Heartwarming and emotional story of one girl's courage in WW2 by Fenella Miller (top 10 ebook reader txt) 📗

sloped off and she was sure she heard him muttering "make up your bloody mind why don’t you" as he left.

‘Don’t be uppity with me, young lady, I drove all this way…’

‘Actually, you didn’t. You were driven. I’ve written you a letter which you will receive tomorrow. I’ve no wish to speak to you in person. In fact, I never want to see or speak to you again. I hope when my mother realises what you are that she comes home to the people who love her.’

He looked ready to explode. His nostrils flared and his eyes bulged. She raised a hand imperiously to stop him speaking. ‘Please leave now. There’s nothing you have to say that I want to hear.’

‘You’re going to regret this. I intend to contact your brothers. Charlotte assures me that they will be delighted to meet me. You obviously take after your father.’

‘My brothers have joined the RAF to fight for King and Country. They already know you are a member of the fascist party and a supporter of Hitler. I hardly think they will want to acknowledge that there’s a traitor lurking in the family.’

His look was venomous but he said nothing and stalked out. She held her breath until the front door slammed behind him.

‘Well, that was fun! Unpleasant aristocrat routed by a commoner,’ Greg said approvingly.

‘We’ve had to put up with his ranting and raving, threats and so on about what would happen to us and our families if we ever spoke about what we know,’ Jack said with a smile. ‘After a bit we just ignored him. I’m surprised he spoke so freely in front of his man.’

The sound of the Bentley driving away at speed was a relief to all of them. ‘Why was the chauffeur in here?’

‘I think he’s more of a bodyguard – I sent him to the kitchen but Mrs B wanted him out so we had to let him come in here again.

‘Serves him right for working for someone so obnoxious. Jimmy, I hope you can stay for supper?’

‘I’d love to. The last train leads from Romford at nine thirty – as long as someone gets me there for that, as I’m operating tomorrow.’

She left the men talking and dashed upstairs to wash and change into something less utilitarian. Now that Mum had gone there was no one to comment on her clothes but, having three unattached gentlemen here at the same time, she owed it to herself to make an effort.

There was a pretty, navy blue, cotton dress with white spots hanging in her wardrobe. It had never been worn and now seemed the ideal opportunity to show it off. She had a strip wash standing in the bath and did the best she could with her short hair.

She was still dressing when Jack yelled up the stairs that the food was ready. She’d not heard Dad come up to change so he must have washed the day’s grime from his hands and face downstairs. Something he never did when Mum was in residence.

Satisfied there was nothing more she could do to improve her appearance, Ellie ran down to join them. It was too warm for stockings and she rather liked the feel of the early evening air on her bare legs. ‘Sorry if I kept you waiting.’

Jack whistled his appreciation and Greg smiled. He nodded towards Jack. ‘I’d have changed too, but that chap is wearing my only clean shirt.’

‘That’s true and I’ve no excuse as I’ve got my own togs now. Fred hasn’t bothered and he’s waiting in the dining room. Seems Mrs B intends to serve all our meals in there in future.’

*

The evening came to a close when Greg offered to drive Jimmy to the station. Something prompted her to offer to accompany them. ‘In which case, Jack, can we use your car? No room in the back for a passenger in mine.’

‘Go ahead. I’m going up anyway, feeling a bit rough.’

Immediately Jimmy became professional and stepped over to place his hand on his friend’s forehead. ‘No fever – and your arm’s healing nicely despite having been re-stitched. Try and take things a bit easier tomorrow, no cycling all over the countryside for you.’

‘I want to get back to work so will rest for a couple of days. Thanks for bringing the car back, Jimmy.’

It was still light enough to drive without the headlamps on. She sat in the back and let the men chat about football and cricket – not something that interested her particularly. She transferred to the front seat after Jimmy had departed.

‘It’s a beautiful evening – seems a pity to go home so soon. Would you like to have a drink with me somewhere?’

‘I don’t drink alcohol but would love a lemonade. Would you mind very much if we didn’t go to the pub in the village? There must be somewhere in Romford that isn’t too rough.’

‘You’re the local girl, I’d have thought you would know where we can go.’

‘To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I was here at night. Mum didn’t approve of girls going out in the evening.’

*

‘In which case, let’s give it a miss. We’ve got a busy day tomorrow,’ Greg said with some reluctance. Spending time alone with Ellie this evening had reinforced his determination to claim her for himself. Once war was declared he’d have no time. Having a fiancée, having someone of his own to fight for, would make what was coming a little easier to bear.

She was quiet beside him in the car and he couldn’t see her expression in the darkness. He wasn’t used to girls that didn’t feel the need to fill every second with sparkling repartee but were content to be still. Would she fall in with his plans? Could he convince her before he left?

Certainly, his own crowd thought he was a good prospect. He was personable, came from the top drawer, and would inherit a fortune one day. Would this