‘We don’t fly in the dark at the moment so from ten o’clock until dawn it’s quiet. You get used to it, anyway. Those bleeding great bombers make far more noise.’
‘They do, but they only take off once and come back once and ain’t backwards and forwards like bluebottles.’
As they sipped their tea he studied her, wondering how he’d been the fortunate bloke to capture this gorgeous girl. She might be small but she was rounded in all the right places, had a lovely face and sparkling blue eyes.
‘Do you like what you see?’
‘No, I love it. You have to be the most beautiful girl on the base. I’m the luckiest bloke here to be marrying you in a couple of weeks.’
‘September can’t come fast enough for me. I’m the lucky one, Tommy love. I reckon I couldn’t do no better anywhere.’
‘Are you quite sure you don’t want more of a do? Just us and a couple of witnesses, no wedding breakfast or anything?’
‘I’d have loved to have a wedding like what Jane and Oscar had, in a church and all that. But we ain’t like them – we ain’t got the money for a start. No, as long as we can be married then I don’t care how it’s done.’
‘I’ve asked Ronnie to be my witness. Do you have anyone in mind for yourself?’
‘Jane’s coming if she can get a pass. I don’t know no one here yet but I reckon by then there’ll be someone who’d be willing to stand in at the last minute, like, if necessary.’
‘I’ve pushed the boat up and booked us a night in that hotel you told me about, the one in Westminster where you and your friends stay when you go to London. We’ll have dinner there as well.’
‘The Sanctuary? They do good grub. If we get time, I’d like to introduce you to my family. It ain’t that far to Poplar on the underground.’
He was hoping they’d spend every available minute in bed together but he didn’t like to say so. At nine o’clock he walked her back to her billet, kissed her a couple of times, and then had to race off to change into his overalls and be ready for action.
2
Nancy didn’t see Tommy for the next few days. Her fiancé wasn’t getting any time off. The poor blighters weren’t even getting time to return to their billets for a bit of kip and a wash. Night and day duty were abandoned and they flew sortie after sortie and grabbed some shut-eye wherever they could.
She’d been like a blue-arsed fly delivering sandwiches, cooking and cleaning. It would be easier if you did the same thing for a week or more but duties changed every other day. She was grateful she wasn’t asked to wait on the officers and bigwigs when they had the posh do last week. Catering were a bleedin’ sight harder than working in the stores, that’s for sure.
She was getting used to the constant noise of the fighters landing and taking off at all hours. Tommy had been right to say she’d be so knackered she’d sleep through anything. Some of them bloomin’ planes flew in with bits falling off and holes in the sides – fuselage, Tommy said it were called. God knows how the pilots got home safely in them.
It was only two weeks to her wedding and she’d had a letter from Jane saying she couldn’t come but Deirdre was a mate now and she’d agreed to be the other witness. Her monthlies were due on her wedding day. The thought that after all the waiting they wouldn’t be able to do it was a real worry. A lot of the girls had already been with men and was proud of it. She was glad she hadn’t and that Tommy would be her first.
She finished at two o’clock today and she was heading for the mess hall when Tommy skidded to a halt beside her on his battered bicycle. ‘Harry’s kite has a hole in it we can’t fix. It’s got to go back to the MU for repair. He hasn’t got another Spit so I’m free until midday tomorrow.’ He grinned and she fell into his arms and they kissed. ‘That’s the good news, love, but the bad is that I’m going to be at Rochford, the forward base, from now on. I won’t see you at all until our wedding.’
This made her decision so much simpler. ‘Shall we get off the base? Go to Romford and make a night of it?’ Her heart was thudding as she thought what else they might do. He was a bit shy, a real gent, so wouldn’t suggest they slept together. ‘We’ll be married in two weeks – let’s not wait any longer.’
His eyes lit up. ‘Are you sure? I thought you didn’t want to make love until after the ceremony.’
In for a penny in for a pound. ‘I’ll have me monthlies on our wedding night. This might be the only opportunity for weeks, maybe months. I don’t want to be your wife in name only.’
‘In which case, we’d better get a pass double quick. If we’re going to stay in a B&B then you’ll need your wedding ring. I’ll bring it with me.’
She was supposed to be on duty at eight o’clock next morning, which meant getting back from Romford in time might be tricky. She’d walk the couple of miles if necessary, as long as she got to spend even part of the night with Tommy.
The NCO in the office was a friend of Deirdre’s and listened sympathetically. ‘What rotten luck, to have the curse on your wedding day. You’ve not had any leave since you got here and you’ve certainly made a good impression. You can have until midday tomorrow.’
‘Cor, ta ever so. Much appreciated.’
Nancy raced back to her billet, hastily shoved her toilet bag and change of underwear into a small bag and was ready. Heat travelled from her toes to the top of her head at the thought of what was going to happen tonight. She didn’t bother to put in a nightie – she wouldn’t be needing it.
*
There was a local bus pulling up outside the gates and hand in hand they raced towards it. The conductor saw them coming and held it for them. The journey was less than three miles and they scrambled out in Romford High Street ten minutes later.
‘Here, let me put this on your finger before we go looking for somewhere to stay.’
She quickly removed her engagement ring and then held out her hand and he pushed the gold band over her knuckle. It fitted perfectly.
‘As far as I’m concerned, I’m Mrs Tommy Smith now. Anyone can see this ain’t a brass curtain ring.’
‘We’ll say we just got married and have got a one-night honeymoon. It’s almost true, isn’t it?’
They found the perfect place in a quiet side street. The house was modern, very smart, and had a printed shingle hanging outside – not a piece of cardboard in the window.
‘Rose Briar House – I love the name and there’s a vacancy sign,’ she said, her hand clenching in his at the thought of what they were going to be doing later on today.
‘Leave the talking to me, love. I know how to charm a landlady.’
There was no need to charm anyone as an elderly lady opened the door with a broad smile. ‘Come in, my dears. I’m Mrs Reed. I’ve got the perfect room for you. I saw you admiring your new ring. Have you just got married?’
‘This morning – just a couple of witnesses. We’ve only got until tomorrow,’ Tommy said with a smile.
The room had a massive double bed, pink candlewick bedspread and darker pink curtains. There was also a matching wardrobe, chest of drawers and dressing table. Ever so smart – just what she’d want herself one day.
‘The bathroom and WC are adjacent to your room. Breakfast is from seven o’clock until nine. I can’t run to egg and bacon but I make my own bread, and can do boiled eggs and soldiers for you as a special treat.’
‘That would be splendid, ma’am. My wife and I would like to find somewhere to eat tonight. Is there a café or restaurant nearby you can recommend?’
‘I don’t think you’ll get anything at this time of day apart from fish and chips. There’s a lovely place right next to a pub and the landlord is happy for you to eat them in his garden if you buy a drink.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Reed, we’ll take your advice,’ Tommy said.
Nancy eyed the bed but he shook his head and laughed. ‘We’ve waited this long, love, what’s a few more hours? I reckon Mrs Reed would be shocked rigid if we went to bed now, honeym
oon or not.’
It was impossible to forget what was going on as flights of Spitfires and Hurricanes were constantly roaring overhead. Whilst they were eating their delicious fish supper they watched a dogfight overhead.
They both cheered when the two Spits scored a direct hit and the German fighter plummeted to the ground a few miles away trailing smoke and flames.
‘It ain’t right that we cheered, Tommy. That poor bleeder might be German, but we just watched him die. I hate this war.’ She didn’t fancy any more chips and was about to roll up the newspaper parcel and throw it away.
‘Don’t waste good food, love. There’s a war on…’
‘I ain’t blind, Tommy, I know there’s a bleedin’ war on. You eat them – I ain’t going to. I’ve lost me appetite.’
He shook his head and took a long swallow of his beer before answering. ‘Nancy love, why do you swear like a trooper? It’s not ladylike.’
‘That’s all right then because I ain’t no lady. I’m an East End girl – take me or leave me.’
‘Eat your chips before they get cold. You’re going to need all your energy for tonight.’ He winked at her and her irritation vanished.
‘Give them here, then, don’t want to be nicked for wasting food. Sorry, I’ve not seen anyone die before. It shook me up something rotten. I’ll try not to swear – but can’t promise nothing.’
‘Fair enough. I love you just how you are. I’m getting another pint. Do you want another gin and it?’
‘Go on then, why not? But I don’t want to be tiddly and neither do you.’
*
They got back to the B&B as the sun were setting behind the houses. Tommy had said nine o’clock were all right to go to bed without upsetting the landlady. The front door was unlocked and she could hear the distant sound of music from the kitchen. They crept up the stairs and into their bedroom, not wanting to disturb anybody.
Tommy closed the door and turned the key.
‘Don’t do that. I got to use the bog first and want a bit of a freshen up in the bathroom.’ She grabbed her toilet bag. She didn’t want a bath so stripped off and washed top to bottom. She regretted not bringing a nightie or dressing gown as now she had to put everything back on.
He rushed off as she walked in. Hastily, she stripped off, unpinned her hair, relieved she hadn’t smothered it with lacquer today to hold it in place, and nipped into bed. She knew what was what when it came to sex. Most of her friends had already done it and been happy to share their knowledge with her, but it wasn’t the same as first-hand experience.
He was back in no time and this time she didn’t complain when he locked the door. He turned his back and undressed rapidly. She watched with interest. His shoulders were broad, his bum neat and round, his legs solid.
She wasn’t sure about seeing him in his birthday suit from the front so slipped under the sheets before he turned. The bed dipped as he got in beside her.
‘I love you, Nancy, and I wish we could have waited until we were actually married. What if you get pregnant?’
‘You don’t get in the family way the first time so we’re all right. Anyway, it don’t matter as we’ll be married soon and any baby would come along in nine months like what it should.’
He hesitated. There was still a gap between them. Her heart was pounding; she just wanted to get it over with. The first time it could hurt but after that it got better – so she’d been told.
She reached out and touched his chest. His skin was rough, with a thin covering of hair. She could feel his muscles moving beneath her fingertips. This were the encouragement he needed. He pulled her closer. She expected to be kissed, fondled and loved before anything happened.
Instead, he rolled on top of her, pushed her legs apart with his knee and then plunged into her. It was over in minutes and she’d not enjoyed it at all. She waited for him to say something, ask if everything was all right, but he turned over and went to sleep.
This wasn’t how she’d expected things to be. She was sore down there, had felt nothing but discomfort, and unexpected tears trickled down her cheeks.
*
Tommy woke in the darkness. He’d made a right mess of things. He was as innocent as Nancy and hadn’t known quite what to do. His desire had overwhelmed him and he’d made love to her without any preliminaries and she must wish she hadn’t come. She was lying as far away from him as she could and there was a gap of at least two feet between them.
Tentatively he reached out and ran his fingers down her back. Her skin was smooth, warm beneath his touch. She didn’t react but she didn’t tell him to stop either.
They’d fall off the edge of the bed if he went to her so he put both arms around her waist and moved her into the centre of the bed. She must be awake but she didn’t speak and he couldn’t see if her eyes were open.
‘I love you, and I’m sorry for what happened earlier. I’m going to make it up to you now, if you’ll let me.’
Still no response, but she was definitely awake. He kissed her softly, starting at her eyes and then travelling down her face, her throat, and pulled her nipple into his mouth. This time she gasped and her back arched.
Much later they lay entwined, both of them now satisfied and happy. ‘Tommy love, I never knew anything could be so wonderful. The first time wasn’t so great, but we’ve got the hang of it now.’
He nuzzled her cheek and she sighed and stretched like a contented cat beside him. ‘It was a first for me too, love, and I’m glad I waited until the right girl came along.’
‘Blimey, who’d have thought it? I can see why it’s called lovemaking – don’t reckon I’d enjoy it with someone I didn’t love – bit too personal. Don’t understand how some girls will do it with anyone they fancy.’
‘I knew you weren’t that kind of girl the moment I set eyes on you, Nancy love. I didn’t wait for any moral reasons, you know, I just wanted my first lover to be my last.’
‘Well, I ain’t one to be breaking me wedding vows. When I say, “till death do us part”, I’ll bloomin’ mean it.’
He kissed her again and then they spooned and fell asleep. Next time it was Nancy who started things going. They only just got down in time for breakfast and received several knowing smiles and winks from the other couples in the dining room.
As far as he was concerned Nancy was already his wife – she was wearing his ring – and saying their vows was just a formality. They devoured everything put in front of them and certainly got their money’s worth.
He settled the account and they hurried off hand in hand to catch the next bus.
‘We’ll be back in good time to have a shower before we need to report for duty. I doubt that I’ll see you for a while, love, but if I get a few hours off I’ll come and find you.’
They showed their passes at the gate as squadrons of fighters and fighter-bombers screamed overhead. They paused to look at the sky, which was crisscrossed with vapour trails as the German fighters engaged with the Hurricanes and Spitfires overhead.
‘Keep your wedding ring on, love. Doesn’t seem right to take it off after what we’ve just done.’
She stretched up on tiptoes and kissed him in full view of the men guarding the gate. ‘It’s on for life, Tommy love. Take care of yourself and I’ll see you on the fifth to make it legal.’
*
He was sorry to leave Hornchurch for the forward base of Rochford – here there were proper facilities, good accommodation, decent scoff and the brown jobs were positioned around the perimeter with their guns. There wouldn’t be anything like that where he was going.
He and Ronnie got Harry off okay and then, like everyone else who was moving, he piled his hand tools and belongings into the back of a lorry. There would be canvas hangars set up, tents to sleep in and only a NAAFI van providing food.
He liked his creature comforts and wasn’t looking forward to roughing it. As far as his mates were concerned everything was still the same. They didn’t know that his
life had changed – that he’d spent the night with his future wife.
Probably not a big deal for most of them from what they bragged about – but for him it meant everything. There was comfort in the thought that whatever happened at the end of this bloody war he and Nancy would be together. How many of the others had that security to keep them going during the hard times?
The next few hours were frantic as he and Ronnie had only been there an hour when Harry’s squadron was scrambled again. The Jerries were over in force today. The kites were backwards and forwards, constantly being rearmed and refuelled and whilst this was happening it was the ground crews’ job to check for damage and repair anything that could be done on-site.
Harry looked knackered, engine oil ingrained in the lines of his face, and there was none of the usual banter. Those flyers stationed at Rochford had no time off; they just kept going, flying sortie after sortie and snatching food and rest when they could. Those at Hornchurch were doing the same. It wasn’t much better for ground crew – he and Ronnie snatched a bite when Harry was airborne and tried to get a bit of kip in between sorties.
The Spits and Hurricanes no longer flew in formation; they came in and out on their own mostly. Either he or Ronnie had to keep an eye out and when they saw Harry approaching the runway, they were ready to run out and help him out when he taxied to his position on the edge of the grass strip.
It was Saturday, 9 a.m. The weather was perfect: fine and clear. He and Ronnie were chatting to Harry when the order came to scramble to intercept a huge raid heading from Cap Gris Nez towards Dover. He stood back and watched all the flights take off to intercept the bombers coming in.
The bloody Jerries came in a second raid later that day and dropped bombs on Hornchurch. The 264 squadron of Defiants were caught on the ground, he heard later, and two kites collided in the rush to get off the ground. He was worried about Nancy but none of the buildings were hit by bombs so she was obviously unhurt.
The East End Girl in Blue Page 2
