Wings of the Morning Read online

  Kate’s thumb slipped out of her mouth and she looked up at her grandfather. ‘What colour are these puppies?’

  ‘Black and white, they’re sheepdogs.’

  ‘Hmm.’ The thumb shot back and two feet waved about in concentration. ‘You got pussy cats, as well?’

  ‘Yes, one, and she likes to sit on my lap in the evening.’

  The little girl screwed her face up as she imagined that, and ran her hand over her knees as if there was an imaginary cat there.

  ‘Come on, Kate,’ Rose muttered. ‘You’re not going to get a better offer than that.’

  The girl had now moved her hand away from her mouth and was studying the sucked thumb carefully. ‘My Daddy won’t be able to find me.’

  ‘Yes, he will, sweetheart, he came with me when I bought the house. We got it so that you could come and live there with me and be safe from the bombs.’

  Annie watched George with great interest. He was not a man known for his tolerance, but he showed infinite patience with the children. He loved them very much and nothing was too much trouble where they were concerned.

  ‘Hmm.’ Kate squirmed around and looked at her mother. ‘You bring Daddy to see me?’

  ‘I promise, Kate.’

  She wriggled back and looked at her grandpa. ‘Can I choose my own puppy?’

  George nodded, struggling to hide a smile of triumph.

  ‘All right,’ she said on a sigh, ‘I’ll go,’ then slid down and trotted out into the garden, leaving them all convulsed with laughter.

  ‘I hope you can deliver on your promises, Dad,’ Rose exclaimed, ‘because if you can’t she’ll have you bringing her back straight away.’

  George chuckled proudly. ‘I know my granddaughter, Rose, she’ll remember every word of that conversation and check it all out before she even unpacks her bag.’

  ‘Dora,’ Rose said, ‘thank you for talking to Kate like that. She idolizes her father and just can’t understand why he isn’t here.’

  ‘Oh, I love kids, and she’s adorable. She’s got your lovely black hair, and those huge brown eyes …’ Dora chortled. ‘What a beauty she’s going to be.’

  Suddenly there was a loud squeal and they all rushed into the garden. Rose was running to the side gate where Kate was frantically pounding on it with her small hands and trying to climb over the securely locked gate. There was a tall sailor there in a captain’s uniform. Bill!

  Annie watched as Bill plucked his daughter off the gate and comforted her as she cried for joy on his shoulder. She blew her brother-in-law a kiss and told him she’d see him later, then turned to Dora. ‘We’ll leave them alone for a while.’

  ‘Wow,’ Dora exclaimed, when they were in Annie’s bedroom. ‘This is some family you’ve got here.’

  ‘Special, eh?’

  ‘I’ll say! And I know you said that Sir reminds you of your brother-in-law, but’ – she gave Annie a wide-eyed look – ‘that man over there is stunning. No wonder Kate adores him.’

  ‘We all do, and if anything happens to him this family will be devastated.’

  Dora nodded, then smiled sheepishly. ‘I pray every night that all my friends and family will survive this mess. I’ll add yours to the list if you like?’

  ‘Thanks, Dora.’ Annie’s respect for her was growing all the time. There was a lot more to her than the brash, worldly wise girl you saw on the surface. She was beginning to suspect that that was only a front. ‘What did you think of Rose?’

  ‘She’s wonderful, and so beautiful. I never expected her to look like that.’ Dora hesitated. ‘There’s something I don’t understand, though. Rose called George, father, but didn’t your dad die in the last war?’

  ‘Yes, but he wasn’t Rose’s father. That’s why she’s so dark and me and my brothers are fair.’ The contrast in their colouring was always being talked about, but when you saw Rose and George together there could be no doubt whose daughter she was.

  ‘Your mother was married to George?’ Dora looked puzzled.

  ‘No. Mum was seduced when she was in service with the Greshams and so Rose is Sir George’s daughter.’

  ‘Sir George?’ Dora asked, her eyes wide with astonishment.

  ‘That’s right. It was a stormy relationship, but they eventually became friends. It’s a long story and when we’ve got a week to spare I’ll tell you all about it.’

  ‘But doesn’t your mother mind him being part of the family now?’ Dora was still having trouble grasping the situation.

  ‘No, once she was happily married to Wally and George apologized for his disgraceful conduct towards her – he blamed it on his wild youth – she forgave him. They made their peace with each other a long time ago, and Rose is his pride and joy. He hasn’t any other family so he’s become a loved member of ours.’

  Dora gazed at her friend in wonder. ‘Doesn’t Wally object to him being here?’

  Annie smiled at the thought of her stepfather being angry about anything. ‘He’s accepted the situation and he really likes George. There isn’t any conflict or jealousy between them.’

  ‘My God, what a family!’

  ‘And you haven’t met all of them, yet,’ Annie pointed out, laughing.

  7

  Annie was getting ready to go dancing with Will and Dora when Marj called up the stairs that there was someone to see her.

  Annie was surprised to see Paul. ‘Have you managed to get some time off?’

  He kissed her gently and shook his head. ‘No, I’m on stand-down for a few hours, that’s all. When I phoned I was told you were on leave, so I came on the off-chance that we could spend a little time together.’

  At that moment Will and Dora came into the room wearing their best uniforms.

  ‘Paul, it’s good to see you.’ Will shook his hand and Annie introduced Dora.

  ‘Ah.’ Paul looked crestfallen. ‘You look as if you’re all going out.’

  ‘Dancing,’ Will told him. ‘Why don’t you come with us?’

  ‘Well, I was hoping for some time alone with Annie,’ he admitted.

  Annie had been looking forward to going out with her brother and Dora, but Paul had driven to see her when he could have been resting, and he appeared strained. She didn’t hesitate. ‘We’ll go for a quiet drink somewhere, shall we?’

  Paul smiled happily at her. ‘That would be lovely.’

  ‘Do you mind if I don’t come dancing?’ she asked her friend.

  ‘Of course I don’t, I’m sure I’ll be safe with Will.’ Dora cast him an amused look.

  ‘I can’t promise that,’ he joked, ‘but we’ll have a good time.’

  Dora slipped her hand through his arm and raised her eyebrows. ‘What more can I ask?’

  Then, both laughing, they left.

  ‘They look happy together,’ Paul remarked.

  ‘Yes, they do, don’t they? Now, where do you want to go?’

  ‘The nearest pub is only a couple of miles down the road, so we’ll go there.’ He held the door open for her. ‘I’ve borrowed a car from another pilot because I haven’t got much time.’

  The pub was busy when they arrived so they went into the saloon bar where it was less crowded. Paul bought them both a half pint of beer then sat back, closing his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again and smiling affectionately at her.

  ‘This is nice.’ He reached out and took her hand in his. ‘You look lovely in your uniform, Annie, and I hope I haven’t spoilt your evening by turning up like this?’

  ‘You haven’t.’ She squeezed his hand; she was glad he’d come tonight. He really did looked drained and a few hours relaxing and talking would do him good. ‘I’m very pleased to see you.’

  ‘I’m sorry it can’t be for longer.’ He consulted his watch. ‘I’ll have to leave in about three hours, I’m afraid. It seems they can’t do without me,’ he joked.

  She was dismayed. On the surface Paul looked the same as always but there was something different about him, and she c
ouldn’t work out what it was. Then, when she looked deep into his eyes, she knew – he had grown up. But dear Lord, what a way to do it. Dunkirk was behind them, and the pilots were now fighting fiercely to stop the Luftwaffe from gaining superiority in the air. It was a desperate battle with these tired, overstretched men in the air from dawn until dusk. The responsibility on them was enormous, because they knew, only too well, that if they failed then the Germans would be pouring across the Channel. She was sure each pilot was fully aware of the awesome task, and she often wondered how they felt each time they took to the air, knowing that it could be the end of their lives. Paul never mentioned it and nor, she suspected, did the others, but each one of them must have their own inner battle to win.

  ‘I’m glad you came,’ she told him brightly, and knew that if he asked her to marry him again she would agree this time. She was aware that couples were falling into hasty marriages; with the future so uncertain people were grabbing at happiness with little thought of the consequences. She had vowed not to do that but …

  ‘So am I. Now, do you think the landlord would rustle us up something to eat. I’m starving.’

  ‘You always are,’ she teased, glad to see the boyish grin back in place.

  ‘That’s what Reid says.’

  ‘How is your brother?’ she asked. She guessed he was still alive because Paul would have told her immediately if anything had happened to him.

  ‘He’s a squadron leader now,’ he told her with pride, ‘and gaining quite a reputation as an ace.’

  ‘I expect you both are.’ She put her head on one side and looked at him. ‘With both Lascells brothers in the fight, I shouldn’t think Hitler stands a chance.’

  ‘He doesn’t. Believe me, we won’t let him win.’

  A man with a mission, Annie thought, as she watched him walk over to the bar. There had been a look of cold determination in his eyes, and she guessed that all the fighter pilots were like that.

  When he returned, she launched into a few funny stories about the girls, and a while later the landlady put two steaming plates of food in front of them.

  ‘My goodness,’ Annie exclaimed. ‘How did you manage that?’

  The landlady smiled. ‘You’ll find more veg than meat in the pie but it’s tasty and filling.’

  Paul picked up his knife and fork. ‘It looks smashing.’

  ‘Well, nothing’s too good for our pilots.’ The woman patted his shoulder affectionately, and then walked away.

  Paul looked up and winked at Annie. ‘Wear a pair of wings and you can get almost anything.’

  She laughed at his expression. ‘And I see you’re not too proud to take advantage of that.’

  ‘Of course not; just lately we’ve hardly had time to grab a sandwich, so this is a real treat.’

  After they had cleared their plates, Paul sat back and gave a contented smile. ‘It’s lovely to be able to relax like this, even if it is only for a few hours. Do you know where you’re going now you’ve finished your training?’

  ‘Yes, I have been told.’

  ‘Can you tell me where?’

  ‘No, but send your letters to Compton Bassett as usual and they will reach me. I’ll get out and phone you as soon as I can.’

  ‘I hope it isn’t in London.’

  ‘It’s near Stoke-on-Trent, and that’s all I’m allowed to say.’

  ‘Ah, Cheadle, the RAF intercept station.’ He gave a knowing wink and laughed when Annie grimaced.

  ‘It’s supposed to be a secret place,’ she told him, glancing round to make sure no one had heard them.

  He laughed again. ‘Annie, we’re pilots and there isn’t much we don’t know.’

  ‘Paul, you’re in the front line,’ she said, changing the subject, ‘so how bad do you think things are going to get?’

  ‘Very bad, Annie.’ He took her hand in his again, his face suddenly serious. ‘The Luftwaffe expected to break us in a few weeks after Dunkirk, but they haven’t managed to do it. We think it won’t be long before he starts to attack civilian targets, especially London, in an effort to demoralize the population.’

  ‘He won’t do that.’ Annie spoke with conviction. ‘No matter what he throws at us, I can’t see anyone – man or woman – allowing the Germans to take over our country. They’ll have to get past the Home Guard first.’ A smile flashed across her face as she remembered some of the hilarious tales Wally had told them.

  Paul chuckled. ‘Don’t put the Home Guard down, Annie. They’re doing a grand job picking up German pilots who have been shot down. They even charged up to one of my mates as he parachuted down and tried to arrest him.’

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘Once they knew who he was they insisted on taking him back to the airfield, after he’d been escorted to the pub for a pint of beer first.’

  ‘Oh, I can just picture the scene,’ she said laughing.

  At that moment a crowd of soldiers came into the saloon bar, putting an end to their quiet chat.

  Paul glanced at his watch. ‘I’d better make a move. Come on, my darling, I’ll take you home.’

  They were quiet on their way back. Paul didn’t seem to want to talk any more and she left him in peace. He stopped outside her house and walked her to the door. ‘I won’t come in, Annie; I’ve got to get back. I shall be flying again at dawn.’

  ‘You take care,’ she told him gently.

  ‘I will.’ He turned her face up so he could gaze into her eyes. ‘Hey! Don’t look so glum. I know our survival rate isn’t too hot but I’m an experienced pilot and that increases my chances.’

  His kiss was nothing like the ones he had given her in the past; this one was full of passion, love and need, and she gasped when he pulled away.

  ‘I expect you’re wondering why I haven’t asked you to marry me,’ he joked.

  She put her head on one side. ‘You’ve changed your mind?’

  ‘No, I’ll never do that, but this is not the time.’ He held her away from him. ‘But as soon as this bloody war’s over, I’m not going to take no for an answer. Is that clear?’

  Annie saluted smartly. ‘Yes, sir!’

  ‘Good.’ He kissed her again, then turned on his heel and walked away.

  There wasn’t anyone around when she went indoors, and she guessed that they were all with Rose and Bill. It was eleven o’clock and she was tired, so she went to bed. Her mind went over every moment of her evening with Paul. He wasn’t the same person who had first joined up, and she liked this more mature man. But liking wasn’t love! She sighed deeply and drifted off to sleep.

  It was about one in the morning when Annie was woken by a giggle and some whispering going on outside her door. She smiled to herself; it sounded as if Will and Dora had enjoyed themselves. Will was tall and slim and he looked really good in his bell-bottom trousers; she knew her friend had noticed that as well. She was just dozing off again when there was a gentle knock on her door and it opened a crack.

  ‘Annie, are you awake?’

  ‘Of course.’ She sat up and blinked when the light went on, and her friend came and sat on the other bed. ‘Did you have a good time?’ she asked, plumping up a pillow behind her so she could sit up.

  ‘Smashing. How did your evening go with Paul?’

  ‘Very enjoyable.’

  ‘Did he ask you to marry him again?’ Dora asked.

  ‘No, he said he wouldn’t until the war is over, but do you know, Dora, if he had asked me tonight I would have accepted.’ Annie sighed. ‘But I’m glad he didn’t because it wouldn’t have been right. He’s such a nice man but I don’t feel any passion for him.’ Annie rubbed her temple. ‘I wish I could feel more, I would love to make him happy.’

  ‘Why didn’t you just go to bed with him, then? I’m sure that would have made him happy.’

  ‘He didn’t have time, but I think I would even have done that tonight if he’d asked.’ Annie laid her head back and closed her eyes. ‘I’m confused. This flaming war has
a lot to answer for.’

  ‘I know this is none of my business, and you can tell me to sod off, but have you ever slept with him?’ Dora raised an eyebrow in query.

  ‘No.’

  ‘Anyone?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Ah, just as I always thought, an innocent babe.’

  Annie sat up. ‘How many have you been to bed with?’

  ‘Only one, and don’t look so surprised. I might be a flirt but that doesn’t mean they get more than a goodnight kiss. Well, not much more. If the groping gets out of hand, I put a stop to it.’

  ‘Did Will’s groping get too urgent?’ Annie asked with a grin.

  ‘You can mind your own bloody business, that’s between me and Will.’ Dora rolled her eyes and began to undress for the night.

  Annie held her hands up in mock surrender. ‘All right, tell me what happened to your boyfriend. Do you still see him?’

  ‘No, he got killed in an accident at the docks before the war started.’

  ‘Oh, I’m so sorry.’

  ‘Yes, it was a shame. We’d known each other since kids and it was taken for granted that we’d marry some day.’ Dora slipped into her bed. It was a long time ago. Now, I’d better let you get some sleep.’

  ‘Night.’ Dora’s hand hovered on the bedside light before switching it off. ‘Er … Annie, Will’s asked me to write to him; do you mind?’

  ‘Of course I don’t, I think that’s lovely. You seem to get on well together.’

  ‘We do. Thanks, Annie.’

  After their leave Annie and Dora returned to camp. It was two days later when Annie collected the details of her new posting and went in search of Dora to say goodbye. They were both sad to be splitting up again, but this was a fact of war.

  Annie hugged Dora. ‘You keep in touch now, and behave yourself.’

  ‘I’ll write every week, but I’m not sure about behaving myself,’ her friend joked. ‘Without your steadying influence, there’s no telling what I’ll get up to.’

  ‘It’s been fun,’ Annie told her, ‘and I really hope we’ll meet up again at some time in the future.’

  ‘Bound to, you’re not getting rid of me that easy.’