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

were on the circuit they would know who you are. If we’re going to do this, let’s think of a spiffing story.’

On the remainder of the journey to Hanover Square they came up with her new identity. She was Miss Ellie De Wolfe, recently returned from America where she’d been living with her grandparents.

‘I’ve learned a few Americanisms from Jack which I can throw into the conversation.’

‘I shouldn’t do that, sweetheart, I doubt anything you’ve heard him say would be acceptable in company.’

*

They drove through an impressive archway into the courtyard at the back of his London home. He whisked her through the magnificent Georgian house and almost pushed her into the room she would be using that night.

‘I expect you want to powder your nose and hang-up your evening gown. The bathroom and lavatory are at the far end of the corridor but you have a sink in your room.’ His eyes crinkled endearingly at the corners as he smiled before continuing. ‘Don’t try and pee in it. A young lady, who shall be nameless, tried and the sink collapsed. I won’t go into details but you can imagine how embarrassing it was for her.’

She couldn’t repress a giggle. ‘I promise I won’t. I suppose the gentlemen can do so with impunity.’

‘It’s not something I’ve ever asked them – but I can assure you that I don’t do it. Now, hurry up as I want to take you to a couple of exhibitions before we have tea.’

*

The afternoon was far more enjoyable than she’d expected. His interest in art surprised her, but then she scarcely knew him really. Tea at the Ritz, which included champagne, was delicious. She hadn't taken much persuading to drink a couple of glasses despite her usual avoidance of alcohol. When they jumped out of the taxi at his house she was more than a bit tiddly.

‘I’m so full I don’t think I’ll be able to eat dinner tonight. I’ve enjoyed myself, thank you so much.’

He put a steadying arm around her waist. ‘You shouldn’t have had that second glass, Ellie, it’s gone to your head. We don’t have to be at the restaurant until nine o’clock. I suggest that you have a sleep for a couple of hours. I’ll wake you in plenty of time to get ready.’

It was a good thing he guided her to her room as she’d never have found her way without his assistance. ‘I only brought one evening gown – I hope I won’t be overdressed.’

‘I’m wearing a dinner jacket, so it won’t matter what anyone else comes in. It’s true, sometimes the ladies go home and change after dinner but only if they live nearby.’

‘Don’t you have to wear your uniform?’

‘I should, but I doubt anyone from my station is going to see me. I’ll have to wear it every day soon enough.

*

Greg pushed her gently onto the bed. As soon as she was prone her eyes closed and she fell asleep. He removed her shoes and loosened the belt of her dress. He was tempted to sit and watch her sleep but he thought that might be a bit much.

He left the door ajar and retreated to his own domain. He had a suite of rooms but still had to share the single bathroom. The servants had their own facilities on the ground floor but there were more of them than there were family. The way things were going families like his would have to do without live-in staff. Already the two parlour maids had left, as had the footman. He’d joined up, was now in the army, but he’d no idea why the girls had gone. Perhaps they too had become part of the growing armed forces.

He thought he might as well stretch out on the bed – he had nothing else to do. He rarely stayed in this house as it had been the sole domain of his unpleasant pater. Now he had bought himself a flat in Kensington he no longer used this place and no doubt he was now living there with his current mistress. The less he saw of any of his family the better – he had little in common with them. He had been brought up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, had enjoyed the trappings of wealth, but if he was honest, found most of his so-called friends shallow and boring. As he drifted off to sleep he was smiling – Ellie and her family were far more interesting and likeable than his own.

*

He was roused from a light doze by the sound of the telephone ringing. Why didn’t someone pick it up? By the time he reached the hall where it stood it had stopped. As he turned away it started again. His chest constricted and he was reluctant to lift the receiver.

‘Dunlop speaking.’

‘Thank God! It’s Jack. Ellie must come home at once. Fred has had a stroke.’

‘How awful – is he in hospital?’

‘I’m ringing from Old Church Hospital in Romford. I couldn’t find contact details for Neil or George.’

‘I can get hold of Neil and he will know how to find his brother. We should be with you in an hour and a half.’

He pounded up the stairs and crashed into the bedroom. It was empty. For a moment he couldn’t think why she wasn’t there and then realised she’d properly gone to use the facilities. He could hardly bang on the lavatory door so would have to wait until she got back.

Her packing was done when she wandered in. ‘Your dad’s had a stroke and is in hospital. I’ve got to ring Neil. Come down when you’re ready.’

She looked confused as if she hadn’t taken in this information. Then she straightened and the bewildered look vanished. ‘I’ll be down in a minute. I’m fine – it was just a shock. Dad’s always been so healthy.’

It took only a minute or two to be connected to Neil’s Wing CO. Greg explained