A Flight of Golden Wings (5 page)

Ruth then explained that Simon was an instructor and had taught her to fly, making the lad turn his attention to Simon. ‘Are you staying here tonight, sir?’

‘Yes, they’ve found me a bed.’

‘Could I come and talk to you later, when I’m off duty?’

‘Of course,’ Simon agreed.

The young airman pumped his hand with pleasure. ‘Gosh, thanks, sir. I’ll see you in the Mess later.’ He took the empty mugs and began to walk away, then stopped and turned his head to look at Ruth and Gussie. ‘I think you’re both very brave. There’s Germans up there and they could shoot you down. They wouldn’t care that you were unarmed aircraft.’

‘We do try to keep out of their way, don’t we, Ruthie?’

‘Most certainly, but if they’re around they usually have Hurricanes and Spitfires on their tails.’

After giving a brief nod, he went on his way, apparently impressed by their attitude.

Ruth glanced around. ‘Simon, do you know the man’s name who was going to find me lodgings with his mother? I can’t see him anywhere and I’m wondering if she will take Gussie as well.’

‘He’s Sergeant Stan Walker.’

‘That’s me,’ a voice said from behind them. ‘I’ve brought the truck up to the door. Mother will be pleased as punch to put you both up for the night. She loves a bit of company.’

Gussie nodded gratefully. ‘That’s very kind of her.’

‘No, trouble, miss. If you’d like to come with me she’ll settle you in and then cook you a bit of supper.’

‘Oh, we can’t take her rations.’ Ruth shook her head. ‘Is there a pub nearby?’

‘No need for that.’ Stan gave them a sly wink. ‘I’ve got a bit of extra food in the truck.’

Gussie had rescued her bag from the stricken plane and she picked it up, eager to be on her way. ‘I need to get out of these clothes. They stink of burning oil.’

‘I’ll be leaving at first light if the weather’s all right.’ Simon helped Ruth with her bag and followed them out to the truck. ‘Get back here early and I’ll give you a lift to White Waltham, Gussie. You’ll probably be able to cadge another lift from there, or pick up a ferry job.’

‘Thanks, that would be great. I’ll be here at dawn.’

‘Me too.’ Ruth smiled. ‘Night, Simon.’

He nodded. ‘Sleep well.’

‘I will.’

As Simon watched the truck drive away, the station commander came and stood beside him.

‘I’m surprised those two girls weren’t killed. What the hell are we doing allowing them to fly all over the country like this? The ATA are flying without radios or arms. It’s dangerous enough for the men, but we shouldn’t be asking the women to take the same risks.’

Simon glanced at the officer, irritated by his attitude. ‘They have all fought to get into the ATA, and are well aware of the dangers. And they’re more experienced and probably better pilots than the young men you’re sending into battle with only a few flying hours to their credit. It took real skill and nerve for both of them to find this airfield and get down.’

‘I’m not disputing that, but couldn’t the ATA recruit more men?’

Simon spoke firmly. ‘We are trying, but there’s a limited amount of men with private licences. Most of the airline pilots have had to leave, and the RAF have withdrawn most of their pilots from ferrying duties. The manufacturers want the planes cleared as soon as possible in case of attack; planes have to go to and from the maintenance units and the RAF have to be supplied with planes. These women are excellent pilots and we need them.’

‘I suppose you’re right.’ The man gave Simon an apologetic smile. ‘Sorry, I was brought up to believe that a woman’s place is in the home, but the war has changed everything, hasn’t it?’

‘Yes, it has, and we have to accept that. We need all the help we can get.’

‘Again, you’re right.’ The officer glanced at his watch. ‘You’ll join me for dinner, Simon?’

‘Thank you.’

During the night the storm blew itself out and, eager to be on his way, Simon was pleased to see Ruth and Gussie arrive at first light.

‘What were your digs like?’ he asked.

‘Lovely. Mrs Walker made a real fuss of us,’ Ruth told him. ‘Mind you, I’ve had so much to eat my poor plane might have difficulty leaving the ground!’

The girls were in high spirits, laughing and joking together. It was obvious to Simon that they had put yesterday’s troubles behind them. That was the past, and this was a new day. He was proud of them. The ATA had chosen their pilots not only for their skill, but also for their temperament.

Ruth checked over her plane with meticulous care, as always, and was quickly on her way. Simon watched until she was out of sight and then headed back to White Waltham with Gussie as a lively passenger.

‘Lucy, will you wing walk for me at tomorrow’s circus?’

Lucy Nelson watched her brother stride into the room. ‘Why? And where have you been for the last three days? We’ve got a show tomorrow and you disappear without telling any of us!’

‘I’ve been to New York.’ He shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it on a chair.

What was he up to? Lucy knew her brother well and could sense a change in him. There was an air of quiet determination about him – and yes, he was hiding something. But getting information out of Jack Nelson was just about impossible. He would only tell you things when it was all settled. He could be infuriating at times. When he stood in front of her he was a good head and shoulders taller than her five feet five. Then the usual gleam of mirth came into his eyes.

‘Well, will you do it?’

She shook her head. ‘I’ve got a better idea, Jack. You go on the wing and I’ll fly the plane.’

‘Can’t do that. The crowd like to see a pretty girl on the wing.’

‘Flattery won’t work with me, big brother. Where’s Sue, anyway?’

‘She’s having a baby and can’t do it any more.’ Jack gave his most beguiling smile. ‘Come on, do this for me. It’ll be the only time because this is my last show.’

Lucy was surprised by this news. Her brother was an ace pilot and lived to fly. ‘You’re giving up barnstorming?’

‘Yep.’ He sat down and stretched out his long legs.

Once again, Lucy wondered why she hadn’t been born with his elegance. Oh, she was pretty enough with her corn-coloured hair and hazel eyes, but there was something extra special about her brother. While Lucy was mulling this over, their mother came in from the yard carrying a load of clothes that had been drying in the stiff breeze.

‘I never thought I’d hear you say you weren’t going to fly again.’

‘Hi, Ma.’ Jack stood up and relieved his mother of her burden. ‘Where’d you want these?’

‘Just leave them on the table.’ Bet studied her son with curiosity. ‘So, where have you been, and why are you going on about not flying?’

‘I’ll still be flying, but not here. I’ve been to New York to see a man who’s recruiting men to fly in the ATA. Next week I’m off to Montreal to take a flying test and conversion course, and then I’m going to England.’

There was a stunned silence as Bet and Lucy tried to absorb that news.

‘You’re doing
what
?’ Lucy gasped, when her mind started to function again.

‘I’m going to England.’

‘Whoa! Hold on a minute!’ Bet sat on the nearest chair as if her legs would no longer hold her. ‘You can’t go over there! They’re at war and the Germans are going to invade any minute now.’

‘If they do, then I promise I’ll take the nearest plane and fly right back here.’ Jack’s expression became grim. ‘They’re fighting for their lives, Ma, and need all the help they can get.’

‘I know that.’ Bet had recovered somewhat from the shock. ‘But they don’t stand a chance – everyone says so.’

‘I believe everyone’s underestimating them. They won’t be so easy to defeat.’

‘I hope you’re right.’ Bet gave her son a pleading look. ‘But it isn’t our war, son.’

‘I know that’s what some feel, and I understand it seems to be a long way from us, but what do you think will happen if the Nazis gain control of all of Europe? Britain is the only country standing in Hitler’s way. He’s got to be stopped and I’m going to help.’

From the determined look on her brother’s face, Lucy knew that his mind was made up and nothing on this earth would make him change it. That he was going off to another country frightened her, but she was also intrigued. Jack must have been planning this for a while, but had said nothing about it. She wanted to know more.

‘Did you say you are joining their air f—?’

Bet interrupted her daughter. ‘Please don’t do that, Jack. And what’s this ATA? I’ve never heard of it.’

He reached out and patted his mother’s arm. ‘Don’t look so worried, Ma. ATA is short for the Air Transport Auxiliary.’

‘But America is neutral: you can’t go and fight for the Allies!’

‘The ATA is a civilian organisation of pilots with private licenses, not military, so it’s OK.’

Now Lucy was more than interested. ‘What do they do?’

‘They collect new planes from the manufacturers and deliver them to wherever they’re needed.’

Bet gave an audible sigh of relief. ‘So you won’t be in their military?’

‘No, I won’t, Ma. None of the planes are armed. It’s purely a delivery service, but a vital job if the RAF are to be kept supplied with aircraft.’

Lucy went and sat beside her brother. ‘Are they only taking men?’

‘Lucy!’ Bet almost growled. ‘Not you as well! Anyway, they won’t let women fly in wartime.’

Jack pursed his lips as he surveyed his sister’s animated expression. ‘There are women in the ATA. In fact, there are women doing all kinds of jobs over there. They are drawing on every resource they have, but they are only asking for men from overseas, at the moment.’

‘How did you hear about this?’ Lucy was disappointed to discover that only men were being recruited, but things might change later. She must keep a close eye on
this organisation. ‘And why didn’t you tell us?’

‘Some of the pilots were talking about it at the last show. A couple are already in Montreal and should be leaving for England any time now.’ He paused. ‘And I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d want to do this as well … and you’re not going, even if they do start to take American women.’

Lucy bristled. ‘Hey, when did you decide to tell me what I can or can’t do?’

‘Stop it, you two!’ Bet hollered. ‘You’re working up to a fight.’

Brother and sister glared at each other, and then grimaced. They adored each other, but boy, could they erupt at times, both having strong personalities. Their arguments were legendary.

‘That’s better. Now let’s get one thing straight. When your pa died fifteen years ago I was left to bring you up on my own. And I don’t think I’ve done a bad job.’ Bet looked smug.

‘You’re a great mom.’ Lucy went to her mother and gave her a hug. ‘We’ve been a lot to handle, haven’t we?’

‘I can’t argue with that, but I’m not complaining, and I’ve never tried to stop you doing what you wanted. Have I ever objected that the two of you spend your time tossing about in the air?’

Jack and Lucy shook their heads.

Bet grunted in satisfaction at their response. ‘Well, I don’t like that any more than I like the idea of Jack jumping into the middle of a war –
someone else’s war
,’ she added pointedly. ‘But you’re grown now and must make your own decisions, but I’m relieved that Lucy can’t go as well – because I know she would.’

The disappointment showed on Lucy’s face as she sat down again. Mom was right; she would be right on Jack’s tail if at all possible.

‘Now, don’t look like that, my girl. You’ve followed your brother around since you could crawl, but you’ve got to let him go, just as I’ve got to do the same, damned fool that he is.’

‘I know, Mom, but I’ll go if I can.’

‘I don’t doubt it.’ Bet glared at them, trying to hide her worry.

Jack gave his sister an understanding smile. ‘I can see you’re determined so I’ll see what the situation is when I get there and I’ll let you know if they start taking women from here.’

‘Promise?’ Lucy swallowed her concern. Again Mom was right: she had been her brother’s shadow for as long as she could remember, and it hurt to realise that he was going overseas without her. She had never been separated from him, and it would be hard to take.

‘How did I ever raise such crazy kids?’ Bet stood up. ‘Now, I’ve got a heap of ironing to do.’

‘This needs to be tighter.’

Lucy winced as Jack adjusted the harness, desperately regretting that she’d given in. But he’d won, as usual. Being strapped on top of the wing was not a whole lot of fun as far as she was concerned. She liked to be in control, and that was the last thing she’d be, stuck up here.

‘That’s better,’ Jack grunted with satisfaction. ‘You’re a little taller than Sue.’

‘I don’t know how you talked me into this, but I wouldn’t do it for anyone else.’ Lucy took a deep breath, longing for this ordeal to be over.

‘I know that, and I appreciate it.’ He climbed off the wing, jumped to the ground and grinned up at her. ‘I’ll buy you a huge steak after the show.’

‘Don’t mention food,’ she groaned as her stomach did an uncomfortable lurch. ‘Let’s get this stunt over with. And no fancy stuff, Jack, or I’ll kill you when we get down.’

‘You’ll have a nice smooth ride, I promise.’ After a final check that everything was in order, he got in the cockpit and was soon thundering along the field to reach take-off speed.

Lucy closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. She hadn’t eaten a thing today and was glad her stomach was empty. Like her brother, she was a good aerobatic pilot, and as they left the ground, she wished she had her hands on the controls. Stuck up here at the mercy of the wind and pilot was no fun, but she trusted Jack, and that was the only reason she was doing this.

The plane banked and turned to make a low-level sweep over the crowd. She knew the routine and managed a wave as if she was enjoying the ride. It was a good job they couldn’t hear her cussing.

When they landed Lucy’s relief was immense, but when her brother climbed on to the wing to release her from the harness, she swore under her breath. ‘You’ll have to help me down. I don’t think my legs are going to work properly.’

‘You did great, and the crowd loved it.’ He placed an arm around her waist and guided her down to the ground. He gave her cheek a peck. ‘Thanks, I know how you hated doing that.’

Her stomach growled. ‘You can show your gratitude by getting me a strong coffee and a couple of doughnuts. I’ve got my routine to do in half an hour.’

Jack laughed. ‘Hey, you’re feeling better already.’

‘Yep.’ Her grin spread, happy now the ordeal was over. ‘All I’ve got to do now is make my legs work.’

The day of Jack’s departure came all too quickly. Lucy and Bet smiled brightly as they waved him on his way, knowing full well that they were going to have a good cry once he’d gone. They were still having a job to understand why he had decided to do this, but it was clear that he considered it very important. Lucy did wonder if it was for a new challenge, but when she’d mentioned this to him, he’d just shaken his head, but hadn’t explained his motives – he never did. He’d just said it was something he had to do.

The tears came, were mopped up, and mother and daughter tried to ease their loss with coffee and freshly-baked cookies.

Bet managed a watery smile. ‘Jack never could stand anyone being bullied or treated unjustly, could he? Do you remember how he would always wade in and sort out any arguments at school or in the neighbourhood? He must feel the same about this war and just had to do something about it.’

‘Of course! I’ve been trying to work out why he was doing this, but I’d forgotten that. He never could stand by and do nothing, could he, Mom.’

‘That’s Jack all over.’ Bet poured them another cup of coffee. ‘He said he’d try and come home before he’s shipped to England.’

‘He’ll do his best,’ Lucy agreed, feeling a little better now. They’d see him again soon.

‘What are you going to do now, Lucy?’

She shrugged. ‘Still fly in the shows, I suppose, but it won’t be the same without Jack. And he’s not the only one leaving. Two more of the regular pilots are joining our air force in case we enter the war.’

‘This damned war in Europe is reaching out and touching us whether we like it or not, isn’t it?’

‘It sure is, but only on a personal level. If Jack hadn’t decided to get involved, I doubt we’d have realised this. Do you think America will stay out of it?’

‘I think the President would like us to become involved, but he knows the majority of Americans are against being dragged into a war they feel has nothing to do with them.’

Lucy helped herself to another cookie, her thoughts sombre.

‘We are helping, though,’ Bet said quietly. ‘We’re sending food and arms to them.’

‘And Jack,’ Lucy murmured.

Bet spoke with a catch in her voice. ‘And Jack.’