A Flight of Golden Wings (24 page)

It was a week since Hitler had committed suicide, and everyone was waiting. The end of the war in Europe must be immanent. Ruth was back to ferrying, fully recovered from the crash.

‘Good, you’re here.’ Andy caught up with her as she went to check in. ‘I’ve received the results of the investigation. There was a serious mechanical failure and you’ve been cleared of all blame.’

She blew out a breath of relief. ‘That is good news. Thank you, Andy.’

He was about to walk away when Sally rushed in. ‘It’s over! Germany has surrendered!’

People were now pouring into the Mess, appearing to come from nowhere. An Anson had just landed full of pilots, including Jack, Simon and Lucy. They were being told the news by excited ground staff, and then they all started to run.

‘Is it true, Andy?’ Simon asked as soon as they reached the Mess. The wireless was on but there was so much noise no one could hear it.

‘Shush!’ someone ordered.

There was immediate silence as they listened to the news they had waited over five years to hear. As soon as the broadcast ended, Lucy gave a yell of delight and began to rush around hugging anyone in sight.

‘We did it! We beat the bastard!’ She stopped and put her hand to her mouth. ‘Oops, sorry, Jack tells me off if I swear.’

‘I’ll let you off this time,’ he said, lifting up his sister and spinning her round. Then he handed her to Simon and caught hold of Ruth. ‘We made it, sweetheart. We made it!’

There was so much noise in the room that Ruth wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly. It sounded as if he’d called her sweetheart instead of the usual ‘honey’, but she couldn’t be sure.

One thing she could be sure of: everyone was going wild with delight.

Andy and Jane shouted for quiet. It took a while to make themselves heard, but they finally managed to gain everyone’s attention.

‘Flying has finished for the day,’ Andy told them. ‘So go and celebrate.’

A loud cheer filled the room, and he held up his hand. ‘But remember that the work of the ATA still goes on. I want to see you all back here in two days, sober and ready to fly. Now get out of here.’

The streets were full of people, all laughing and waving as the contingent of pilots from the ferry pool made their way through the crowds. The landlord of the pub had
thrown open all the doors and windows, and people were pouring in.

‘Everyone’s welcome,’ he shouted, waving to the pilots. ‘Come and have a drink. I’ve got a couple of barrels I’ve been saving for just this celebration.’

The place was already heaving and Ruth laughed. ‘We’ll never get in there.’

‘Yes, you will.’ The landlord caught hold of Ruth and Lucy and began to push through the crowd, yelling at the top of his voice. ‘Make way for my pilots, they get served first, and then the drinks are on the house until the barrels are dry.’

Amid much cheering, the crowd parted to let them through. The landlord slipped the men a small whisky with their beer, and the girls were given a clear liquid in a glass.

Ruth sniffed, then took a sip. ‘Gin!’

The landlord winked. ‘I’ve been saving that as well.’

There was a lot of pushing and shoving as everyone tried to get near the bar. ‘Let’s get out of here!’ Simon shouted.

The garden at the back was just as crowded, but at least they were in the fresh air.

Jack tossed back his whisky and shuddered. ‘My God, Simon, that’s strong stuff.’

Simon did the same and then gazed at his empty glass. ‘That wasn’t watered down.’

Someone inside began to pound on the piano and with all the doors and windows open, it could be heard clearly.

After draining his beer glass, Jack caught hold of Ruth and began to jive with her. That was the signal for everyone to join in the dancing. The girls were passed from partner to partner until they were dizzy.

‘Come on.’ Jack appeared at Ruth’s side again. ‘We’re going to London. They’re having a hell of a time up there, so we’ve been told.’

They hurried back to the house where Simon had parked his car and piled in. Then they headed for London, wanting to be in the thick of the celebrations.

Trafalgar Square was a seething mass of people, singing, dancing and kissing everyone in sight. There were uniforms of every kind, and civilians, young and old. After the long years of war they were all determined to have a riotous time.

They joined in with a long line snaking its way round the square, until Simon gasped, ‘Let’s get a drink.’

Jack mopped his brow. ‘Where on earth will we get in anywhere today?’

‘Let’s try the Savoy,’ Lucy suggested. ‘We had a great time there when we arrived. Do you know, I’m the only one of that first group who’s stayed until the end?’

‘Hey, this isn’t the end.’ Jack cleared the way through the crowds. ‘We won’t be able to say that until Japan has also surrendered, but this sure is a huge step in the right direction.’

It took some time to walk the short distance to the Savoy as everyone wanted to shake their hands, and Ruth couldn’t help wondering how many people knew what they were, or what they had been doing during this long war. But they were in uniform and that seemed to be enough as they were all kissed over and over again.

‘Wowee!’ Lucy gasped. ‘What’s happened to that good old English reserve?’

‘It’ll soon be back,’ Simon remarked dryly. ‘But for now it looks as if anything goes.’

‘Hey, Ruth,’ Lucy said. ‘Gussie can have her baby now.’

‘It’s due any day so we’ll check on her tomorrow.’

When they reached the Savoy it was also packed, but it was much more comfortable than milling around in the crowds they’d just left. Jack asked if they had any rooms available, but there wasn’t a chance, so by midnight they decided to drive back.

It was three in the morning before any of them managed to get some sleep.

‘What a night!’ Lucy was holding on to the sink as she waited for the kettle to boil. ‘What’s the time, Ruth?’

‘Two o’clock. I wonder if the men are awake yet.’

‘Doubt it.’ Lucy poured from the teapot and stared at the cup in disbelief. ‘Whoops, I forgot to put in the tea! I don’t think I’m awake yet. I’d better start again.’

They had just made a fresh pot when Jack and Simon arrived. Without saying a word, Simon took two mugs from the dresser and pushed them towards Ruth. She filled them and watched them drink thirstily. They seemed to be able to talk after that.

‘That’s better.’ Simon had a glint in his eyes. ‘While Jack was still asleep I went to the ferry pool just in case we were needed.’

‘I hope not,’ Lucy groaned

‘No, but there was a message from Harry. Gussie had a healthy boy at six last night. Eight pounds, one ounce.’

‘She had it on the day the war ended!’ Ruth laughed in delight. ‘That’s just the sort of thing you would expect from Gussie.’

Lucy was jumping with excitement, not a sign of her tiredness now. ‘We’ve got to go and see her. They’re in Scampton, Lincolnshire now, but how can we get there?’

Simon glanced at his watch. ‘Jane was asking for a volunteer to collect Captain Anders. He’s been visiting his family in Lincoln. I’ll have to leave in an hour.’

The girls looked at each other, and then back at Simon.

‘Are you taking the Anson?’ Ruth asked, well knowing Simon’s quiet sense of humour. When he nodded, she said, ‘And what if three passengers stowed away before you took off?’

‘I wouldn’t even notice.’

Lucy gurgled and pulled Ruth to her feet. ‘Come on, let’s get going before Simon gets his eyesight back in focus!’

The men were laughing as the girls made a stampede for the stairs to collect the presents they had been saving for Gussie and the baby.

They were back in no time at all and Lucy grinned at Simon. ‘I ought to call you Mr Fix-It.’

‘I do my best, but remember: the flight is officially ATA business, so we’ll go straight to the hospital. There will only be about an hour before we have to return.’

‘That’s plenty,’ Lucy said. ‘Thanks, Simon, you’re a darling.’

There wasn’t much activity at the airfield so they were able to take off at once, and were soon walking into the ward.

Gussie saw them at once and began waving frantically. ‘Over here! How did you get here? I thought everyone would be sleeping off the celebrations.’

‘We just had to come and see our godson.’ Ruth gazed at the baby sleeping peacefully in a cot beside the bed. ‘Oh, congratulations, Gussie! He’s beautiful.’

Lucy wiped away a tear. ‘I’ll say! Clever you, Gussie, giving birth on such a special day! What better way to celebrate a new beginning? We’ve brought some presents for you.’

The parcels were all over the bed as Gussie tore them open, going into raptures as each gift was opened. There was an exquisite christening gown made by Ruth’s mother, a complete set of knitted clothes from Lucy – she had turned out to be surprisingly expert with knitting needles, which was something Gussie had never mastered. There were also various baby plates and mugs. Simon produced a silver egg cup and spoon in a leather case.

Gussie was quite overcome, and when Jack handed her another small leather box, she had tears in her eyes when she opened it.

‘It’s to bring the little guy good luck,’ Jack explained. ‘It’s served me well.’

Ruth was surprised. She had no idea Jack was superstitious. ‘What is it?’ she asked.

Gussie carefully removed the disk from the box and examined it. ‘It’s a silver dollar. But Jack, this is quite old.’

‘Yeah, an old stunt pilot gave it to me when I was sixteen, but I don’t need it now. I’ve had more luck than any man deserves.’

Lucy was studying her brother in amazement, but said nothing.

‘Thank you, all of you.’ Gussie held the silver dollar over
the cot. ‘I’ll be sure James knows what a fine man gave him this.’

‘Is that his name?’ Simon asked.

‘Yes, we’re naming him after Harry’s dad. When we told him I swear there were tears in his eyes.’

‘I’m sure there were.’ Simon glanced at his watch. ‘I hate to rush you all, but we mustn’t keep Captain Anders waiting.’

‘Thanks for coming, and for the wonderful gifts.’ Gussie tapped the cot. ‘Say cheerio to your godparents, James. We’ll let them know when the christening has been arranged, won’t we?’

The baby took absolutely no notice, and his mother smiled indulgently. ‘His manners will improve. He’s only interested in food and sleep at the moment.’

‘That’s what I call a sensible little man.’ Jack leant over the cot and ran his fingers gently over the little face. ‘You grow up like your ma and pa, and you’ll do OK in life.’

When they were outside, Lucy caught hold of her brother’s arm. ‘I didn’t know you had that silver dollar.’

‘Old Buzz gave it to me. He said it had seen him through the First World War. I’ve written down the history of the coin and tucked it in the bottom of the box. I thought the little guy might appreciate it when he gets older.’

Ruth was touched by this gesture. That coin must have been a treasured possession, but he’d given it away to a new life. She was constantly finding unknown depths to this strong man’s character, and each time her love grew. ‘Did you have it with you in France?’ she asked gently.

‘Sure.’ He placed an arm around her shoulder. ‘Lucky,
huh? That’s a fine boy they’ve got there. Let’s hope he never has to face a war in his lifetime.’

They all heartily agreed with that sentiment.

When they arrived back at the airfield, Captain Anders was just getting out of a car. He studied his reception committee with amusement. ‘Did it need four pilots to come for me?’

Lucy, open as usual, said, ‘Simon’s the pilot, but we came for the ride. Gussie’s had a baby boy and we nipped in to see her.’

‘Ah, that is good news. Are mother and baby doing well?’

‘They’re fine. Hope you don’t mind us hitching a lift?’

‘I’d have done the same thing, Lucy.’ He glanced at Simon. ‘Ready to leave? The war in Europe might be over, but we’ve still got work to do.’

‘Do you know how much longer they’re going to need the ATA, Andy?’ Jack asked as they piled into the Anson.

‘I haven’t a date, but this will probably be our last year. I expect you’re both looking forward to going home?’

‘Mom will be pleased to see us again, won’t she, Jack?’

He merely nodded, and Ruth gazed out of the window as they gained height. Soon this would all come to an end, and there was more than a twinge of sadness at the prospect.

15th August was the day of the christening. It was to be held in Harry’s home town of Twickenham. Once again Gussie had chosen a momentous day for the occasion. It was VJ day. Two atomic bombs had been dropped on Japan, and they were such horrific weapons that Japan had had no choice but to give up.

Celebrations were in full swing, but in the beautiful old church there was peace, except for baby James complaining about the indignity of having water dripped on his head. Harry’s parents were beaming with pride. Not only had their son survived, when so many bomber crews hadn’t, but they had a delightful daughter-in-law, and the precious gift of a grandson. Not every family had been so blessed, and amid the joy there would also be sadness.

Ruth held the fretful baby in her arms. This was a new life in a world where so many had died. She was well aware that the return to normality wasn’t going to be easy, but this
child, and many more like him, was the future. She smiled down at him and found a curious pair of bright blue eyes gazing up at her. Then he caught sight of the wings on her jacket and a little hand reached out to touch, the colour obviously catching his attention.

Harry grinned and took his son from her. ‘Want wings like that, do you, James? Well, you’ll have to wait until you’re older, but your mum and dad are both pilots, and so are all your godparents. Not many boys will be able to boast about that, will they?’

They went back to the house with Harry’s parents and drank to the baby and the end of the war. Then they returned to Maidenhead and danced the night away.

There was still ferrying to do, but they all knew it wouldn’t be for much longer. Jack and Simon were doing mostly cargo trips across the Channel in the Ansons, while the girls flew anything that came their way. There was a more relaxed atmosphere now, and they just enjoyed the flying without the pressure of the past few years.

Two weeks after the christening, Ruth and Lucy were in the Mess waiting to see if they could pick up another job, when Jack strode in.

Ruth glanced up from the book she was reading. ‘Had a good trip?’

He nodded and sat with them. ‘It was a bit bumpy over the Channel and the Met have just told me there’s some bad weather coming.’

‘Oh.’ Lucy pulled a face. ‘That means we might be grounded tomorrow. Is Simon with you?’

‘Should be in any minute now. He’s bringing a Spit back for an overhaul.’

Suddenly there was the sound of running feet and orders being shouted. Jack shot up and ran outside. Ruth and Lucy were slower to respond, but they caught up with him, and all three of them watched as a plane approached with smoke pouring from the engine.

‘Is that Simon?’ Lucy shook her brother’s arm, agitated. ‘Is it?’

He shaded his eyes. ‘Yeah, that’s him. Stay here,’ he ordered, and moved towards the edge of the field.

‘I saw flames, Ruth,’ Lucy gasped. ‘Oh, God, there’s fire!’

Ruth had seen it as well and her chest was tight with fear, but she managed to grab hold of Lucy to stop her running forward. ‘Leave it to the men. They’ll get him out as soon as he’s down.’

Jack was on the wing before the plane had even stopped. The war was finally over and there was no way he was going to let his friend die in peacetime.

The canopy was already open and Jack hauled Simon out, dragging him free of the plane with sheer brute force, and almost dragging him out of danger.

‘She’s going up,’ Simon gasped as his feet touched the ground.

The explosion knocked them both off their feet and Jack shielded Simon from the blast.

‘Get off me, Jack, you’re bloody heavy!’

‘Sorry.’ He rolled to one side, grinning. ‘Just protecting my investment in the flying school.’

‘You’re staying?’

‘Yep. I’ve worked out a solution. All we’ve got to do now is make my sister realise she’s in love with you, and we’re in business.’

‘I know she likes me, but I’m not sure her feelings are that deep.’

Jack stood up, dragging Simon with him, and then he laughed and slapped him on the back. ‘I know my sister, and believe me; she’s in love with you. She just hasn’t realised it yet.’

‘What are they doing?’ Lucy was standing open-mouthed, unable to believe her eyes. ‘They’re laughing! What the hell’s so funny? The pair of them nearly got themselves killed!’

‘Let’s go and find out.’ Ruth was just as curious. They marched towards the men, who were dusting themselves down, looking rather pleased with things.

‘What the hell do you think you’re doing?’ Lucy was livid. ‘You’ve just frightened us out of our wits, and you look as if you’re having a relaxing day in the country!’

‘Now don’t get so upset, Lucy.’

She shook off her brother’s hand and stormed up to Simon. ‘I told you not to have a crash just because the rest of us did, but you didn’t listen, did you? Oh, no, you had to go one better and blow the damned thing up!’ Tears of fright were streaming down her face.

Simon wrapped his arms around her and rocked her while she wept. ‘Does this mean you care about me?’

‘Care? Of course I care! I’m in love with you.’

‘Will you marry me, Lucy?’ he asked quietly.

The tears dried up and she gazed at him. ‘Do you mean that?’

‘I most certainly do. I fell in love with you the first time I set eyes on you. So, what’s your answer?’

‘Yes, yes, please!’

Jack winked at Ruth. ‘About time she admitted that. Now we can sort everything out at last.’

‘What do you mean by that?’ she asked as they made their way back to the Mess.

‘You’ll see,’ was all he said. Then he left her to take hold of his sister’s arm and guide her away so they could talk in private.

Ruth stood beside Simon and smiled up at him, so relieved he had survived unscathed, and that he and Lucy were going to marry. ‘Congratulations, Simon.’

‘Thanks.’ He chuckled. ‘I had to nearly blow myself up before she admitted how she felt about me. I had to take advantage of the situation and ask her to marry me.’

‘It certainly did the job.’ Ruth turned her attention back to brother and sister. Jack was obviously explaining something to Lucy and she was nodding and laughing. ‘What are they up to?’ she asked Simon, puzzled.

‘Sorting out some family business, I expect.’

The implications of Simon and Lucy marrying then hit Ruth hard. ‘Will you be going to America to open your flying school there?’

‘My plans are unchanged.’

She chewed her lip anxiously. Lucy might not want to live here, but it sounded as if Simon had no intention of leaving. ‘It’s complicated, isn’t it?’

‘Not at all.’ Simon sounded quite confident. ‘Jack’s got everything in hand.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘You’ll see.’

Ruth grimaced. ‘Not you as well, Simon. Jack’s just told me the same thing. I seem to be the only one who doesn’t know what’s going on.’

‘I know you’re worried Jack’s going to leave, Ruth, but whatever he’s planning, it will include you. The man’s crazy about you and he just wants everything tied up neatly before he says anything.’

‘I just wish he’d talk to me. We could sort out any problems together. You say he loves me, but not knowing for sure is making my imagination run riot. I’m being silly, I know that, but I do love him so much.’

‘He’s a man of few words, Ruth, we both know that, and it’s only natural you feel unsettled, but you can take it from me that you have nothing to be concerned about.’

She nodded. ‘I’ll only relax when I hear that from Jack.’

This was the longest letter Bet had ever received from her son. She had read it through at least a dozen times, and then sent a reply straight away. What he was suggesting frightened her, but they were her children and their happiness was all that mattered to her. She couldn’t be more pleased that Lucy was going to marry Simon, and she was excited about Jack’s plans. She prayed it would all work out for him. She rubbed a hand over her middle as it churned in apprehension. But they were asking a great deal of her.

‘Bet!’ Kathy, her neighbour, rushed in. ‘My boy’s on his way home and will be here within the next couple of weeks!’

‘That’s wonderful news.’

Kathy was so excited she couldn’t sit still. ‘What about your two? When will they be home?’

‘They want to stay in England until the ATA is disbanded.’ Bet sighed and picked up the letter, already becoming dog-eared from constant handling. ‘They’ve been there a long time, especially Jack, and they’ve made new lives for themselves and many friends. There are big changes ahead for the Nelson family.’

‘But the war’s over.’ Kathy looked puzzled. ‘Don’t they want to come home?’

Bet smiled brightly, hiding her apprehension, not prepared to discuss this with anyone just yet. ‘There’s a couple of romances going on there, so they have a lot to sort out first. Lucy is going to marry Simon, and I’m hoping Jack and Ruth will marry.’

‘How exciting! That will be worth waiting a bit longer for, won’t it?’

‘Yes, it will, and I’ll be seeing them before the end of the year for sure. Now, tell me what your letter says.’

A week later, Ruth was no wiser about Jack’s plans. Even Lucy wouldn’t tell her, but how she was managing to keep her mouth shut was a mystery. She was bubbling with happiness.

‘Won’t it be great to be part of Simon’s flying school, Ruth? As soon as the ATA don’t want us any more we can concentrate on getting it up and running.’

This was a good opening for Ruth as Lucy was talking freely. ‘How do you feel about living here permanently? Won’t you miss your home, your mother and Jack?’

‘This is my home now, Ruth.’ Lucy hesitated, obviously censoring her words before she spoke. ‘And of course I want to see Mom again … Ah, here’s Simon and Jack.’ Lucy rushed out to meet them.

Ruth fumed. She could strangle the three of them. They were keeping secrets from her, but she was damned if she’d ask Jack what he thought he was up to in case his plans didn’t include her. That would be too embarrassing. But there was hope in her heart now. Lucy was staying here so there was a chance that Jack would stay too. Jack had given no indication that he intended to leave her and return to America for good. In fact, quite the opposite: he was even more affectionate and attentive, but still he said nothing about their future. If they did both make their home here then what would they do about their mother? Ruth recognised that this was a real dilemma for them.

She heard Lucy ask Jack if he’d heard from their mother, as she opened the front door to them. Then Jack’s deep voice saying something Ruth couldn’t hear.

When they walked into the kitchen they were all looking pleased with themselves. This was too much for Ruth and she couldn’t stop herself saying, ‘I think it’s about time you told me what’s going on. And don’t stand there looking innocent. If you’re planning something that doesn’t include me, then all right!’ She glared at Jack. ‘We’ve been together a long time and I have a right to know if you’re going to stay, Jack.’

‘I haven’t treated you right, have I, honey?’ He placed a hand on her shoulder. ‘It’s all sorted out at last, so will you give me one more day and I’ll explain everything?’

‘One more day?’

‘Yep, be on the airfield at eight tomorrow morning. I’ve got a surprise for you.’

‘Why can’t you tell me now?’ She couldn’t understand this delay. Why the continued secrecy?

‘This isn’t the time or the place for what I want to do. Will you let me do this the way I’ve planned?’

‘Knowing you, Jack, I don’t suppose I have any choice. I hope it’s a nice surprise.’

‘So do I.’

It was a strange answer, but she had to be satisfied with that. He would tell her what was on his mind when he was ready, and not a moment before. It was her own fault for falling in love with such a complex man, but she wouldn’t change him for the world.