A Flight of Golden Wings (25 page)

‘Lucy!’ Ruth searched the little house, but there was no sign of her friend so she assumed she’d left early to go out with Simon. They had a couple of days off and the weather was good; they were probably taking advantage of the free time. Jack had asked her to go to the airfield this morning and she was curious to find out what he was being so secretive about. She couldn’t imagine why they had to be at the airfield before he could tell her about his future plans. But there was only one way to find out …

When she arrived he was standing by an Anson, and she walked towards him. ‘Are you working today?’

He shook his head, looking rather nervous. He took hold of her hands and pulled her towards him. ‘It was aircraft that brought us together, so I thought this would be the appropriate place.’

She frowned, wondering what on earth he was on
about. This was the first time she had ever seen him looking anything but confident.

‘When we first met I promised to take you to Paris and buy you a new frock for the one I ruined. That’s where we’re going today …’ He paused. ‘But you’ll have to buy one that you can wear at our wedding.’

At first, the words she had longed to hear from him didn’t register properly. Then she gasped. ‘
Our
wedding?’

Now he looked worried. ‘You do want us to be married, don’t you? I hope you do, honey, because I’m staying and I’m never going to let you go.’

She laughed and threw her arms around him. ‘Of course I do, you idiot, but I’ve never been sure that’s what you wanted. I do love you so much, Jack Nelson!’

‘Great!’ He was relaxed and smiling now. ‘Get in the plane, honey, we’ve got some shopping to do.’

She climbed in, still laughing. It hadn’t been much of a proposal, but that was Jack, and she loved him just the way he was.

‘He’s finally got around to it then?’

‘Lucy! I wondered where you’d got to this morning.’

‘Oh, I just had to get out of your way or else I’d have spilt everything. Jack was determined to propose at the airfield.’ Lucy wiggled in delight. ‘I didn’t know my brother had such a romantic streak in him.’

‘Neither did I,’ Ruth agreed, as she strapped herself in, then she reached out and took hold of Lucy’s hand. ‘I was so afraid he would go home and I’d never see him again.’

‘Not a chance! That brother of mine is crazy about you,
and has been from the moment he saw you. He’s never told you that, huh?’

‘Never.’ The plane began to taxi and Ruth looked at the front seats. Simon and Jack were in uniform, making this an official flight. There was also some cargo on the plane, but as this was a day off, Lucy and Ruth were wearing ordinary clothes. ‘What’s your mother going to say about both her children marrying and staying in this country?’

‘She’s over the moon.’

‘What?’ This was certainly turning out to be a morning of surprises. ‘You mean she already knows?’

‘She doesn’t know you’ve accepted Jack’s proposal yet, but we knew you would.’ Lucy looked smug.

Ruth sat back. ‘All right, you’d better tell me all about it.’

‘Well, Jack loves being here, and he loves you, Ruth. He might not say it in words, but I know my brother, and he can’t leave you. He knew I loved Simon even before I did, so he then had the dilemma of what to do about our mom. We both want to stay here because this is where our future is, but that wouldn’t be fair on Mom. It would break her heart if we were so far away. Jack came up with a plan, but didn’t know if she would even consider it.’ Lucy beamed. ‘But she has. Our mom sure has guts.’

‘What’s she going to do?’

‘Come and live here, of course.’

Ruth was stunned. ‘You mean she will leave her home and come and live in a strange country?’

Lucy shrieked. ‘It isn’t so strange … well, not much, and she’ll soon get used to it. We did.’

‘Suppose she hates it here?’ Ruth considered this a tremendous step for Bet to take.

‘She won’t, but if by any chance she gets too homesick, Jack will take her back and see she’s OK. Mom’s only going to rent out her house until she’s settled, and then consider selling it, if she’s happy here.’

Ruth nodded. ‘That’s wise. When is she coming? I can’t wait to meet her.’

‘It might take a couple of months to deal with everything, so we thought it would be wise if we left the weddings until December. She’ll be here by then.’

Even the weddings had been arranged, Ruth thought wryly, but she didn’t care. It wouldn’t be right to go ahead until Bet arrived, and December was just fine with her. ‘Are we having a double wedding?’

‘Not likely!’ Lucy was horrified. ‘You can marry after us.’

‘Oh, thanks.’

‘Think nothing of it.’ Lucy peered out of the window. ‘Do you think we’ll be able to buy clothes in Paris yet?’

‘I doubt it, but it will be fun trying.’

The plane banked as Simon made his approach to the airfield, and they were soon on the ground.

After seeing that the cargo was unloaded, they headed for the city in a Jeep that Jack had managed to borrow.

The place was full of servicemen, all enjoying the late summer sun, and it was surprising to see how quickly things were returning to normal. They had a drink in a cafe by the Seine and then set off to have a good look around.

Ruth walked beside Jack and looked up at him. ‘Lucy tells me we’re getting married in December.’

The corners of Jack’s mouth twitched. ‘I’ve made a lousy job of this, haven’t I, honey?’

‘I’m not complaining. I was afraid I was going to lose you as soon as the war was over.’

He stopped walking and stared at her in amazement. ‘Not a chance! There is no way I would risk losing you. I’ve been in love with you ever since you snarled at me for spoiling your frock.’

‘Do you know, that’s the first time you’ve ever said you love me.’

‘Is it?’ He shook his head, puzzled. ‘But I’ve shown you all the time how I feel about you. Actions speak louder than words.’ He kissed her nose, eyes glowing. ‘And I’ll show you again tonight. We’re booked into a cosy little hotel.’

‘Are we staying the night?’

‘Sure, this is going to be a romantic two days for all of us.’ He took hold of her hands. ‘I know you’ve been wondering what the hell I intended to do, but I couldn’t say anything until I knew if Ma would come over here.’

‘And if she hadn’t agreed?’ Ruth asked quietly.

‘Then I would have had to return to America, but I’d have come back for you, hopefully bringing Ma with me. I can’t live the rest of my life without you, honey.’

‘You’ve had quite a lot to work out, haven’t you?’

He nodded and took a deep breath. ‘But it’s all turned out fine, thank the Lord.’

‘Come on, you two,’ Lucy called. ‘Don’t stand on the sidewalk blocking everyone’s way.’

‘We’re coming.’ Jack took hold of Ruth’s arm as they strode towards the others. ‘About a December wedding,
honey: you can choose a different time if you like, but we want Ma here first. She’d never forgive us if we married before she got here.’

‘Of course she must be here. I wouldn’t have it any other way.’ Ruth nestled close to him as they walked along. ‘December will be perfect.’

As Bet gazed around her home, emotion welled up in her. Her husband, John, had died suddenly when the children were so young. They’d moved into this house only a few months earlier, and she had been determined to make it the home they’d dreamt of. It had been a struggle, but she’d managed it by working two jobs, one while the children had been in school, and another three evenings a week. Kathy had been a good friend all through those years, and still was. Once Jack and Lucy were earning, they’d pitched in, and five years ago the house had been paid for. Leaving it was going to be tough, but she wouldn’t sell it. And leaving her friends was going to be just as hard, but her children weren’t coming back, and she had to be near them. With both of them marrying she might soon be a grandmother. How could she not be close enough to visit?

A tear trickled down her cheek and she brushed it away in disgust. Don’t be so stupid, she told herself. It’s just a house.

Kathy rushed into the kitchen. ‘Bet, you remember Paula?’

‘Sure, she’s the little girl Al was dating before he went in the army.’

‘He’s just told me she’s waited for him and they’re going to get married. Isn’t that wonderful?’

‘Oh, Kathy, I’m so pleased.’ Al had only been home for
a couple of weeks and was already back working with his beloved horses. She was so happy for her friend. Then an idea came to her. ‘Where are they going to live?’

‘That’s a problem. As they both work at the stud they’ll have to find somewhere in this area, but there doesn’t seem to be much around to rent at the moment.’

‘Would they like to rent this house from me?’ Bet saw the surprise on her friend’s face, as they hadn’t discussed Bet’s plans yet. ‘Jack and Lucy aren’t coming home, Kathy. They’ve asked me to join them in England.’

‘What?’ Kathy sat down with a thump, lost for words.

For the next hour Bet told her friend all the news.

‘Oh, my, I’m sure going to miss you, but if I were in your place, I’d do the same. You make sure you write every week.’

‘I promise. Now, do you think Al and Paula would like to live here?’

‘I’m sure they’d love it. When are you leaving?’

‘I’ve got to let Jack know when everything’s settled here, and then he’s going to book me a passage on a boat.’

‘What an adventure you’ll have! You must be pleased Ruth and Simon are marrying your two.’

‘I am, and it will be lovely to meet them at last. Although I already feel as if I know them.’

‘I’m sure you’ll all be very happy.’ Kathy tugged at Bet’s arm. ‘Come on, let’s go and tell Al about the house. They’ll take good care of it for you, Bet.’

‘I know they will.’ She was relieved. It was an ideal solution. She hadn’t liked the idea of strangers living in her house.

It was late October before Bet was on her way. Not the best time to make the crossing, but she discovered that she was a good sailor and didn’t suffer from seasickness like many other passengers. She was excited about seeing her children again, and to meet Ruth and Simon at last, but there was also a gnawing worry.

Bet leant on the rail and watched the grey, churning sea. It mirrored her anxiety perfectly. She had never been out of America before, and here she was, on her way to make her home in a new country. It was a country her children loved, but would she feel the same? Was she doing the right thing? Jack had been enthusiastic about the life they were planning for themselves, but he’d assured her that if she really hated it in England he would see she got back to America and was all right. She knew she could trust him. For all his restlessness as he’d been growing up, if he said he would do something then he did. He would always go out of his way to be sure he never went back on his word. Her children couldn’t be more different. Lucy poured out her hopes and fears, but Jack kept everything to himself until whatever was troubling him was resolved, and only then would he talk about it.

They would be docking in Southampton in about two hours, so Bet stayed at the rail, waiting for her first glimpse of England.

Passengers were now coming up on deck, wrapped up against the cold wind. There were a few youngsters on board, coming home after spending the war in America. Bet wondered how they were going to adjust to life in a country drained by a long, hard fight for survival. They would have
to get to know their families all over again. After such a long separation they would feel like strangers in their own country. Her heart ached for them. There would no doubt be difficult times ahead for both parents and children.

As the ship came into dock, Bet rushed to the other side so she could scan the waiting crowds. It didn’t take her long to spot her tall son, and she fought to stop tears clouding her vision. It was so many years since he’d walked out the door to come and fly for the ATA. Lucy had told her he’d changed and she could sense this. There was a mature man on the quay, relaxed and at peace with himself. And there was Lucy standing beside him, as she had always done since she was a young child. They had both found what they had been looking for, and she would as well. At that moment her doubts melted away and she waved frantically.

It seemed to take an age before she could walk off the ship and be swept off her feet by Jack, and kissed and cried over by Lucy.

Another hour went by before they could retrieve her luggage. This was then loaded into the car belonging to Simon, they told her.

‘Where are Ruth and Simon?’ she asked, as soon as they were on their way.

‘They’re waiting at Ruth’s house for you. Her folks have insisted that you stay with them until we can get you settled in a place of your own.’ Jack cast his mother an affectionate glance. ‘You’ll like it there, Ma. They’ve been real good to us.’

‘I know, Jack, but are you sure it’s OK? I could stay in a hotel for a while.’

‘Mom!’ Lucy exclaimed. ‘We wouldn’t hear of it, and neither would Ruth’s folks. They said you must stay with them for as long as you like. They’ve got a huge house. Simon’s folks are also there waiting to meet you.’

‘Oh dear.’ Bet patted her hair. ‘I look such a mess.’

Jack and Lucy laughed. ‘You look fine,’ they assured her.

‘Ruth’s mom is a great gardener,’ Lucy explained. ‘You wait until you see it in the spring. It’s a glorious place.’

Jack relaxed as he listened to them chatting. He had known early on that he wanted to make his home here, and when he’d fallen for Ruth, there was no way he could imagine his future without her. The offer to be a part of Simon’s flying school had made him even more determined to find a way to stay, but he’d needed to do the right thing by Ma and Lucy as well. It had been a dilemma that had caused him quite a few sleepless nights, but it had finally come right.

‘They’re here!’ Ruth saw the car stop outside the house and she ran for the door. She was so looking forward to meeting Bet at last.

It was chaos as the introductions were made, and seeing that Bet was looking quite overcome by the welcome, Ruth took her upstairs to show her the room Alice had prepared for her.

Bet stood just inside the door and gazed around, stunned. ‘This is beautiful. I’ve never slept in a four-poster bed before.’

‘It’s very comfortable.’

Bet sat on the edge of the bed and blew her nose. ‘I didn’t realise you had such a grand home. This is like a palace.’

‘It’s been in the Aspinall family for several generations, but it’s a home, Bet, and you can treat it as such. Jack and Lucy have always loved to stay here.’

‘That’s right, Ma.’ Jack came into the room. ‘It’s a great place to relax.’

‘I’ve got a four-poster bed!’ Bet looked up at her son and grinned.

‘So I see. I must have a word with Alice. She never offered me that.’

Ruth’s mother appeared at that moment and stood beside Jack, looking highly amused. ‘You’re too big for it. Your feet would have stuck out of the end, but it’s just the right size for Bet.’ Alice smiled. ‘I’ve made tea, or would you prefer coffee? I’ve still got some left you sent me.’

‘You’ve got to have tea, Ma. It’s grand stuff, and got this country through the war. They drink gallons of it.’

‘So do you,’ Ruth teased.

‘I needed it to keep me flying. The ATA never give us time to eat.’

They were all laughing as they made their way down to the sitting room. It was a cosy sight with a log fire burning in the grate and tea laid out ready for everyone. Bet seemed to relax immediately, but this lovely old house did that to everyone who entered it.

Bet had to tell them about her journey over, and when the mothers began to talk about arrangements for the weddings, Jack winked at Ruth. ‘Time we left,’ he said quietly.

They all said cheerio and got in the car to make their way back to the airfield.

Now Bet had arrived, plans for the future went ahead at full speed. Simon and Jack took a trip to Cornwall to check over the planes and make sure they were in good flying order. Ruth and Lucy toured around Heston looking
for houses to rent. Simon had already obtained permission to reopen his flying school, so they needed to live as near as possible to the airfield. Then they went to see Bet.

They found her in the kitchen showing Alice how to make American pancakes.

‘Lovely,’ Lucy said as she greeted them. ‘Have we got any maple syrup?’

Alice held up a bottle. ‘This was in one of the parcels your mother sent me, but I wasn’t sure what to do with it.’

‘We’ll show you,’ Lucy said, as they all sat down to enjoy the feast. ‘Mom, our flying school will be at Heston, as Simon has already explained to you, and we’ve been looking for houses in that area, but you need to tell us where you’d like to live.’

‘Do you think it would be possible for me to find a small house in this area?’ She gave the girls a fond smile. ‘I don’t want to get under your feet, and I’d like to stay near Alice and George, if possible.’

‘I’ve told Bet she can make her home with us,’ Alice said, ‘but she wants her own place, and I can understand that.’

‘I’m sure we can find something.’ Ruth was delighted to see that Bet and her mother had become firm friends.

They went on to discuss the weddings and agreed that Lucy and Simon should marry the first Saturday in December, then Jack and Ruth the following week. That would give both couples a chance to have a short honeymoon and then they could all spend Christmas together.

‘Gosh, that doesn’t give us much time.’ Lucy pulled a comical face at Ruth. ‘We never did find suitable dresses in Paris, did we? What are we going to wear?’

‘We could marry in uniform, I suppose.’

They all looked at Ruth in horror at that suggestion.

‘You most certainly will not!’ Alice exclaimed. ‘I still have my wedding dress, and I’m sure it will fit you, Ruth.’

‘And I’ve brought mine with me for Lucy. I’d heard all about the rationing and knew it might be difficult to get hold of wedding dresses.’

‘Some girls have been getting round the rationing by having them made of parachute silk, but we haven’t got time for that.’ Lucy kissed her mother. ‘Thanks, Mom, I’ll be proud to wear your beautiful dress.’

‘Me too, Mum.’ The dress was exquisite, but Ruth had had no idea her mother still had it. ‘That solves that problem.’

‘What problem is that?’ Simon asked as he and Jack arrived.

‘Mind your own business,’ Lucy teased. ‘This is women’s business.’

‘Ah, in that case we’d better stay out of it, Jack.’

‘Too right.’ He stared at the empty plates. ‘You been making pancakes, Ma?’

Bet stood up. ‘Sit down and I’ll make you a fresh batch. The farmer down the road gave us a few eggs. I can’t get on with this dried egg stuff.’

‘I’ll give you a hand.’ Alice disappeared into the kitchen with Bet.

‘How are the planes?’ Ruth asked Simon.

‘Working perfectly after Jack got his hands on them. We can start bringing them back early next year, and we can have the school up and flying by the spring.’ His face was
alight with anticipation. ‘Pupils are already coming forward for lessons.’

‘That’s wonderful.’ Ruth caught Simon’s excitement. The flying school had always been his pride and joy. Now he could start again, but on a much larger scale this time. They were anticipating a lot of youngsters wanting to learn to fly, and with four of them teaching they could take on a lot of pupils.

‘There’s one sad note.’ Jack looked serious. ‘There’s going to be a closing ceremony at White Waltham on the 30th of November when the ATA flag will be lowered for the last time.’

There was silence around the table. They’d known this was being planned. Now they had the date.

As the Air Transport Auxiliary flag was lowered, Ruth knew that each pilot there had his or her own memories of the war years. Jack, Lucy, Simon and herself were lucky; they would continue flying with the school, but many were wondering if their flying careers were coming to an end.

Their families and various dignitaries were there to see the end of the ATA. Ruth glanced around, delighted to see that Gussie and Harry had been able to come. Bet was bursting with pride at the role her children had played in this unique organisation. They had come a long way to help a country in desperate need, and had been welcomed, respected and loved. The ATA had quickly built into an efficient force, consisting of many different nationalities, all individuals in their own right, but with a common passion for flying.

Ruth’s thoughts turned to those who had become good friends, and those who had been killed doing the job, Tricia and Rob being just two of those to lose their lives.

Jack touched her hand as the flag was folded, and they shared the poignant moment. Words were unnecessary. They knew what a vital job they had done, and were proud to have been a part of it.

Now the future was ahead of them, but the memory of the golden wings they had worn with pride would always be with them.