all. Pegwell Bay doesn’t seem to attract as many air attacks as Ramsgate.’

‘I’d rather sleep on my boat if it’s all the same to you,’ Mildred said, turning to peer out to the harbour to see if the Saucy Milly was safe.

Flora delved into her bag for the door key as they reached the top of Madeira Walk.

‘Is that someone sitting on the doorstep?’ Mildred demanded suddenly.

‘Well, I’ll be blowed!’ Flora said as she crossed the road to greet Ruth. ‘Hello, Ruth, we didn’t expect to find you here. Why didn’t you take shelter?’ she asked, kissing the younger woman on the cheek before giving her a hug. ‘How is your mother?’

‘Mother is fine, she’s up in Scotland with her grandchildren, and doing her bit, as they say,’ Ruth replied, producing a packet of Player’s cigarettes and offering them around before lighting her own. ‘I could kill for a drink; it would challenge the patience of Job sitting through an air raid on your doorstep,’ she laughed, although her hand shook as she took a deep drag on her cigarette.

‘You mean you’ve been here for . . .’ Rose started to ask, amazed at how chic Ruth looked in an olive-green silk dress than fitted her to perfection. It was most certainly couture.

‘. . . Hours,’ Ruth chuckled, full of bravado.

Flora scolded her as she opened the door. ‘You could have guessed where we were, so why not seek us out down the tunnels?’

Ruth got to her feet, shaking out the matching coat she’d been sitting on. ‘You know me . . . I like to live dangerously, and I love a bit of fresh air.’

‘But you could have been killed, you silly girl,’ Miss Tibbs said, tapping her on the arm. ‘We had a lovely sing-song in the tunnels as well as a mug of cocoa; there would have been plenty if you’d joined us.’

Ruth shrugged her shoulders. ‘Not to worry, I’m here, and no damage has been done. Let me help you get the kettle on, Flora,’ she said, ignoring Mildred’s shocked expression.

‘I’m not saying it’s not nice to see you,’ Flora said as she checked through a bag she kept handy in case of air raids before repacking it ready for the next time. ‘But why are you here? And do you plan on staying overnight? I do have the box room spare; it’s not much but you’re welcome to it. I’ve only got to put fresh sheets on the bed.’

‘Don’t bother on my account; there will be a driver picking me up in two hours. I only came down to Ramsgate to have a word with Anya. Is she not at home?’

Mildred shook her head. ‘She’s still at work, like most people, although I would think she spent most of the afternoon in the cellar of the teashop. She has a late shift so I’m afraid you’ll miss seeing her, unless you would like to go there? I can give you a lift in my van, or there’s a bus to Margate. However, it won’t get you there and back before your driver collects you,’ she added.

‘That would be delightful, thank you, Mildred. I’ll just have a cup of tea and a biscuit with Flora and then I’ll be ready to go, if that suits you?’

Flora could not believe what she was hearing. ‘You do know that Mildred’s van is used to carry her catches once she’s been fishing?’

‘It’s dirty and greasy as well,’ Miss Tibbs joined in, looking the smartly dressed Ruth up and down.

‘A little bit of muck never hurt anyone,’ Ruth said. ‘Can I help set out the cups?’

‘No tea for me. I want to clear out the front seat to make room for madam here,’ said Mildred as she left the women to their tea.

Miss Tibbs was soon snoozing in her armchair by the stove, and Flora took the opportunity to have a few words with Ruth. ‘I hope you don’t mind me asking – it’s only because I care, and you can tell me to mind my own business if you wish . . .’

‘Goodness, this sounds serious,’ Ruth chortled. ‘Fire away.’

Flora wiped her hands on her apron and sat across the table from Ruth. ‘It’s Anya. I’m so worried about her. She’s not said anything to me, but I’m aware that she went to London the other day and met you while she was there. No, please don’t make any excuses,’ she said, before opening her handbag and producing the travel pass as Ruth opened her mouth to speak. ‘I can only assume this has something to do with Henio being missing for so long. She says very little – it’s her way of coping – however, if you let me know whether there is bad news, I’ll do my best to be there for her.’

Ruth was silent for a few moments, trying to choose the right words. ‘You have an extremely tight community here at Sea View; it is rather like a large family with multiple generations, and I envy that. The last thing I want to do is walk in and disrupt this happy environment, but there’s a war we need to win, and I want you to understand that whatever happens in the months ahead, it is for the good . . . I’m sorry I cannot say any more than that. In fact, my boss would have my guts for garters if he knew I’d spoken with you.’

Flora was thoughtful, taking in what Ruth had said; or rather what she hadn’t said. ‘I take it, then, that this has nothing to do with Henio being missing in action?’

‘All I will say is that from what I’ve heard, everything is being done that can be done to trace Henio’s whereabouts. If we have any news, good or bad, Anya will be the first to know, and I will tip you off that she needs the support of her friends more than ever.’

Mildred knocked on the back door before stepping into the kitchen. ‘I’m ready to set off for Margate if you are, Ruth?’ If she noticed any tension in the air, she didn’t say so.

‘Good grief, is that the time? Thank you so much for the tea and chat,’ Ruth said as she collected her coat from a hook behind the door that led to the hall. ‘My driver may be knocking on your door before I get back from going to see Anya. If that is the case, will you tell him I’ll be as quick as I can and to wait for me?’

‘Your driver – yes, of course,’ Flora assured her, although there was the tiniest hesitation in her voice as she said it.

‘You’re an angel,’ Ruth said before hurrying after Mildred.

‘I take it you are not here to give me news of my husband?’ Anya said, as she looked up from serving a customer to see Ruth standing at the other side of her counter.

Ruth allowed a woman behind her to be served before leaning over the counter, keeping her voice low. ‘I need to speak with you – it’s urgent. Is it possible for you to take a few minutes off?’

Anya had a few words with the other Sally working alongside her before leading Ruth towards Rose’s office. ‘Rose isn’t on duty so we will take the liberty of using her office,’ she said, closing the door behind them and pointing to a seat. ‘It is best we sit, as we won’t be spotted as easily through the window.’ She nodded towards the large window that looked out over the restaurant and the Margate seafront beyond. ‘Are you here with news of Henio, or is it something to do with what we discussed in your office?’

‘I’m sorry, I don’t have news . . .’

Anya nodded her head thoughtfully. ‘Perhaps people should be given a hard push. I do not think I am the only wife waiting to hear if her husband is alive or dead. Do these men not realize this fact?’

Ruth tended to agree with Anya, but her loyalty to those above her caused her to hold back. ‘Believe me when I say, I will do all I can for you.’

‘So, you are here to give me more information about the task you wish me to undertake?’ Anya said, looking directly into Ruth’s eyes.

‘I am. However, I must insist that you be more careful about what you are about to do. It is imperative your journey is kept a secret.’

Anya frowned. ‘You speak as if I have told all and sundry? I can assure you I have spoken to no one. If you do not believe me, go find someone else to carry out your dirty deeds. Has someone told you otherwise?’

‘Somebody who is quite trustworthy has discovered that you travelled to London to meet me and they’re curious as to why,’ Ruth said, keeping her tone pleasant so that Anya wouldn’t feel she was being scolded.

‘I do not understand . . .’

Ruth sighed. ‘You left your travel pass inside the handbag Flora lent you.’

Anya was shocked. ‘Then I hold my hands up and admit I did wrong. I will be more careful next time.’

‘So, there will be a next time?’

‘Yes. I owe it to my son, for him to grow up in a free world. If my Henio can put his life on the line, then so can I. You must promise me one thing.’

Ruth felt relieved. She knew there was no one else who would be capable of carrying out this task; if Anya refused to help them, it would fail.

‘I have chosen someone I would like to care for my son,’ Anya continued, ‘and to bring him up in a respectable household. Can you assure me this will be done? I would also like this person to care for him while I am carrying out your orders.’

‘Flora would be the perfect person to care for Alexsy; she has a big heart and open arms.’

‘No, as I said before: as much as I love Flora, it is Katie I want to be the mother to my child. Katie is a respectably married woman, and my thoughts are that she may not be able to have children. If anything happens to me and I do not return from wherever you plan to send me, my gift to Katie would be my son to bring up as her own child; she would help him to grow into a thoughtful, respectable young man. And she would also be able to tell him about his true parents and how they laid down their lives for England, his new home.’

It took all of Ruth’s strength to stop herself from dissolving into tears, or throwing herself at Anya and hugging her tightly. Anya was facing the task ahead with such remarkable fortitude. Even before she knew exactly what was expected of her, she was looking to the future, something many of Ruth’s operatives had not done.

‘I will make sure your wishes are carried out,’ Ruth assured her, unable to say much more.

‘There is something else: when I return, I do not wish my colleagues to ask questions and, being the gossiping women they are, they are bound to want to know where I’ve been.’

Ruth nodded. ‘I’ve already thought of that, and I have devised a credible plan. We will arrange for it to appear that Joe Lyons has requested you go to London and help with training the new Sallys.’

Anya beamed. ‘That is an excellent plan.’

Ruth suddenly felt so much better. Anya was thinking logically about what lay ahead, and the requests she had made were ones Ruth would easily be able to grant. ‘We’ll arrange for a letter to be sent here, to Rose, to make it official. After that you must speak to Katie, but don’t give anything away to her; simply tell her that as you will be away in London for a while, you would like her to be your son’s guardian.’

‘I understand,’ Anya replied seriously. ‘Now, I must return to my counter before the other Sallys complain about me and I get the sack. What would you do with me then?’

Ruth thought that it would in fact be quite a bit easier if Anya wasn’t employed, as there wouldn’t have to be so much subterfuge, but she kept this to herself. ‘Once you are informed by Rose about your transfer to London, you will be issued with details of when and where to go. At that point I’ll be in touch with more information about your training and, in time, the details of your mission.’

‘Can you tell me more about this training?’

‘All of our operatives are trained in the art of selfdefence,’ Ruth said carefully, not mentioning that Anya would also be taught how to kill the enemy if push came to shove.

‘I’m not sure I will need to defend myself, as I will only be identifying someone and then returning home,’ Anya said. ‘Let me do this mission and then we can forget all about it.’

‘We will see,’ was all Ruth would say, knowing that Anya would have to follow orders and go into the field as a fully trained member of the SOE.