A Flight of Golden Wings (15 page)

‘I’m not afraid,’ he protested firmly. ‘I’m just trying to be kind to Ruth.’

Lucy gazed up at him in astonishment. ‘Gee, have you got this all muddled up! Let the future take care of itself. If there’s pain in it, then we’ll have to deal with that when it comes. That’s what I’m going to do. It’s the only way to get through this war, Jack,’ she admonished gently.

‘You always were the sensible one out of the two of us, weren’t you?’

‘You only just realised that?’ she teased.

He kissed her cheek. ‘No, I’ve known it from the time you were a toddler, but I’ve never told you. Thanks for the lecture.’

She watched him get in the plane and take off. He’d obviously been shaken by the deaths of Tricia and Rob, and other things he’d witnessed since coming to this country. But boy, was he wrong! Her mouth set in a determined line. She’d have to see if she could change his mind.

It was three days later when Ruth had her first Blenheim to deliver to Hawarden, near Chester. From there she was to collect a Wellington for Brize Norton. It was a glorious day, without a cloud in the sky, but her mood didn’t match the brightness. They had all been at Rob’s funeral the day before, and she had been overwhelmed with sadness that his family from America couldn’t be there. But the friends he had made in this country had all been present, including Tricia’s parents. He had been a greatly loved man, and everyone felt his passing dreadfully.

There didn’t seem a lot to smile about at the moment. The news from the desert war in North Africa was not encouraging. There was a long way to go before this war was won. And it had to be won – there was no other alternative. And another irritation was that she needed a new pair of shoes and didn’t have enough clothing coupons for them.

She laughed out loud, her gloom lifting. What a daft
thing to think about! Her head came up – that was enough of gloomy thoughts – and she marched out to the waiting Blenheim. This was no time to fret about the state of things at home or abroad. She had planes to fly.

The flight to Hawarden was uneventful and Ruth thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of handling the larger planes. After checking in she was told that the Wellington wouldn’t be ready for another hour, so she went to the Mess. There were several newspapers around and she picked one up to read while she had a cup of tea and a bun. There was no telling when she would have time to eat again. With good flying weather they delivered as many planes as possible during the day. There were only four men around taking a break, and they were playing cards.

The hour soon passed and Ruth was about to see if the plane was ready, when two RAF pilots walked in.

They glanced around the room. ‘We’ve been told there’s a Wellington going to Brize Norton. Is the pilot here? We’d like to cadge a lift.’

Ruth folded the paper carefully, holding it so it covered her wings, then walked towards the men. ‘That will be all right. I’ll just check that it’s ready.’

‘Thanks, we’ll wait outside.’

Everything was now in order and Ruth collected the delivery chit. The men were waiting by the plane. ‘Hop in, we can leave at once.’

They were now staring at the wings on her jacket, looking apprehensive.

The tallest one said, ‘Er … where’s the pilot?’

‘You’re talking to her.’

The other pilot swore quietly under his breath. ‘Since when have women been flying bombers? How many of these have you flown?’

‘This is my first Wellington.’ She smiled brightly, thoroughly enjoying herself. Some men were still finding it hard to believe that women were doing this kind of work. She took the
Handling Notes
out of her pocket, flicked it open at the appropriate page. ‘I’ve got all the instructions here.’

When they still didn’t move, she said, ‘Frightened to fly with a woman?’

That shook them up and they gave each other sheepish glances.

Ruth made a point of checking her watch. ‘If you’re coming then get on board, please. I’ve got another one to collect for Cowley.’

Giving a slight shrug they got into the plane.

From then on Ruth ignored them as she went through the pre-flight checks, and when satisfied that everything was all right, she took off. The men were silent, but she knew they were watching her every move with apprehension.

The weather was perfect and they had a smooth flight. She set the plane down, and when she climbed out the men were waiting for her.

‘Sorry we doubted you,’ the tallest one said, ‘but we didn’t know the women of the ATA were flying planes of this size.’

‘Nice going,’ the other one said. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Ruth.’ She headed for the check-in, and they fell into step beside her, all smiles now they were down safely.

‘Can we buy you lunch?’

‘Thanks all the same, but I’ve got another delivery to make.’ After giving them a brief smile, she headed for the ops room.

Jack was there looking highly amused. ‘Hi, Ruth. Picked up a couple of passengers, did you?’

She grinned. ‘I thought they were going to change their minds when they realised who was flying the plane.’

‘Scared, were they?’

‘White as sheets.’

Jack gave a deep, amused chuckle, and then raised his hand. ‘See you.’

‘Damn it, Jack! Will you stop walking away from me?’

He paused and turned his head. ‘I’ve got pilots to collect, honey.’

‘I know, but you can spare me a few minutes, surely?’

He nodded.

‘Have you seen Lucy? Is she getting on all right?’

‘Sure, she’s having the time of her life, and fallen for an RAF pilot, Dave Sullivan. I’ve warned her off.’

‘That was quick. She’s only been here five minutes, so to speak.’ Ruth hesitated, frowning. ‘What do you mean, you’ve warned her off?’

‘He’s from Biggin Hill and always in the thick of the fighting. She shouldn’t get too fond of him. I don’t want to see her get hurt if anything happens to him.’

Ruth stared at him in astonishment. ‘Does she always do as you say?’

‘Nope, never. She told me she’s going to live her life to the full and let the future take care of itself.’

‘Good for her!’ Ruth moved forward until she was almost
toe to toe with him, then said firmly, ‘Don’t you think you ought to take a leaf out of your sister’s book?’

‘Meaning?’ His gaze narrowed.

‘We’re not just friends, Jack. We’re attracted to each other physically as well. It would be nice to find out how deep that attraction goes. I’d like to know how it feels to be held in your arms; to be kissed
properly
.’ She emphasised the word properly, because the only time he’d kissed her had been more in anger than like a man in love. Then she stepped back. ‘And that, Jack Nelson, is all the running I’m doing. I swear that you’re a difficult man to pin down, but I’m not waiting around for years while you get over this daft notion of yours. I love you, and I’m hoping you feel the same about me. I’m embarrassing myself here, Jack, but I’m not prepared to go on like this. If you feel no great affection for me, then say so, and I’ll never mention it again. But say something or our friendship ends here.’

When he just stared at her, taken aback by her outburst, she gave an exasperated sigh. ‘I’m not asking for a lifelong commitment. When this blasted war is over you can go back home and never look back, if that’s what you want.’

‘You think I’d take advantage of you and then leave?’ The words came out in a growl of disbelief.

Making him angry seemed to be the only way of getting through his defences. ‘Oh, I’m not offering to let you take advantage of me.’

A glint of amusement replaced the anger in his eyes. ‘That’s a shame, honey. I’d sure like to take advantage of you … But, as that isn’t on offer, would you like to come to the cinema with me this evening?’

‘Only if we can sit in the back row.’

His mouth twitched at the corners. ‘I’m sure that can be arranged. I’ll pick you up at seven.’ Before walking away, he said, ‘Remember, honey, whatever happens between us, you started it.’

‘I know what I’m doing, Jack.’ As she watched him walk away, she wondered if she really did know what she had just done. She could get more than she’d bargained for. Although her life had been one of parties and functions, she had never taken the step of sleeping with anyone she’d met, preferring to wait for the right man. Was that right man Jack? Only time would tell, but she certainly wasn’t going to jump into bed with him until she was sure how they both felt. She placed her hand over her heart, feeling it thud in her breast. She had just taken a chance. Jack could have shrugged at her ultimatum and walked out of her life. But he hadn’t. Something Lucy had said must have made him think again. She’d thank her next time she saw her.

Gussie came into the kitchen. ‘You sound happy this morning. What picture did you see?’

Ruth gazed into space, then back at her friend. ‘I haven’t the faintest idea.’

There was a smell of burning and Gussie lunged for the grill to save their toast. ‘Ah, I take it that Jack’s making up for lost time.’

‘Hmm.’ Ruth picked up a slice of scorched bread and began scraping off the blackened part, then handed it to Gussie, changing the subject quickly. ‘You’ve never said, but have you ever heard from Don?’

‘No, and I didn’t expect to. He didn’t belong here, Ruthie. He wasn’t like Jack and Rob.’

Ruth chewed thoughtfully on a piece of toast. ‘You’re right. Rob had made this his home, but Jack will return to his family when this is all over. He thinks the world of his mother. He told me she brought them up on her own, and he loves and respects her for that.’

‘I expect you’re right.’ Gussie poured them another cup of tea. ‘How will you feel about that?’

‘Lucy told Jack that she’s going to live for the now and let the future take care of itself. That’s what I’m going to do. I love Jack and need to be with him while it’s possible. If he walks away at the end it will hurt like crazy, but at least I’ll have had him for a while.’ She gave a shrug of resignation. ‘Does that sound selfish of me?’

‘No, those are my sentiments exactly. We can’t put our feelings on hold. We’ve got to make the most of what we have now.’

Ruth sighed. ‘Jack’s trying to put his feelings on hold. I’ve broken through his defences a little, but I don’t believe he’s truly convinced that we should have a serious relationship at this time. Perhaps he never will, but that’s something I’ll find out some time in the future.’

‘And you’ll handle it in your usual sensible way. I was upset when Don left without a backward glance, but I think he was just having fun with me. We liked each other, but our feelings never went any deeper than that.’ Gussie’s eyes gleamed. ‘I’ve found someone else now, and this is the real thing!’

Ruth stopped with her cup halfway to her mouth, and
then put it down hastily. ‘That’s terrific! Who is he? Where did you meet him? What’s he like?’

‘Whoa!’ Gussie laughed. ‘Save your questions, you’ll get to meet him tonight. Now, come on, move, Ruthie, or we’ll be late. Looks like decent flying weather today.’

That evening, Ruth, Jack and Simon met in the local pub to wait for Gussie and her new boyfriend. Sally and Jane joined them and they began to speculate who Gussie’s friend might be.

‘Have you any idea?’ Sally asked Ruth. ‘She’s kept this romance very quiet.’

‘She certainly has. I didn’t even know she was seeing anyone.’

‘I hope it isn’t another American.’ Jane pulled a face. ‘Sorry, Jack, I keep forgetting you’re American. I don’t mean to offend you, but Gussie was more upset than she let on when Don left.’

‘No offence taken. I also hope she’s found someone who won’t up and leave her. Gussie’s a lovely girl and no one wants to see her hurt.’

‘He’s bound to be someone lively like herself.’ Ruth chuckled as she thought of her extrovert friend. ‘She’ll soon get tired of him if he isn’t.’

The door opened and a group of RAF airmen came in. They were all sporting wings on their jackets, and Gussie was in the middle of them. One of the men was Dave Sullivan.

‘Oh, hell!’ Jack cursed quietly under his breath when he saw Dave.

Gussie waved and towed her entourage to their table. She introduced each one in turn – Paul, Dave, Stan and Harry. Then it was bedlam as more chairs were commandeered and pints ordered.

Ruth managed to grab Gussie’s arm. ‘Which one is yours?’

‘Harry.’ She sighed blissfully. ‘Isn’t he the most gorgeous man you’ve ever seen?’

‘Absolutely.’ Ruth studied Harry as he stood at the bar with Jack and Simon waiting for the beer to be served. There was nothing spectacular about him; in fact he was quite an ordinary looking man with brown hair and dark eyes. But when he came back to the table she could see that there was a glint of devilment in his eyes. Oh, yes, she could see what had attracted Gussie to him. He was well over six feet, and Ruth couldn’t help wondering how he squeezed himself into a fighter. Then she felt a cold chill creep through her when Gussie announced that Harry was a bomber pilot. She silently uttered Jack’s curse – Oh, hell! Being part of a bomber crew was a precarious occupation.

‘Hello, Jack.’ Dave put a pint in front of Jack. ‘I met your sister at Ratcliffe.’

‘So she told me.’ He picked up the beer. ‘Thanks. You with Gussie?’

‘No, Harry’s her fellow. We met outside the door and she insisted we join her party.’

‘Ah, she would. Are you going to see Lucy again?’

‘I’ve got a couple of days’ leave and I thought I would.’ Dave sat back. ‘Do you mind?’

‘Would it make any difference if I said I did?’

‘None at all.’

‘I thought not.’ Jack nodded and took a mouthful of beer. ‘My sister’s her own person and will do as she pleases. I think she’d like to see you again.’

‘Good, I’ll go tomorrow.’

Ruth had listened to the exchange, and knew she couldn’t love Jack more than she did at that moment. Even though he was protective of his sister, he had just told Dave that the way was clear for him if he wanted to see Lucy. It looked as if he had taken Lucy’s words to heart and was now prepared to let the future unfold as it would. They were living in dangerous times and, in her opinion, the only thing they could do was take each day as it came. If they worried about what tomorrow would bring, they would never leave the house.

It had turned out to be a lively evening, Simon thought wryly, his head thumping slightly, but the couple of Aspirin he’d taken would soon clear that – in fact it was already fading. He climbed into the Anson. Those RAF boys really knew how to enjoy themselves, but no one could blame them. They were risking their lives every time they took off. And Gussie’s boyfriend, in bombers, never knew if he was coming back after every raid. No, he wouldn’t deny them any happiness they could snatch.

He took off, pleased the weather was clear today. One of the Ansons was out of service and he’d been asked to cover a lot of the country today. Pilots everywhere needed to be picked up and dropped at their next destination. His first call was Shawbury, then Litchfield and on to Ratcliffe. He was pleased about that as he might have a chance to see Lucy. He couldn’t get Jack’s sister off his mind, and with
some leave coming up, he was hoping to take her out. It would give him a chance to get to know her.