There was a Spitfire on the airfield, and Lucy couldn’t resist having a look at it. She’d seen quite a few of them, of course, while they had been taking the tests, but it was a fascinating plane. She ran her hands over it, loving its feel and smell.
‘Go and sit in the cockpit.’
Lucy spun around, startled. There was an RAF officer watching her. A group captain, she noted. ‘Can I?’
He inclined his head. ‘That’s what you want to do, isn’t it?’
‘Very much.’ She held out her hand. ‘I’m Lucy Nelson.’
‘Dave Sullivan.’
When he held out his hand and grasped hers, she saw him flinch. She looked down and noticed angry scars on his hand. She released her grip quickly. ‘What happened?’ she asked, always open and direct.
‘I got shot up, and the hand is still sore.’
‘I’m sorry. Has that put a stop to your flying?’
‘I was grounded for a while, but I’m operational again.’ He tipped his head to one side, looking thoughtful. ‘Nelson, and by your accent I’d say you’re American. Are you any relation to Jack?’
‘He’s my brother.’ There was pride in her voice.
‘Ah, then you are more than welcome.’ He indicated towards the plane. ‘Go on, sit in her.’
‘Thanks.’ Lucy didn’t need a second invitation and clambered up, then eased herself into the cockpit. With her Handling Notes open at the Spitfire, she began to check the controls, running through the procedure for take-off in her head.
Dave jumped up and began to explain the flying capabilities of the Spitfire to her, and she couldn’t help picking up his enthusiasm.
‘Are you cleared for flying the fighters?’
She nodded, not taking her eyes off the instruments. ‘All single engines. We start work tomorrow, but it might be a while before they let us loose on one of these.’ She looked up, excitement in her eyes. ‘Are they as good as I’ve heard?’
‘Probably better.’ Dave patted the plane affectionately. ‘One of these babies saved my life. I was injured and unable to bail out and, although riddled with bullets, she still got me down.’
Lucy gazed into the grey eyes of the young man who had seen and done incredible things – and she fell in love. It was as quick as that.
He held out his uninjured hand. ‘Come on, I’ll buy you a cup of tea, and you can tell me all about yourself.’
When they walked into the Mess, Lucy didn’t miss the knowing smiles from the other American girls, but she didn’t take any notice. All she wanted to do was spend some time with Dave. They sat at an empty table.
‘I want your whole life story,’ he told her, when they were settled with tea in front of her. Like her brother, Lucy had taken to this national drink, really enjoying it.
‘How long have you got?’ she laughed.
He glanced at his watch. ‘Half an hour.’
‘I’d better start when I was about sixteen, then.’ She told him briefly about their home, her love of flying and the barnstorming she did with her brother, making him smile at some of the crazy antics of the flying circus.
The time whizzed by, and Dave was checking his watch again. ‘I’ve got to go, but you can tell me the rest next time we meet.’
They walked out together, Lucy reluctant to let him go so soon.
Outside, Dave studied her face intently. ‘I’m very pleased I landed here today to refuel. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Lucy.’
‘Yeah, same here.’ She watched him stride towards the Spitfire she had been sitting in a short time ago. In no time at all he was airborne and had disappeared from sight. She hoped she would see him again, but she hadn’t even asked him where he was stationed. Stupid idiot!
The rest of the day was taken up with learning all about the day-to-day working of the ferry pool. They were told to be there by eight the next morning ready for their first deliveries. Even though she was keyed up, Lucy slept soundly.
Lucy’s first ferry was a Harvard from Cosford to Ternhill. She had been meticulous in planning the route and was bubbling with a sense of achievement when she landed safely without getting lost. From Ternhill she picked up another trainer – and that was how her day went.
She was delighted to see Jack at Ratcliffe when she arrived back in the taxi Anson. ‘Hi, Jack!’ She slipped her hand through his arm and gazed up at him.
‘Hmm, I don’t have to ask how you got on today. From the expression on your face, I’d say you’ve thoroughly enjoyed yourself.’
She gave a little hop as they walked along. ‘I never got lost once. Can you stay?’
He shook his head. ‘Sorry, this is only a brief visit.’
The Mess was noisy with chatter as everyone talked about the day’s flying. Jack and Lucy sat outside where it was quieter.
‘Tell me what you’ve been up to since you arrived here.’
Lucy launched into vivid descriptions of the house they were staying in, and how unappetising the food was. ‘What we used to eat at home in one day would last someone here a week.’
‘That’s an exaggeration, Lucy,’ he told her wryly. ‘Rationing is strict, but you’ll soon get used to it.’
‘Sure we will.’ She examined the minuscule amount of cheese in her sandwich. ‘If we don’t we’ll starve, and I’ve got no intention of doing that. What an organisation the ATA is, Jack.’
‘It’s quite something, isn’t it. So, what did you fly today?’
‘Two Harvards and a Magister. They’re easing us in gently, but we can’t wait to fly the fighters.’ She then went on to tell him about Dave Sullivan and how he’d let her sit in his Spitfire. When she’d finished her brother was studying her intently, a deep frown creasing his brow.
‘What’s that look for?’
‘You sound as if you liked him.’
‘I did. Anything wrong with that?’
‘Not if that’s all it is. I’ve met Dave and he’s a nice guy, but he’s from No. 11 group at Biggin Hill.’
‘So?’ Lucy swallowed the last of her sandwich.
‘They’re always in the thick of things and lose pilots quite often.’ Jack didn’t know how to put it, but he baulked at saying that their pilots’ life expectancy was not good. He only wanted to warn his sister. He caught Lucy’s hand in his and turned her to face him. ‘Don’t get too fond of him.’
She’d always thought she knew her brother’s every mood, but as she looked at his serious expression, she knew this wasn’t the man she had grown up with. ‘Jack, we can’t hide from our feelings, even if there is a war on. Shouldn’t we make the most of every moment?’
He looked into space for a moment, and then began to talk softly. ‘I’ve known ATA pilots who’ve been killed. Tricia and Rob the most recent. I’ve delivered priority Lancasters and seen why they were needed so urgently. Early one morning I stood on an airfield and watched the bombers returning from a raid over Germany. The ground crew were anxiously counting them in as they landed, and scanning the sky for the next one. Then there was nothing. The sky was empty and silent. I didn’t ask how many hadn’t returned, but it was the most heartrending thing I have ever experienced.’
‘And is this why you keep your distance from Ruth? You’re afraid that one of you might not make it through the war?’
‘It’s a possibility we have to face. I wouldn’t want to cause Ruth such pain. I think it’s best to wait until this mess is all over before making a firm commitment.’
‘You’re wrong, big brother.’ Lucy shook her brother’s arm. ‘So very wrong. We can’t put our lives on hold for the duration of the war. This is a time to savour the good moments, and deal with the bad.’
He shrugged. ‘You’re probably right, but that’s how I feel at the moment.’
‘Have you told Ruth any of this?’
‘She knows how I feel about her, but I’ve said we must wait.’
‘This war could go on for years. What makes you think Ruth won’t find someone else?’
>
‘It’s a chance I’ll have to take.’ He stood up. ‘I must get back now.’
Lucy also stood up and gave her brother a fierce hug. ‘I can’t be like you. I’ll take my happiness where and when I find it, and so should you. You’ve got this whole thing wrong, and you’re probably hurting Ruth more by your attitude than you realise. You mustn’t let fear of the future stop you from loving.’
‘I’m not afraid,’ he protested firmly. ‘I’m just trying to be kind to Ruth.’
Lucy gazed up at him in astonishment. ‘Gee, have you got this all muddled up! Let the future take care of itself. If there’s pain in it, then we’ll have to deal with that when it comes. That’s what I’m going to do. It’s the only way to get through this war, Jack,’ she admonished gently.
‘You always were the sensible one out of the two of us, weren’t you?’
‘You only just realised that?’ she teased.
He kissed her cheek. ‘No, I’ve known it from the time you were a toddler, but I’ve never told you. Thanks for the lecture.’
She watched him get in the plane and take off. He’d obviously been shaken by the deaths of Tricia and Rob, and other things he’d witnessed since coming to this country. But boy, was he wrong! Her mouth set in a determined line. She’d have to see if she could change his mind.
Chapter Eighteen
It was three days later when Ruth had her first Blenheim to deliver to Hawarden, near Chester. From there she was to collect a Wellington for Brize Norton. It was a glorious day, without a cloud in the sky, but her mood didn’t match the brightness. They had all been at Rob’s funeral the day before, and she had been overwhelmed with sadness that his family from America couldn’t be there. But the friends he had made in this country had all been present, including Tricia’s parents. He had been a greatly loved man, and everyone felt his passing dreadfully.
There didn’t seem a lot to smile about at the moment. The news from the desert war in North Africa was not encouraging. There was a long way to go before this war was won. And it had to be won – there was no other alternative. And another irritation was that she needed a new pair of shoes and didn’t have enough clothing coupons for them.
She laughed out loud, her gloom lifting. What a daft thing to think about! Her head came up – that was enough of gloomy thoughts – and she marched out to the waiting Blenheim. This was no time to fret about the state of things at home or abroad. She had planes to fly.
The flight to Hawarden was uneventful and Ruth thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of handling the larger planes. After checking in she was told that the Wellington wouldn’t be ready for another hour, so she went to the Mess. There were several newspapers around and she picked one up to read while she had a cup of tea and a bun. There was no telling when she would have time to eat again. With good flying weather they delivered as many planes as possible during the day. There were only four men around taking a break, and they were playing cards.
The hour soon passed and Ruth was about to see if the plane was ready, when two RAF pilots walked in.
They glanced around the room. ‘We’ve been told there’s a Wellington going to Brize Norton. Is the pilot here? We’d like to cadge a lift.’
Ruth folded the paper carefully, holding it so it covered her wings, then walked towards the men. ‘That will be all right. I’ll just check that it’s ready.’
‘Thanks, we’ll wait outside.’
Everything was now in order and Ruth collected the delivery chit. The men were waiting by the plane. ‘Hop in, we can leave at once.’
They were now staring at the wings on her jacket, looking apprehensive.
The tallest one said, ‘Er … where’s the pilot?’
‘You’re talking to her.’
The other pilot swore quietly under his breath. ‘Since when have women been flying bombers? How many of these have you flown?’
‘This is my first Wellington.’ She smiled brightly, thoroughly enjoying herself. Some men were still finding it hard to believe that women were doing this kind of work. She took the Handling Notes out of her pocket, flicked it open at the appropriate page. ‘I’ve got all the instructions here.’
When they still didn’t move, she said, ‘Frightened to fly with a woman?’
That shook them up and they gave each other sheepish glances.
Ruth made a point of checking her watch. ‘If you’re coming then get on board, please. I’ve got another one to collect for Cowley.’
Giving a slight shrug they got into the plane.
From then on Ruth ignored them as she went through the pre-flight checks, and when satisfied that everything was all right, she took off. The men were silent, but she knew they were watching her every move with apprehension.
The weather was perfect and they had a smooth flight. She set the plane down, and when she climbed out the men were waiting for her.
‘Sorry we doubted you,’ the tallest one said, ‘but we didn’t know the women of the ATA were flying planes of this size.’
‘Nice going,’ the other one said. ‘What’s your name?’
‘Ruth.’ She headed for the check-in, and they fell into step beside her, all smiles now they were down safely.
‘Can we buy you lunch?’
‘Thanks all the same, but I’ve got another delivery to make.’ After giving them a brief smile, she headed for the ops room.
Jack was there looking highly amused. ‘Hi, Ruth. Picked up a couple of passengers, did you?’
She grinned. ‘I thought they were going to change their minds when they realised who was flying the plane.’
‘Scared, were they?’
‘White as sheets.’
Jack gave a deep, amused chuckle, and then raised his hand. ‘See you.’
‘Damn it, Jack! Will you stop walking away from me?’
He paused and turned his head. ‘I’ve got pilots to collect, honey.’
‘I know, but you can spare me a few minutes, surely?’
He nodded.
‘Have you seen Lucy? Is she getting on all right?’
‘Sure, she’s having the time of her life, and fallen for an RAF pilot, Dave Sullivan. I’ve warned her off.’
‘That was quick. She’s only been here five minutes, so to speak.’ Ruth hesitated, frowning. ‘What do you mean, you’ve warned her off?’
‘He’s from Biggin Hill and always in the thick of the fighting. She shouldn’t get too fond of him. I don’t want to see her get hurt if anything happens to him.’
Ruth stared at him in astonishment. ‘Does she always do as you say?’
‘Nope, never. She told me she’s going to live her life to the full and let the future take care of itself.’
‘Good for her!’ Ruth moved forward until she was almost toe to toe with him, then said firmly, ‘Don’t you think you ought to take a leaf out of your sister’s book?’
‘Meaning?’ His gaze narrowed.
‘We’re not just friends, Jack. We’re attracted to each other physically as well. It would be nice to find out how deep that attraction goes. I’d like to know how it feels to be held in your arms; to be kissed properly.’ She emphasised the word properly, because the only time he’d kissed her had been more in anger than like a man in love. Then she stepped back. ‘And that, Jack Nelson, is all the running I’m doing. I swear that you’re a difficult man to pin down, but I’m not waiting around for years while you get over this daft notion of yours. I love you, and I’m hoping you feel the same about me. I’m embarrassing myself here, Jack, but I’m not prepared to go on like this. If you feel no great affection for me, then say so, and I’ll never mention it again. But say something or our friendship ends here.’
When he just stared at her, taken aback by her outburst, she gave an exasperated sigh. ‘I’m not asking for a lifelong commitment. When this blasted war is over you can go back home and never look back, if that’s what you want.’
‘You think I’d take advantage of you and then leave
?’ The words came out in a growl of disbelief.
Making him angry seemed to be the only way of getting through his defences. ‘Oh, I’m not offering to let you take advantage of me.’
A glint of amusement replaced the anger in his eyes. ‘That’s a shame, honey. I’d sure like to take advantage of you … But, as that isn’t on offer, would you like to come to the cinema with me this evening?’
‘Only if we can sit in the back row.’
His mouth twitched at the corners. ‘I’m sure that can be arranged. I’ll pick you up at seven.’ Before walking away, he said, ‘Remember, honey, whatever happens between us, you started it.’
‘I know what I’m doing, Jack.’ As she watched him walk away, she wondered if she really did know what she had just done. She could get more than she’d bargained for. Although her life had been one of parties and functions, she had never taken the step of sleeping with anyone she’d met, preferring to wait for the right man. Was that right man Jack? Only time would tell, but she certainly wasn’t going to jump into bed with him until she was sure how they both felt. She placed her hand over her heart, feeling it thud in her breast. She had just taken a chance. Jack could have shrugged at her ultimatum and walked out of her life. But he hadn’t. Something Lucy had said must have made him think again. She’d thank her next time she saw her.
Gussie came into the kitchen. ‘You sound happy this morning. What picture did you see?’
Ruth gazed into space, then back at her friend. ‘I haven’t the faintest idea.’
There was a smell of burning and Gussie lunged for the grill to save their toast. ‘Ah, I take it that Jack’s making up for lost time.’
‘Hmm.’ Ruth picked up a slice of scorched bread and began scraping off the blackened part, then handed it to Gussie, changing the subject quickly. ‘You’ve never said, but have you ever heard from Don?’
‘No, and I didn’t expect to. He didn’t belong here, Ruthie. He wasn’t like Jack and Rob.’
Ruth chewed thoughtfully on a piece of toast. ‘You’re right. Rob had made this his home, but Jack will return to his family when this is all over. He thinks the world of his mother. He told me she brought them up on her own, and he loves and respects her for that.’
A Flight of Golden Wings Page 15
