The Uncertain Years (21 page)

Becky was taken aback. David’s parents always seemed pleased to see her, but they’d never shown this kind of
affection before. ‘I’ve been home for a few days and he was there. He told me all about it.’

‘Splendid news about North Africa.’ David’s father relieved her of her coat. ‘How long can you stay?’

‘Until four o’clock.’

‘Good.’ Mrs Hammond turned to leave the room. ‘I’ll set another place for you.’

‘Are you sure it’s all right, Mrs Hammond? You weren’t expecting me and I can’t eat your rations.’

‘I made a large pan of vegetable soup and there’s a fresh crusty loaf. It’s a simple meal, but there’s plenty. We grow our own vegetables, like everyone else.’

‘In that case I’d love to stay.’ Becky wondered where the maid was as Mrs Hammond was doing everything herself.

As if reading her mind, Mrs Hammond smiled. ‘We’ve lost Doris. She’s gone into a factory, but we were lucky to keep her for as long as we did. I’m quite enjoying being kept busy.’

Over lunch Becky told them all Will had seen and done in North Africa, and about the two Americans. Sara listened with great interest, taking in every word.

‘We met some Americans,’ the girl informed Becky, her eyes shining. ‘They were nice and they gave me some chocolate! I shared it with two more children in the park. It was lovely.’

‘What a treat.’

Sara nodded, serious now. ‘I expect they get lonely a long way from home, just like my daddy does.’

‘Yes, they do, and it’s hard for those waiting at home as well.’

‘I worry about my daddy.’

‘I know you do, sweetheart, but he’s quite all right.’ Becky smiled reassuringly at Sara.  ‘My brother’s keeping an eye on him for you.’

‘I like your brother.’ The concern cleared from her face. ‘I like getting letters from him, so would you ask him to write again, please?’

‘I’ll ask him next time I write to him.’

‘Thank you, Rebecca.’

Becky helped Mrs Hammond clear the table and wash up after lunch, and while they were alone, David’s mother said quietly, ‘We’ve had a letter from David today, and he told us he’d asked you to marry him, but you’d refused.’

Sure that they would not approve of a marriage between them, Becky answered firmly. ‘I had to. It wouldn’t do.’

‘Why?’

‘Pardon?’ She sent Mrs Hammond a startled look, as she’d expected her to agree that a marriage between them wouldn’t be the done thing.

‘Why do you think it wouldn’t do?’

Now she was flustered, but as with David, she spoke plainly, giving the same reasons for her refusal.

By the time she’d finished, Mrs Hammond was shaking her head. ‘You’re a lovely, well brought up girl, Rebecca, as well as intelligent and kind. You understand army life and would make David an excellent wife. Class doesn’t come into it, but a sound character does, and that’s what you have. You would fit in anywhere, and I must say we were both disappointed to hear you had refused. Don’t you love him?’

‘Very much, but he doesn’t love me.’

‘Nonsense! We know our son, and he adores you. His wife wasn’t right for him. She hated army life, but he was besotted with her. What he feels for you is a different kind of love – the lasting kind. But he hasn’t recognised that yet.’

Becky stared at her, thoroughly confused now.

‘You have to be patient with men, my dear. Don’t give up on him, please.’

Because her leave had been in November, Becky wasn’t able to get home that Christmas, but she received a long letter from her parents. None of the boys had made it home either, but Greg and Hal had turned up, and by the sound of it they had had a lively time. Becky’s father seemed particularly fond of the two Americans, and was writing to both of them regularly now.

The new year, 1943, had arrived on a bitter cold wind, and on 17th January London had suffered a night-time raid, the first for quite a while. But over the last few months there had been heartening news. The German forces at Stalingrad had surrendered, and just last week, on 13th May, the German and Italian troops had also surrendered in North Africa.

It would be lovely if Jim and David could now come home. Since her talk with Mrs Hammond all those months ago, Becky had begun to think over her reasons for refusing
David’s proposal, but she needed to see him, spend time with him. How could anyone come to important decisions like this when so much time was spent apart? However, his letters were very regular and made her laugh. She did love his sense of humour …

‘What’s he been up to now?’ Alice asked as she sat down opposite her friend. ‘I know from that expression that you’re reading a letter from the colonel.’

She grinned. ‘I’ve also had one from Will. Have you?’

‘Three arrived at once this morning. Do you know where he is?’

‘No idea. He might be in North Africa again, but David hasn’t mentioned him. I do have a piece of good news though. Bob arrived home two weeks ago with a pretty Wren on his arm. Helen, her name is.’

‘Oh, do you mind?’

Becky stared at her friend, puzzled. ‘Why should I mind? Of course I’ll have to look her over to make sure she’s suitable.’

‘Of course.’ Alice shook her head. ‘I thought you were fond of Bob?’

‘I am, but he’s like a brother to me, and like Will, I want him to be happy.’

‘And I’m sure they both will be, once this blasted war’s over.’ Alice pursed her lips.  ‘As for us, we’ve got problems to resolve, haven’t we?’

‘We certainly have. You have to come to terms with losing Anthony, and I’ve got to decide what to do about David. I thought I was clear in my mind, but since talking to Mrs Hammond I don’t know where I am. I was really
shocked to discover that they would approve of me as a wife for their son.’

‘It shows they’re genuinely fond of you.’ Alice smiled. ‘But don’t worry, we’ll eventually sort ourselves out, and I still think you’ve done the right thing.’

‘Wish I did.’ Becky glanced at her watch. ‘I’ve got to go. See you tonight?’

Alice nodded. ‘I’ll check if there’s a dance somewhere, shall I?’

‘Good idea.’ Becky hurried back after her break.

‘Hey, Becky!’ someone called. ‘Come and have a look at this. The darned thing keeps stalling on me.’

Her face lit up with pleasure as she rushed over to the vehicle, and was soon completely absorbed in what she was doing. When the sergeant shouted, ‘Officer present,’ she jumped and hit her head as she scrambled out. Sliding off the vehicle she hit the ground with a thump, straightening and saluting smartly. When she looked into the officer’s face he was having a terrible job not to laugh.

‘A tank?’ he said.

‘Yes, sir. They’re having trouble with it and asked me to have a look.’ She wanted to smile, but didn’t dare. If she started she wouldn’t be able to stop herself laughing. The men always roped her in like this, knowing how much she loved to get her hands on any kind of engine. Sometimes there wasn’t much wrong, but they let her probe around to her heart’s content, waiting to see if she could discover the fault. She took a deep breath. He looked so good, tanned and leaner.

‘And have you discovered what the problem is?’

‘Not yet, sir.’ Then she murmured under her breath, ‘No one’s removed any vital parts though.’

He laughed out loud then. ‘When you’ve sorted it out I want to see you. I’ll be with Major Brent.’

‘Yes, sir!’ He walked away still laughing. She had never seen him so relaxed.

‘He keeps turning up,’ Pete remarked dryly. ‘Where’s he been this time?’

‘North Africa.’

‘Thought so. He’ll be in for a promotion soon, I expect. He’ll be a general in time for the invasion,’ Pete teased.

Becky cast Pete a horrified look. ‘Very funny. Just imagine the strange looks that would cause when he comes looking for me. This encounter has set a few minds working overtime – just look at their faces. He didn’t even pretend he needed me for a driving job.’

‘He doesn’t care, Becky. He’s considered a hero after what he’s accomplished, and no one’s going to criticise him for being with a lovely girl. You’re a friend of his family, so why shouldn’t he talk to you? That’s what I tell anyone who asks me.’

‘You get asked?’

‘I have been, but you haven’t got anything to worry about. You act in a proper military way when you meet him in camp, and what you do off duty is none of their business.’

‘We don’t do anything when we’re off duty!’ she said tartly. ‘But you’re quite right, I worry too much.’

‘You do,’ Pete agreed. ‘He’s a well-respected man, Becky, and a damned fine soldier. Any chatter coming from some
of the other girls is only because they’re jealous. Take no notice of it.’

‘That’s what Alice keeps telling me.’ She started to clamber back on the tank. ‘Let’s see if we can sort this beast out.’

An hour later she looked into Alice’s office. ‘I’ve been ordered to come here.’

‘They’ve been waiting for you.’ Alice looked her up and down. ‘Couldn’t you have changed first?’

‘I’ve washed off the grease and put on a clean shirt.’

‘But you’re still wearing those blasted trousers. You’ve got a pair of legs I’d give anything for, and you’ve always got them covered up.’

‘I’m going straight back to work after this, and I can’t climb over a tank in a skirt, Alice.’

‘Tank!’ Alice groaned. ‘What are we going to do with you?’

‘They are having trouble with it so Pete and I have been fixing it.’ Becky’s grin spread. ‘There’s another one—’

‘Don’t tell me any more.’ Alice was shaking her head in dismay. ‘Your brother and the boys have a lot to answer for.’

They both looked up sharply when they heard quiet laughter. The two officers were standing in the doorway, highly amused.

‘I take it the tank is in good working order now?’ David asked.

‘Of course.’

The major walked past Becky, chuckling quietly to himself. ‘Use my office, David. I’ll take Alice for a walk.’

Becky watched them leave. This was all very informal.

‘Come in, and don’t you dare salute.’

She followed him into the office, wondering if this was going to be another proposal. ‘Sit down, Rebecca.’

After dusting off her trousers, just in case they marked the posh chair, she sat and waited.

‘I’ve arranged for you to have a day’s leave tomorrow. We’re all going on a picnic to celebrate my homecoming. Sara’s looking forward to it.’

She stared at him, speechless.

‘We’ll pick you up from the gate at ten in the morning.’ His mouth quirked at the corners. ‘Nothing to say, Rebecca?’

Her pent-up breath came out in a whoosh. ‘What is there to say? It seems I’m going on a picnic, and you needn’t come to the camp for me. I’ll meet you at the house.’

‘No!’

‘But it will cause talk, and you’ve got a position to maintain.’

‘To hell with that,’ he said sharply, standing up and towering over her. ‘Since this war started I’ve been bombed, shot at, trapped behind enemy lines, dug holes in the sand like a rat, while someone has been doing his best to kill me. People can think what they like. I no longer care. If anyone tries to make things difficult for you, I’ll deal with them.’

She was astonished. ‘You’ve changed.’

He stooped down in front of her and took hold of her hands. ‘And about bloody time, too. But we’ve all changed, my dear. Now, will you come on the picnic with us?’

‘I’d love to.’

‘Thank you.’ He squeezed her hands and then stood up again. ‘So we’ll meet you at the gate.’

‘I’ll be there.’ She certainly wasn’t going to argue again. If this was how he wanted it, then she’d go along. If the gossip around the camp didn’t bother him, then she would try to ignore it as well. He was flouting the rules where she was concerned, and that wasn’t a comfortable feeling, knowing the army was his life. She would be upset if his prospects were harmed because he was consorting with a girl from the ranks. Of course it went on, she wasn’t that daft, but it was usually a discreet relationship. David was making no attempt to hide her friendship with him and his family. It was unsettling, but her respect and admiration for this complex man just grew and grew.

‘We’ll look forward to a pleasant day. Now, walk me to my car.’

She did that and watched him drive away. At that moment Alice returned.

‘Was that another proposal?’

‘No.’ Becky shook her head. ‘I’ve been invited to a picnic tomorrow.’

‘Lovely. Hope the weather holds for you.’

It was a beautiful day and Becky decided to wear the skirt Alice had insisted she keep, a plain white blouse, and a pair of flat sandals. In case it turned chilly she draped the cardigan Mrs Hammond had made her around her shoulders. With a bag of biscuits as a contribution to the picnic she walked to the gate, showed her pass and waited outside.

She had only been there about five minutes when the
Rolls Royce purred into view with Mr Hammond driving, and Sara waving frantically from the back seat.

‘My goodness,’ she exclaimed as they pulled up beside her. ‘Where did you get the petrol to run this, Mr Hammond?’

‘I’ve been saving my ration and thought this was a good time to use it.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘We can’t go far though.’

‘I should think not. Hello, Mrs Hammond, it looks like we have a lovely day for it.’ She greeted the family first, not forgetting the excited dog, before turning her attention to David who was now standing beside her. He looked happy and relaxed in civvies.

Before opening the rear door for her he kissed her gently on the cheek. ‘You look lovely, Rebecca.’

‘Thanks.’ She smiled up at him. ‘You don’t look too bad yourself.’

Laughing, he opened the door for her. ‘In you get.’

‘We’re so pleased you could get a pass for today,’ Mrs Hammond said, clearly delighted with the prospect of a day out together.

‘That was your son’s doing. I was just told I had a pass and would be coming on a picnic today.’

David’s mother smothered a laugh. ‘Still giving orders, is he?’

‘He’s very good at it.’

‘The trouble is, Mother, she doesn’t always obey me.’ David glanced back at them.

‘Oh, Daddy, you mustn’t tell Rebecca off today. We’re going to have a lovely picnic.’

‘I wouldn’t dream of it, sweetheart.’ He smiled and winked at his daughter. ‘I only do that when we’re in uniform. Have you shown Rebecca your new charm?’

‘Not yet.’ Sara searched through the charms on the bracelet until she found the new one, then she held it out. ‘Look, it’s a camel.’

‘How lovely.’ Becky spent a while admiring the charm, pleased she had thought of giving Sara the bracelet. It was giving her so much pleasure. ‘Where are we going?’ she asked Mrs Hammond.

‘Virginia Water. It’s a lovely place and we have just enough petrol for the trip. Have you ever been there?’

‘No, I haven’t.’

‘You’ll like it, my dear.’

‘I managed to get hold of these to add to the picnic.’ She held out the small bag of biscuits. ‘It isn’t much, but it was the best I could do at short notice.’

‘Shortbread!’ Mrs Hammond exclaimed. ‘I haven’t seen those for a while. Thank you, Rebecca.’

Pleased she had been able to contribute something to the day out, Becky sat back to enjoy the ride in the luxurious car. At least, as much as she could with the dog trying to lick her face and sit on her lap.

Hearing the tussle going on in the back, David turned round and caught hold of the animal’s collar. ‘On the floor!’

Giving a disgruntled huff, the dog did as she was told.

Sara grinned. ‘Daddy’s the only one she will obey.’

‘I’m not surprised. You ought to see the soldiers at camp
spring to attention when he walks by, and that includes me. No one disobeys a colonel.’

‘Brigadier now,’ Mrs Hammond told her proudly. ‘His promotion has just come through. That’s another reason for the celebration.’

Becky tapped David on the shoulder, making him turn round. ‘Congratulations. You didn’t tell me that.’

‘Didn’t I? I must have forgotten. By the way, your friend Alice is now working for a colonel. Steve Brent has also been promoted.’

‘She’ll like that,’ Becky laughed. ‘When the war started she told me she was aiming to be working for a general by the end of the war.’

‘Ah, well, she’s got a way to go yet.’

‘A couple of the men were speculating that you’d be a general by the end as well.’

‘That’s most unlikely. The war will be over in a year to eighteen months. Plans are well under way for the invasion, and it’s going to be a busy year.’ His eyes shone with devilment. ‘I could need a permanent driver. I’ll have to put in the request.’

‘I’m sure Pete Markham would like the job, and he’s the best.’

‘Major General Villiers says you’re the best driver he’s ever had.’

‘That’s kind of him.’ She was well aware David was suggesting he ask for her, but as much as she would relish the job, she wasn’t sure it would be a good idea. Fortunately they had reached their destination and that put an end to the conversation.

They parked, and as soon as the door was open, the dog took off, with Sara tearing after her. ‘She’s in the water! Help! She’ll drown.’

Becky broke into a run and caught up with the distraught girl. ‘It’s all right, Sara. She can swim. See?’

‘How can she do that? She’s never been in water before.’ Sara was jumping up and down. ‘Come back, Becky! You’re in the middle and it’s deep there!’

David had joined them and let out a piercing whistle, causing the animal to turn and paddle back towards them.