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

you’re here, you can see the books. Gladys finished early and is going to the bank on her way home.’ He followed her into the office and she pointed to the appointment book. ‘Chock-a-block, and we still have a waiting list. I wish we had some girls on our books. I can’t understand why they’re not interested. It’s something women can do as well as men as it doesn’t rely on strength.’

‘Girls like you are rare. Most young women are only interested in finding themselves a decent husband and setting up home. I take it that doesn’t appeal to you. Greg’s rich, good-looking, reasonably intelligent and would make a good husband. I’m surprised you’re not even considering it.’

‘If I was going to get married in the next few years then he would definitely be in the picture. I’m sure I’ll take the plunge eventually but it’s not on the agenda at the moment. I’ll tell him when he comes down.’

Jack was suitably impressed by the figures but left, saying he had business in Romford, an hour before Greg came in to land. She wasn’t looking forward to this conversation. In fact, she wasn’t sure she could bring the subject up as Greg hadn’t actually mentioned anything about them getting engaged.

She had no further pupils, Sid had gone home; she would be alone with the man who had taken it upon himself to discuss her future with Dad without having the courtesy to speak to her.

He landed perfectly and taxied the aircraft to its usual place. He climbed out and strolled confidently towards her swinging his helmet and goggles nonchalantly in one hand.

Perhaps it would be better to wait until they were home before she confronted him as she didn’t want to walk back if he took umbrage.

‘I’m done here. Mrs B’s doing a special farewell meal for you tonight and I want to put on my glad rags in honour of the occasion so, if you’re ready, I’d like to leave immediately.’

‘It’s a good thing I popped home to replenish my wardrobe. Are Jack and Fred going to wear a jacket and tie?’

‘I think so. I’m going to miss you, Greg, it’s been fun having you staying with us. You seem like one of the family now.’

His expression changed and her stomach lurched. This was quite the worst thing to have said in the circumstances – did he think it gave him the necessary encouragement to speak? It would ruin the evening for all of them if he proposed and she refused him.

‘Can I drive? You promised I could have a go with your MG and this will be my last opportunity.’

The thought of her behind the wheel of his precious car was enough to distract him and the danger was averted. ‘Not today, sweetheart, but I give you my word, next time I visit you can drive her.’

‘Spoilsport! That mightn’t be for weeks. Never mind, Jack’s happy for me to use his Austin whenever I want and that’s probably more my speed.’

‘Good move Ellie. I can hardly refuse now, can I? You can drive home but promise not to go too fast. I don’t think my nerves can stand it. I’ve never been driven by a girl before.’

‘If you’re happy to be a passenger when I’m the pilot then I can’t see why you’re nervous about sitting next to me in a car.’

The MG was a dream to drive and she was sorry when the short journey was completed. ‘Thank you, that was lovely.’

Jack’s car was back; his business couldn’t have taken him very long. If she wanted to have a bath she needed to get in first or there’d be no hot water left.

*

Fred was relieved to hear his daughter’s plans didn’t include marriage. ‘Thanks for speaking to her, Jack, I’ll not worry about it anymore. Is anyone talking about what happened here?’

‘No mention of it. Latest gossip is that the barmaid’s in the family way and several of the customers were waiting to have the finger pointed at them.’

‘That Mabel is a generous girl; no money involved, you understand, but takes pity on the men who make eyes at her.’

‘Have you heard anything from Neil and George?’

‘Not a dickie-bird. Ellie wrote to both of them so they know what’s what.’

‘Did she write to your wife as well?’

‘No idea – but I doubt it. Charlotte will ignore any unpleasantness and pretend things are how she wants them to be. I’m expecting to hear from her solicitor that she wants a divorce.’

‘Don’t see how she can get one as she has no grounds. Mrs B wants us all to change tonight. I’d wear my suit if I still had one – I don’t own anything more respectable than a blazer so that will have to do.’

‘Good God, son, I’m not going that far. Far too hot – a wash and a clean shirt will do me.’

Jack decided he’d follow Fred’s example. He was looking forward to having the room to himself again and wouldn’t be sorry when Greg departed tomorrow morning for his base.

*

The evening was tedious but the meal worth the effort of changing. Greg was particularly charming and not just to Ellie. When he suggested the two of them went for a moonlight walk Jack was surprised that she accepted immediately. She must know a proposal was on the cards and he would have thought she’d do everything to avoid that.

His bedroom overlooked the garden and he said goodnight to Fred and dashed upstairs. The windows were already wide open – all he had to do was sit on the window seat and he’d be able to hear what was said. Eavesdropping deliberately left a sour taste in his mouth but he was curious to know how she was going to handle the tricky situation.

As expected their voices carried clearly to his position.

‘I’ve enjoyed having you here, Greg, thank you so much for helping out. I hope you’ll visit us again one day, although I