Grace followed the major out, wondering what he would say about that last remark. But he said nothing, and the subject wasn’t mentioned for the rest of the day.
Chapter Five
‘How did your day go?’ Helen asked Grace when they met that evening.
‘It wasn’t any different from working for the lawyers. I sat in on a meeting, took notes and then typed them up. I made tea, ran errands, and looked after the major.’
‘What’s he like?’
‘I haven’t quite worked him out yet. He’s a complicated man. I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything yet, have you?’ she asked, changing the subject.
‘No. I’ll give them a couple of weeks. If I haven’t received a letter by then I think I’ll join up.’
‘Which one of the services do you fancy?’
‘I don’t mind. I’ll go and have a talk to the recruitment officer again. Wish we could join up together, but I suppose you’re stuck with that job.’
Grace nodded. ‘I couldn’t walk out now, especially after all the trouble James took to get me in at the War Office.’
‘No, of course not.’ Helen sighed. ‘We were always so sure of the direction our lives would take, but suddenly everything has been thrown into confusion. Ah, well, there isn’t anything we can do about it tonight. What do you want to do? Go to the pictures?’
‘Not really. I’ve had quite a hectic day. How about coming to my room? We can play records, chat and relax.’
‘Perfect.’
The colonel finished reading the notes of the meeting, and then looked at Dan. ‘She’s good, isn’t she? No wonder James thought so highly of her.’
‘It’s more than that. I have the feeling he sent her to us to take care of. Is he in love with her?’
‘No, he’s been going steady with Janet for a couple of years now, but he’s been working with Grace for some time and he probably feels protective towards her. And, he wouldn’t have sent anyone to us if they weren’t efficient.’
‘True. She’s got a calm, quiet air about her, and isn’t easily frightened. Did you notice that she didn’t appear at all perturbed when the chairman said she couldn’t stay?’ Dan laughed softly. ‘Her expression was composed when she flipped open her notebook. Without saying a word, she had made it clear to everyone in the room that she was staying.’
‘I did, and so did everyone else. I believe that was why there was no further argument.’ George finished his drink and put the glass on Dan’s desk. ‘She’s still suffering from the death of her husband. It shows in her eyes in unguarded moments, but under that calm exterior, there’s a fighter.’
‘I’ve noticed. The chairman suggested it would be more appropriate to have her with me if she was in uniform. I don’t know why he suggested that. There are plenty of civilians here, and if she joins one of the services we would never see her again. James would be furious with us!’
‘Almost certainly. He can really let rip when he feels the need.’ George pursed his lips. ‘There might be a way to get her into uniform without losing her.’
‘How?’
‘The organisation called the FANY – the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry – have a women’s transport service. With your injuries you could claim the need for a driver.’
‘Hmm.’ Dan thought the idea over, and then shook his head. ‘Grace would have to volunteer for the FANY, and I’m sure she would if we asked her to. She would have to go away for training, though, and there’s always the risk she wouldn’t be assigned back here.’
‘That is always possible, of course. I could ask James what he thought about the idea. We can make all sorts of plans, of course, but the final decision would be up to Grace. If we start trying to arrange her life for her, she would have every right to tell us what to do with the job. And I’ve no doubt she would do just that. She can walk out of here any time she wants to.’ He looked at his nephew with an amused glint in his eyes. ‘James wasn’t too pleased when I told him she was working for you.’
‘Oh, why?’ Dan asked, innocently.
‘He said you were too volatile for Grace.’
‘Volatile? Where on earth did he get that idea from?’
‘I wonder?’ They both burst into laughter.
‘You two are trying to make me into some kind of monster. You can tell James that I’ve calmed down since we were children. No, don’t bother – I’ll tell him myself!’
‘You’ve learnt a few lessons since you were young boys, but your strong character can still overwhelm some people. There is also an added edge to you since your experiences in France. You are angry, Dan. You must deal with that or it will cloud your judgement.’
‘Of course I’m angry, George! I lost too many of my men out there, and that doesn’t sit well with me. I’ve got to get back on active duty again. I’m wasting my time here.’
‘I know how you feel, but you need the breathing space to regain your full health and strength. You are still mentally fighting the enemy, so sort yourself out, and quickly. We’ve got a hard struggle ahead of us, and we need men like you in the field.’
Dan’s expression became serious. ‘We are also going to need good pilots in the near future, if my hunch is right. I wish James hadn’t joined the RAF. I hope he’s going to be all right. Grace told me her mother is always saying that we should take each day as it comes and not try to cross our bridges until we get to them. It’s hard to do that. I don’t know how to stand on the sidelines and see what happens.’
‘None of us know exactly what Hitler is going to do. There’s no doubt that he will be making plans to invade. When and how, we don’t know yet. All we can do is strengthen our defences, and wait for him to make his move.’
‘My role here is purely advisory, so I’m going to need to keep busy. I’ve found a friendly sergeant who is going to knock me into shape. Did you know Steve Edwards is still MO at Bordon?’
‘No, I didn’t. You’ve been down there, then?’
Dan nodded. ‘I was having a look at the assault course.’
‘Just looking?’
‘There wasn’t anyone around and I was tempted to have a go. Sergeant Dickins arrived and suggested I see the MO first.’
‘So, how fit are you?’
‘Quite good. With the sergeant’s help, I’ll be out of here in three months. I’ll be going down to Hampshire three times a week, so I’ll take Grace with me. I’ve arranged for her to have driving lessons while I’m working out.’ A slow smile spread across Dan’s face. ‘I thought she might also like to have a go at the assault course with me.’
‘Don’t you dare! Teaching her to drive is good, but you leave it at that!’
‘You know that’s the wrong thing to say to me, Uncle.’
‘The sooner you get back to your regiment, the better, Dan. You’re a menace with time on your hands.’ George stood up. ‘Come on. You can buy me a drink.’
Major Chester was already in the office when Grace arrived at eight o’clock the next day.
‘Ah, good, you’re early.’ He glanced down at her shoes. ‘Can you walk over rough ground in those?’
‘Yes, sir. They’ve only got a low heel, and are very comfortable.’
‘Come on, then. We’re going out for the day. Bring your pad. We will need a record.’
The car was waiting outside, and she got into the passenger door Dan was holding open. He slipped into the driver’s seat, and Grace was surprised. Considering he had an injury to his leg she had expected him to have an official driver. He hadn’t said where they were going, and she didn’t ask. The major would tell her when he was ready.
She relaxed and watched the passing scenery. They were heading out of London, but as the signposts had been removed in case of invasion, she had no idea where they were heading.
They had been driving for over an hour before he spoke.
‘We’ll soon be at Dover. I’ll tell you when I want something recorded.’
‘Yes, sir.’
He gl
anced sideways at her. ‘It will be a long and busy day. When we get back to the office, I will need the notes typed up today.’
‘Understood, sir. My parents know this isn’t a nine-to-five job. Oh, there’s the sea!’ she exclaimed.
He stopped the car so she could have a look at the view. She tried to image it crowded with landing craft. ‘German losses will be enormous if they try to cross the Channel.’
Dan nodded. ‘That’s why I believe they will have to knock out our air force and defences first. But we’ve got to be prepared for anything. If they had invaded soon after Dunkirk, they would have had a better chance. For some reason Hitler didn’t do that. He’s given us time to rally ourselves after our losses, and that was a big mistake on his part. Now, we must get on. Do you see that castle over there?’
Grace nodded.
‘That’s where we are going.’
Over the next week, Grace was busy until late in the evenings. By the time she arrived home it was too late to see Helen, and all she wanted to do was have a bath and fall into bed. Major Chester attacked the inspection tour he was on as if he was going into battle. He was a power house; never flagging, even though his limp was more pronounced by the end of the day.
Grace took to wearing skirts with plenty of room in them, and flat shoes. She was determined to stay with him, no matter what the conditions were – and some were pretty rugged. He never had to wait for her as he strode around. She made sure she was always just a step behind him on his right-hand side. After the first two days he didn’t even bother to look round, but gave his instructions, knowing she was there.
After a week she was fitter than she had ever been, and loved every minute of it. They would arrive back at the office around seven every evening, dusty, often dirty, and ravenous. The major would order food, and while eating, Grace would type the notes for the day. These were then distributed to the required people. Only then was the day finished.
The last day of the assignment the major was to act as advisor and observer for the Local Defence Volunteers manoeuvres. Before setting out he had made her change into ATS slacks and jacket. It turned out to be a wise move. They had tramped through fields, muddy from overnight rain, hid in barns, and even jumped into a ditch to keep out of sight. It was the most fun she had ever had.
They were given strange looks when they arrived back at the War Office that evening.
‘Good Lord!’ George exclaimed when he met them heading for the office. ‘What have you two been up to? You’re covered in mud.’
Grace laughed. ‘We’ve been on manoeuvres with the Local Defence Volunteers, sir.’
‘Really Dan! Couldn’t you have found Grace a nice, clean observation post?’
Dan looked at her, his eyes glinting with amusement. ‘Would you have preferred that?’
‘Oh no, sir. I couldn’t have done my job – and I enjoyed it. In fact, I’ve loved the whole trip.’
‘There you are, George. We’ve had a great time.’
George eyed them up and down again and shook his head. ‘I give up! Just wait until I tell James what you are making his secretary do. And he thought she would be safe with us.’ He began to walk away, calling over his shoulder, ‘He wants her back when this blasted war is over – in one piece!’
They were both laughing as they reached their office.
‘Put the kettle on, Grace, while I order in some sandwiches. It’s going to be a very late night, I’m afraid.’
The report was long and detailed. As each page was finished, Dan checked through it, making changes here and there, and handing it back to Grace for re-typing. When the final draft was accepted, she prepared the documents for distribution.
‘I don’t know how I would have managed without you this week.’ He stretched out his long legs and relaxed. ‘I would have had to make my own notes, and then found someone to type them for me. You’ve done an excellent job. Thank you.’
‘I’ve enjoyed the challenge, sir.’
‘I do believe you have. It’s very late, so I’ll drive you home. Do you want to change first?’
She looked down at the filthy fatigues she was wearing, and shook her head. ‘I’m too dirty to put on clean clothes. I’ll stay as I am, and wash these before returning them to you.’
‘Keep them.’ He grinned. ‘They suit you – and so does the mud! You might need them again, anyway. Come on, let’s get you home.’
The moment the car stopped outside her house, her father appeared holding a dimmed torch.
Dan was immediately out of the car and holding the door open for Grace. ‘I apologise for keeping your daughter so late, sir.’
‘No need to apologise.’ Grace’s father peered at the tall man. ‘Are you Major Chester?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Ah, it’s good to meet you. Come in for a moment and have a drink with us. My wife would like to meet you.’
‘That’s kind of you, but I haven’t cleaned up after a day tramping through fields.’
‘Don’t worry about that. You look fine.’
Dan laughed. ‘How can you tell, sir? It’s dark out here.’
Jean called from the door. ‘Tell them to come in, Ted. I’ve saved dinner, and there’s enough for two.’
Grace knew her parents were very curious about the officer she was working for, but the major probably didn’t feel like being sociable after the week he’d had – especially at this time of night.
‘I’m sorry, sir,’ she whispered. ‘They are itching to meet you. I’ll tell them you have another appointment.’
He touched her arm, and she could just make out a slight shake of his head.
‘Well, if you don’t mind me trailing mud through your house, then I would enjoy a home-cooked meal for a change. We have been surviving on sandwiches.’
‘Good, good. In you come then.’
Ted ushered them straight into the kitchen, where Jean was already busy at the stove. She turned and smiled as soon as they walked in and shook hands with Dan.
‘It’s good to meet you, Major Chester. I’m Jean and my husband is Ted. Do sit down. It’s only stew and dumplings, but it’s tasty and filling.’
‘It smells delicious. And please, call me Dan.’
Grace watched her parents carefully. They gave no indication that they had noticed their dishevelled state.
‘Hope you don’t mind eating in the kitchen?’ Jean said, as she put large plates of piping hot stew in front of them. ‘There, you tuck into that.’
‘Would you like a beer to go with that, Dan?’ Ted asked.
‘I would, thank you.’
The stew was delicious, and the dumplings light and fluffy. Grace hadn’t realised how hungry she was. Dan obviously felt the same because he had two large helpings.
‘That’s the best meal I’ve had in ages, Jean. Thank you very much.’
‘I’m pleased you enjoyed it after your busy day.’ She smiled at her daughter. ‘I know Grace is always ready for her dinner in the evenings. You look very nice in that outfit, darling. It suits her, doesn’t it, Dan?’
Grace nearly choked on a mouthful of tea, and she could sense Dan trying to control his laughter. Her mother had no intention of giving up, though.
‘She was such a tomboy as a child, always climbing trees and getting into mischief. Helen, her friend, was the same, but they had to smarten up when they started work.’
‘Ah, I nearly forgot,’ her father said before Dan could answer. ‘Helen left a message for you, Grace. She said to tell you that she’s had the letter she was waiting for, and has an appointment tomorrow at the War Office.’
‘Did she say what time and who with?’
‘Ten o’clock with a Mr Graham, I believe.’
Grace frowned, and looked at Dan. ‘I haven’t heard of anyone by that name, have you?’
‘Not that I can recall.’
‘I expect they are interested in her fluent French,’ her mother said. ‘They probably want her to be an interpret
er – or something.’
‘Most likely. I’ll try and catch her when she arrives.’
‘Is your friend French?’ Dan asked.
‘Her grandmother is. They speak French nearly all the time.’
‘Grace talks to Helen in that language sometimes,’ Jean told Dan proudly. ‘They chatter away and no one can understand what they are saying. They were little devils as children.’
‘Grace speaks German, as well,’ her father added.
‘Oh, Dad! I’m not very good.’
‘I wouldn’t know, dear. It’s all foreign to me,’ Jean said and chuckled when they all laughed at the joke.
Dan stood up. ‘I must be on my way. Thank you for your hospitality, and an excellent meal, Jean.’
When Grace returned to the kitchen after seeing Dan out, her mother was smiling happily. ‘What a charming boy. Such lovely manners.’
‘Boy! Mum, that’s a full-grown, tough man!’
‘Anyone from thirty down is a boy to us, dear. Remember we had you late in life, so we’re getting on in years. The water’s hot, so have a quick bath and get some sleep. You must be tired out. Leave those clothes out and I’ll wash them for you.’
Grace kissed her parents goodnight and went up to the bathroom. What a day it had been!
Chapter Six
At seven o’clock the next morning, Dan went along to his uncle’s office, knowing he would already be there.
‘Morning, Dan. Finished running around, have you?’
‘For the moment.’ He pulled up a chair and sat down. ‘Do you know a Mr Graham who works here?’
‘Can’t place him. Why do you want to know?’
Dan explained about Grace’s friend.
‘Interesting.’ The colonel took a large sheet of paper out of his desk drawer and studied it for a while. ‘This is a floor plan of all the offices and who occupies them. I can’t see anyone by that name.’
‘Perhaps he’s a new arrival.’
‘Must be.’ George pursed his lips. ‘A French grandmother, you said?’
The Day Will Come Page 4
