Chapter Three
When they came off Parade Bella nudged Kath rather painfully in the ribs. ‘There he is. Glamour Boy is waiting for you already. He’ll complain about your being late. I can see why Jimmy doesn’t come up to scratch these days.’
‘If you want to survive this war, today even, you’d best watch your tongue, Bella Kendrick,’ said Kath sweetly.
Bella grinned. ‘He sounds pretty smitten to me. Why else would he have you drive him all over the countryside for no apparent reason?’
‘Perhaps it’s some sort of secret ops he’s on, or a survey or something? Not my job to question why.’
‘Only to do or die, I know.’ Bella strode off, laughing.
Later that day when Bella came off shift, she went straight from the Signals Room to the vehicle depot to find Kath changing a wheel. Maintenance, Kath had discovered, was an essential part of the job if you weren’t to spend your life begging favours from the sparks, armourers and ground crew.
‘Kath, Kath!’ Bella bent down and yanked her friend out from under the car. ‘Listen to this. Mule fancies your officer.’
‘What?’
‘Old Mule. She’s got the hots for Wing Commander Wadeson. I heard them talking in the Ops Room. She was telling him that she had two tickets for a symphony in Cambridge and was he fond of music?’
Kath groaned, knowing she shouldn’t ask but did anyway. ‘And is he?’
Bella’s grin stretched from ear to ear. ‘I was pretending to be engrossed taking signals but really I was listening like mad. " It was a kind thought," he says. " But really it would be wasted on me. I’m deaf as a post where classical music is concerned. Jazz is more my scene. Besides which my schedule’s pretty full at the moment. Thanks for thinking of me." And smiling charmingly at her, he touched his cap and walked off. Boy, was she mad! She went turkey red.’
For no reason that she wished to examine, Kath felt suddenly light-hearted and anxious all at the same time. ‘It’s probably true, his schedule will be pretty full.’
‘Not so full he hasn’t time for women.’
Kath concentrated on tightening the wheel nuts. ‘Admittedly, there isn’t a soul on this camp wouldn’t grab a date with him. But he’s not my officer, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say as much to anyone else.’
‘Wouldn’t dream of it, old sport. But I’d watch her if I were you, at least if I had any passing interest at all in the gentleman.’ Bella stood up. ‘Fortunately, as you say, you’ve given men up so it doesn’t matter. See you later.’
Kath laid out her kit on the bed, ready for inspection. Next to Parade it was her pet hate to have her gear prodded and peered at. She felt that by nature she was not meant to be a tidy person, especially if she’d been up late the night before driving the top brass back from some meeting or other. Life was too short to waste in polishing and cleaning.
Nevertheless it was a boring but essential part of the daily routine. The Waafery was rigorously guarded and inspected by Waaf Officer Mullin, General Duties, who loved to stalk the length of the Nissen hut, mule face grinning with ecstatic anticipation of discovering some minor misdemeanour.
Mullin insisted that quarters must be kept immaculately tidy at all times. Even shift workers sleeping during the day were frowned upon and liable to have their beds remade while they were still in them.
‘Is this your clutter, Ellis?’ she would ask, and Kath would smile and attempt to explain about being late which meant that she hadn’t had a moment to clean her shoes or buttons or do a thing.
‘That is no excuse,’ was nearly always the reply.
For some reason she was never afterwards able to justify, this morning Kath decided to answer back. ‘I had to drive the Wing Commander out to dinner last night. It was near two when I got in. How could I possibly clean my kit in time?’
The lips thinned dangerously. ‘You must make the time. I suggest you miss breakfast for the rest of this week in order to rectify these deficiencies.’
‘But, ma’am.. .’
‘You wish to say something, Airwoman?’
‘No, ma’am.’ Drat her runaway tongue.
Against King’s Regulations or not, Wing Commander Wadeson had taken every opportunity to deepen their friendship over these last weeks by constantly employing Kath’s services as a driver. Their regular weekly jaunts into the countryside had become an important part of her life. He no longer made any pretext of visiting other stations. Instead she would be instructed to drive straight to the headland, or they’d walk by the dyke or drive to the woods and talk.
He was there, as usual on this his morning off, grin on his face, hat not quite at regulation angle.
‘Hi.’
‘Good morning, sir.’ Kath saluted. She never risked slipping from formality while in camp. ‘May I be of service?’
Ewan Wadeson rolled his eyes. ‘Aw, don’t tempt me, honey. I’m sure we can find somewhere I ought to be for all I’m off duty.’ Then just as he was about to climb into the back of the car, Waaf Officer Mullin came up.
‘Ah, I’m so glad I caught you, Wing Commander.’ She half glanced at Kath, saluting like mad as she stood holding open the car door for her passenger. Mule drew Wadeson some distance away while Kath kept her eyes firmly fixed on the distant hangars where the ground crew were busy at work checking over Stirlings in readiness for the next night’s op. But she longed to know what was being said. She also couldn’t help wondering if it would likewise be out of bounds for a Waaf Officer and a Wing Commander to get too friendly. She didn’t know, told herself she shouldn’t care. And realised that she cared rather a lot.
‘Okay, let’s go.’ He was beside her again, and with a start Kath saluted and closed the door neatly behind him before briskly going round to climb into the driving seat. WAAF Officer Mullin watched her drive away.
‘You can take a car whenever you like, sir?’ she asked as they drove towards the coast. The question was very near to impertinent. Kath heard him chuckle.
‘Damn right, I can.’ He leaned his elbows on the back of her seat. ‘You know, if things were normal, I’d ask you out on a date, maybe take you to a movie.’
She caught his eyes in the driving minor and for a moment became disorientated before forcing her attention back to the road. ‘But things are far from normal. Sir.’
‘Lot of old gossips round this camp, just love to massacre a guy. Your Waaf Officer, for one, seems concerned about my keeping you out too late. Seems to think I should spread my charms a bit more. Use other drivers.’
Kath’s face remained impassive. ‘The fault was mine, sir. I used the late night as an excuse, when really I’d simply forgotten to clean my kit.’ She flickered her eyelashes outrageously at him. It was worth a try. This man could cause her a lot of trouble if he wished. ‘I’m sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.’
He stared at her for a long moment then put back his head and roared with laughter.
‘I bet you gals lead her a merry dance.’
‘I’m sure that’s true,’ Kath agreed, with false demureness. She caught a glimpse of his eyes sparkling at her, challenging, and unable to help herself Kath found her own lips curving into a smile.
‘That’s better. I hate it when you look too serious. There’s a sadness to your face, do you know that, Katherine? And there shouldn’t be for it sure looks cute when you smile.’
Later, as they walked in a quiet spot of woodland, he told her that he had news of Jack.
‘That friend of yours. She should write to Portsmouth. Jack Lawson is on HMS Bramton. Reckon it will be leaving port soon so she shouldn’t waste too much time about it.’
‘Oh, thank you. That was kind of you, sir.’ Kath’s eyes were stinging, though whether from pleasure or pain, she wasn’t too sure. `You’re looking sad again.’
‘Sorry.’ She hadn’t decided quite why she must contact Jack, or what she would say to him when she did, but was grateful for the opportunity. ‘I do appreciate your he
lp.’
He picked up her hand and kissed the finger tips. ‘You’re a real fine gal. I wouldn’t mind getting to know you a whole lot better.’ Kath removed her hand and clasped it behind her back. ‘What part of Canada do you come from, Wade?’ Formality had no place when they were alone.
‘My folks live in Montreal. What about yours? You’ve told me so little about yourself.’
‘There’s little to tell. My father is a retired doctor. Mummy looks after him when she can spare time from her garden and her good works.’ There was a certain edge to her voice which Wade was not fool enough to miss.
‘How does your family feel about your being in uniform, Katherine? Not prejudiced against it, I hope.’
She smiled. Not knowing how best to answer she decided not to. Best to keep the conversation away from herself. ‘What did you do in civvy street? Before the war.’
‘Would you believe a lawyer? My father has his own practice in Montreal. I went in with him. It was expected, you know?’
Kath nodded sympathetically. ‘I can imagine.’
‘But what I’d really like is to be a farmer, or a rancher. That would be great.’
‘A farmer?’ Kath laughed, a short, rather bitter laugh that this time Wade didn’t pay proper attention to.
‘I know. It’s a crazy idea. But I just love the countryside. I like physical things, being outside. I’d just love it.’
‘Farming is hard work, long hours and badly paid. Stick to the law.’
‘You sound like you know something about it.’
‘A little. We have a few acres of our own which are more trouble than they are worth. And many of my friends are farmers.’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘Don’t do it, Wade.’
He was watching her keenly. ‘I know what I want to do right now.’
‘Oh?’ He took her by the elbow and drew her to him. ‘Oh, I see. Um, look, I don’t think this is a good idea, do you?’
‘Best one I’ve had in a long while. I’ve held off pretty well, don’t you think? I really like you, Katherine - Kath. You’re a lovely gal. I’d love to see you again. Properly, I mean, not driving this damn car.’
She relaxed slightly as she saw that he wasn’t about to ravish her in the undergrowth. Ewan Wadeson was a gentleman, a real old fashioned sort. But in a more comfortable setting it might be a different story. Then where would she be? ‘That would have been good, if, as you say, things had been normal.’
His eyes were burning into hers and one thumb was smoothing the inside of her elbow. The sensation of it, even through her jacket sleeve was euphoric, making her feel slightly giddy. ‘No one need know. What the eye don’t see, the heart don’t bleed over. Ain’t that one of your sayings?’
‘I believe it is.’
‘I can’t keep hijacking you this way, but we could sneak off some place. If we’re clever. It’s done all the time. I really like you, Katherine, you’re my sort of girl.’
‘And if we got caught?’ In more ways than one, she thought bleakly.
His arms were right about her now, caressing her spine, her hips, pressing her close to him, the hard strength of him intoxicating. He was very tempting. ‘The secret is, not to,’ he said. His lips came down gently to claim hers and Kath made no protest. One kiss surely didn’t matter. Lifting her arms about his neck, she gave herself up to the ecstasy of it.
Kath stood at the dock gates, a letter in her hands. She’d been due a few days’ leave and had written to Jack to tell him she was coming over to see him.
He’d replied at once, a cheerful Jack type letter saying he’d be delighted to see her. Now she was actually here, she was riddled with a thousand doubts. What should she say to him? She hadn’t even devised any plan of action. Should she mention Melissa?
There was also the all important question of what she would feel when she saw him again.
Jack Lawson had been a good friend and great fun, though not to be taken too seriously. But Kath had to admit that there had been a time when, if he’d asked her, she’d have married him like a shot. To hell with Meg and the obvious disapproval of her parents. And not just for the sake of the baby either. Jack Lawson had that certain something to attract any girl, call it charisma, sex appeal, whatever, but Kath was curious to know if he still had it, and if it would still affect her. Would Jack be the answer to her long term problems?
‘Kath, there you are, I didn’t recognise you in uniform. Hey, you look great.’
A sailor stood before her, tall, bronzed, handsome, hair shorter than she remembered but the same violet eyes wickedly teasing, the same tilt to the wide mouth she’d once been so eager to kiss. Hands were stretched towards her and she grasped them. The next moment she was in his arms, laughing, crying, the smell and feel of him bringing a rush of sweet memories.
‘How tall you are. Have you grown?’ she laughed.
‘It’s the cut my tailor gives this outfit. Smart, don’t you think?’
‘Wonderful. Who presses those creases in all the wrong way?’
‘Me, who else?’
He hugged her close. He smelled salty, and as if he spent a lot of time polishing and scrubbing. ‘It’s so good to see someone from home, you wouldn’t believe how homesick I was at first. Stupid when you think how we longed to get away to new adventures, both of us. We were just kids though, eh?’
Kath laughed, feeling oddly numb inside. Her mind racing, wondering what she should say, how much she should tell. He was a man now, not a boy, and so much more sure of himself. ‘We did escape in the end though.’ He had walked away, she had run.
They started to walk now, arms linked, along the dock road. ‘You’re not homesick now, I hope?’ she asked.
‘Hell, no. Been overseas once, and we’re off to foreign parts again soon. All a bit hush hush but the word is it’s Italy. Looking forward to it as a matter of fact. I prefer life at sea. Come on, I’ll buy you a G and T, or whatever your tipple is these days.’
‘A half of cider will do fine.’
‘A half it is then.’
Tucked into a corner of the local pub, Kath returned to the subject close to her heart. ‘Will you get leave, before you go?’
‘Probably.’
‘Will you go home, do you think?’
He met her gaze. ‘To see Meg, you mean?’
‘I suppose I do.’
Jack frowned. ‘I ought to but - well, it’s a long way, Westmorland, just for a few days.’
A shaft of irritation pierced her. ‘You’re as selfish as ever, you rotten bastard!’
He jumped, startled by her choice of language, as well he might be. The old Katherine would not have used such a word. But then the old Katherine was gone.
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Meg loves you, and all you care about is yourself. Does she even know you’re back in port? I thought not. You don’t deserve her, you really don’t.’
Dark eyebrows lowered but he didn’t deny it. After a moment Jack shrugged. ‘Meg is lovely and great fun. She writes screeds of chatty letters all about the farm and what everyone’s doing there. A real nice girl.’
Kath winced. ‘That sounds rather damning.’
‘I don’t mean it that way. She means a lot to me, don’t mistake that. It’s a good feeling, to know she’s there, you know? Waiting for me till the end of the war.’
‘She loves you and apparently still believes, though God knows why, that you feel the same way about her.’
‘I do, I do.’ He shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable. ‘What the hell, I suppose I can tell you, Kath. I’ve been out with other girls. It’s a year since I saw her, that’s a long time. I would have liked to get home more but, as I say, it’s a long way, trains are terrible and I’m always short of funds.’
‘Surprise, surprise,’ she said dryly.
‘Anyway, I’m not ready for all of that...’ He downed most of his pint in one gulp and rubbed the froth from his lip with the back of his hand. ‘…All that mar
riage and babies and stuff. Want another?’
‘Er. . .’ Kath glanced at her scarcely touched glass. She felt empty inside, as drained suddenly as his glass. Yet what had she expected? ‘No thanks, I’m fine. You help yourself.’
Jack went off to do just that. There was a bounce to his step now, Kath noticed, as she watched him go up to the bar then return with a fresh, brimming glass. A real sailor’s roll, chock full of arrogance. And as totally selfish as ever. What a fool she’d been.
‘We get special rations of rum and brandy on board ship. One of the perks of the job.’
‘What do you do? What’s your job?’
‘Just another bloody sailor.’ He laughed.
‘Following the tradition of a girl in every port?’ She wanted, very badly, to smack the self-satisfied smirk from the too handsome face.
‘Let’s say I’m working on it. Now have you seen the landlord’s daughter?’ And he burst out laughing.
She did not laugh with him. An awkwardness fell between them and she let it lie, sipping at her drink, wondering why she had come. Wanting suddenly, desperately, to be gone from this place and never to set eyes on him again. She stood up.
‘I’ve got to go,’ she lied.’ I only have a short pass.’
‘Right. I’ll walk you to the station.’ Jack winked at her as he stood on the platform.’ We had some fun, eh? You and me, once?’ Another notch on his belt, she thought.
Kath’s heart sank with shame at every word he spoke. She couldn’t wait to get away. Had she really found this man exciting? Had her pulses truly raced with liquid fire whenever he touched her? How young and foolish she must have been. But the Katherine Ellis of those youthful adventures had had no one to compare Jack Lawson with. He was the best they’d got because he was all they’d got. Men were thin on the ground on the Westmorland fells.
She smiled briefly, coolly, before climbing on to her train. ‘I suppose we did,’ she said brightly, leaning out the window, trying not to look at him.
‘I’ll always remember that, you know. You were special to me, Kath. Always will be.’
Storm Clouds Over Broombank Page 4
