A Flight of Golden Wings (11 page)

He shook his head miserably, and she realised that there was more to his friendship with Tricia than just spending Christmas with her and her family. This very likeable man was in love with Tricia.

‘She was ferrying an Oxford to here, but she’s three hours overdue.’ Rob ran a hand over his eyes. ‘I’ve been flying the
area looking for any sign of her, but there’s nothing.’

‘That’s good, isn’t it?’ Ruth didn’t want to admit that something awful might have happened, but now she had the facts, she was terribly worried.

Jack placed an arm around Rob’s shoulders. ‘Come and have some tea. There’s nothing more you can do at the moment.’ He reached out with his other hand and took hold of Ruth’s arm. ‘You too.’

They didn’t get a chance to drink their tea as the phone rang and was handed over to Rob.

Ruth watched in horror as all colour drained from Rob’s face as he said, ‘And the pilot?’

Jack was close to Ruth, a hand resting on her arm. They were both silent, bracing themselves for whatever news was to come. From Rob’s expression, it wasn’t good.

Rob replaced the phone carefully, and then lifted his head to face them.

‘She’s down. They’ve found the plane in a wooded area.’ He drew in a huge breath. ‘Tricia’s dead.’

Ruth turned slowly, numb with disbelief, and walked outside. She needed some fresh air. The pain of loss was almost too much to bear. Tricia, who had become a treasured friend, would no longer sit around the kitchen table with them, laughing and chatting the evening away. Tricia, with her quiet ways and abundant charm, would no longer be a part of their lives. Ruth shook her head, trying to clear it. Her friend had been a careful and meticulous pilot, checking every detail before deciding to fly. There had been numerous occasions when Ruth would have taken a chance on the weather, and Tricia had stopped her. And she had been absolutely right to do so each time. Whatever had happened to that plane must have been sudden and unexpected.

Ruth felt arms wrap around her from behind and knew it was Jack without looking. She hoped he wasn’t going to make a fuss. She couldn’t handle that at the moment. Her
emotions were too raw. When he remained silent, she leant back and relaxed against his chest, grateful for his quiet strength.

They remained like that for several minutes, then, feeling more in control, she said, ‘How’s Rob?’

‘OK. He’s keeping busy talking to the men who found the plane, demanding every detail. There isn’t much he doesn’t know about aircraft.’

‘I didn’t realise they were so close. Tricia never said anything.’

‘Rob adored her. He said she was the loveliest girl he’d ever known, but he never told her how he felt.’

‘That’s a shame. I’m sure the age difference wouldn’t have bothered Tricia.’

‘Rob said he was nearly old enough to be her father. He was content just to have her as a friend.’

Ruth gave a ragged sigh. ‘She was special.’

‘You all are, honey.’ Jack kissed the top of her head, then turned her to face him, his expression concerned. ‘She isn’t the first to lose her life doing this job, and she won’t be the last, but is there one of you who would stop flying?’

‘No, emphatically not! I must get back and tell Gussie.’

‘I expect she already knows, but we must all get back. Rob came in a Lysander, so I’ll fly the three of us home.’

The word ‘home’ jarred Ruth. Their little cottage had always been like home to them, but it would never be the same again without Tricia. Ruth had waved her off this morning as they’d gone their separate ways, never dreaming that that would be the last time she would see her friend. What a devastating thing to have happened.

They walked back inside and found Rob drinking a mug of tea, looking shaken but composed. Two more mugs appeared and were handed to Jack and Ruth. They took them gratefully.

‘Sorry to hear the bad news,’ the sergeant told them. ‘She came here often and was a lovely girl. Always a bright smile and cheery word for everyone.’

Ruth took a gulp of tea. ‘Yes, she was. She’ll be a great loss to all of us.’

‘Fly us back now, Jack.’ Rob drained his mug and put it down with a determined air. ‘I must go and see Tricia’s parents. And I’ve managed to get myself assigned to the investigation team.’

‘Do you think that’s wise?’ Jack asked him. ‘It will be a damned painful task—’

‘I know, but it’s something I want to do – I must do.’

They stopped at White Waltham first to drop off Rob, and then flew on to Hatfield. Jack stuck by Ruth’s side as they walked into the Mess. A lot of the girls were there. They were subdued, but there was no weeping, just a gritty determination to carry on. Some were even on their way out to collect more planes to deliver. Once again Jack was awed by the fortitude and strength demonstrated by the people of this small island.

His respect grew when Gussie said to Ruth, ‘It’s a bugger, isn’t it? Some kids said they heard a big bang and saw the plane coming straight down.’

‘Want some tea, Jack?’ Sally asked. ‘It’s a fresh pot.’

‘No thanks, I’m full of the stuff.’

Gussie picked up her parachute, giving Ruth’s shoulder a squeeze as she walked past. ‘I’ve got another ferry, but I’ll see you tonight. We’ll go to the pub and get sloshed, eh?’ Ruth nodded in agreement.

‘We’ve got planes to shift.’ Captain Jane Preston, the head of operations, was standing in the doorway with a bunch of chits in her hand. She looked grim, but steady.

Jack watched as the girls straightened up and filed over to take the chits. It was business as usual, and the fact that they’d just lost a much-loved friend wasn’t going to stop them doing the job. He’d seen this with fighter pilots. Regardless of their losses they still sprinted for their aircraft, ready for another battle. Some reckoned it was sheer bloody-mindedness on their part, but if this was what it took to win the war against Hitler, then they had his respect.

As the girls left, Ruth paused in front of Jack. She touched his arm gently.  ‘Thanks. You’ll see Rob’s all right, won’t you?’

‘Sure.’ He bent and kissed her cheek, then watched as she walked out to the waiting Anson.

‘They’ll be all right.’ Jane stood beside him. ‘It’s best to keep them busy, but they’re strong women and know the importance of the work they’re doing. It hurts to lose someone close, but we are at war and tragedies are an everyday occurrence. Don’t think we’re unfeeling, Jack. We’ll all grieve quietly in our own way.’

‘I wish the folks back home could see this. I know they hear the news reports and are shown pictures of the destruction, but I doubt they understand the courage it takes to deal with the disasters. There’s no way you can lose this war.’

Jane Preston cast him an amused glance. ‘We’ve never believed that we would, but we’ve also known that it’s going to be a long, bloody fight. We could do with some help, though.’

He knew she was referring to America coming into the war, but there was still little sign of that happening. He smiled down at her. ‘I’m here.’

She laughed. ‘So you are. And we’re very grateful to have you and your fellow countrymen. Do you know that we are in the process of recruiting some of your female pilots?’

‘I’d heard talk about it. Is this now definite? Only my sister’s a damned good pilot and desperate to come.’

‘Really?’ Jane wrote a name and address on a piece of paper and gave it to Jack. ‘This is one of your women pilots. She came over to see our operation, and I believe she has plans to start up something similar in America. But she has agreed that a small contingent of women should sign up with us. Tell your sister to contact her.’

‘Thanks, I’ll write straight away.’

Jane Preston studied him thoughtfully. ‘It doesn’t sound as if this tragedy has persuaded you to stop your sister from coming.’

‘Nope, and it won’t stop Lucy, either.’

‘Good, she sounds just the type we need. I look forward to meeting her if she makes it through the selection process. Now, I must get back to work.’

Jack watched as she left the room, head high and step sure, and yet he knew she was feeling the loss of one of her pilots. He’d seen the pain in her eyes.

There was nothing more he could do to help. They
were all handling this in their own way. He’d better get back to White Waltham. The ferrying had to go on.

Their little cottage seemed empty without Tricia. Not that she ever made much noise, but her cheerful presence was missed terribly. Ruth and Gussie had completed the last delivery for the day, and they had been glad to have something to keep them occupied. Losing their friend had hit them hard, and they didn’t want to stay in tonight. The cottage held so many memories, and they kept expecting Tricia to come in, smiling in her usual way and longing for a cup of tea.

Neither of them felt like eating, but they went through the motions and made some toast. They were about to eat it when there was a knock at the door.

Their neighbour was standing on the doorstep wearing his Home Guard uniform and standing to attention. He thrust a bunch of garden flowers at Ruth. ‘I heard the bad news. I’m sorry. She was a nice kid. Let me know when the funeral is.’ Then he turned and marched smartly down the path and out of the gate.

This gesture was too much for Ruth and, for the first time, the tears began to fall.

‘Oh, hell!’ Gussie had come up behind her and took the flowers out of Ruth’s hand. She swiped away tears from her own eyes. ‘Tricia wouldn’t have wanted us to do this. We’ve got lots of happy memories so let’s concentrate on those, shall we? Come on, we must wash our faces and go to the pub. What we need is some lively company.’

The investigation showed that there had been a serious mechanical failure and the plane had broken up in the air, giving the pilot no chance to bail out. The report concluded that it was highly likely that Tricia had been dead before the plane hit the ground. The fact that the end had probably been swift gave a small measure of comfort to her family and friends.

The church was packed for the funeral. Rob stood with Tricia’s parents, grim faced as he supported the grieving couple. It brought back vivid memories of her brother’s funeral, and Ruth knew just how they were feeling. It was a terrible thing to lose a child in the prime of life. The ATA were there in force, the golden wings on their uniforms glistening in the bright sunshine.

Their neighbour was also there with his entire Home Guard platoon, saluting smartly as the coffin was lowered into the ground. Ruth thought it a fine gesture of respect. As soon as the funeral was over, Jack left her side and went straight over to the family, shaking each hand in turn. He was a very thoughtful and caring man.

There were even more planes to be ferried, and with the increase in the types they were allowed to fly, the women all felt that they were playing a greater part in the ATA. They took pleasure in each new type of plane they added to their list, but Ruth and Gussie missed having Tricia around and were, therefore, delighted when told that they had been included in a group of women going to take over the Hamble Ferry Pool on the 29th of September – two days’ time.

Flying that day had been washed out, but Ruth and Gussie hung around the Mess in case they were needed. They were the only two there as everyone else had given up and gone home for the night.

Gussie sat next to Ruth. ‘Have you heard from Jack’s sister lately?’

‘I feel guilty about that.’ Ruth grimaced. ‘We’ve been so busy and I haven’t written since Tricia was killed. I’ll do it today without fail.’

The words were no sooner out of her mouth than Jack strode in.

‘You’re not flying in this weather, surely?’ Ruth said. ‘The rain’s coming down in stair rods and even the birds are walking.’

‘Nope.’ He shook his head and folded his long frame on to a chair next to them. ‘I came by car. Don’s stuck up in Scotland, so I thought I’d take you girls out for a drink.’

‘Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse.’ Gussie brightened at once. ‘Especially with such a good-looking fellow.’

Jack winked at Ruth. ‘After that compliment I might even run to a meal as well.’

‘Flattery works every time.’ Gussie pulled him to his feet and kissed his cheek. ‘You’re on, big man. Is it to be the pub or can you afford the Swan Hotel, to celebrate our move to Hamble?’

After patting his breast pocket, he nodded. ‘Let’s see what the hotel has to offer.’

Now in high spirits, they sprinted for the car, relieved after hanging around most of the day to have the chance of an evening out.

Gussie got in the back, leaving Ruth to sit in the front with Jack. ‘Have you heard from your sister lately?’ Ruth asked.

‘Had a letter today.’ The windscreen wipers on the car Jack had borrowed were having trouble coping with the deluge and he had to drive slowly. ‘She’s survived the selection process and is waiting for a date to go to Canada for the conversion course.’

‘Oh, that’s wonderful!’ Ruth felt even worse now. ‘I’m sorry I haven’t written for some weeks.’

He glanced across briefly and reached out to cover her hand with his, giving it a gentle squeeze. ‘You’ve had a lot on your mind. Lucy understands. She’s longing to meet you.’

‘Me too.’ Ruth turned slightly to face him. ‘Is she as kind as you?’

He laughed. ‘You’ve been taking lessons from Gussie. But I’m sorry, gals, my pockets won’t run to champagne as well.’

‘Oh damn!’ Gussie swore. ‘Nice try though, Ruthie.’

And that was how the evening went, with lively talk and a lot of laughter. Jack had taken Ruth’s remark as a joke, but she’d meant it. She was becoming far too fond of him.

Hamble was a delightful village close to Southampton. Ruth and Gussie were lucky enough to find a small house to rent close enough to the airfield for them to be able to cycle there. Ruth saved her petrol ration so they could use the car for trips out now and again. They soon made themselves comfortable and were happy about the move. Tricia would always be missed, and they often talked about her with affection. But this was a new start and just what they needed.

Most of the deliveries taken on by the Hamble pool were of short duration, and there were more than enough planes to keep them all busy. That was just the way they liked it.

The autumn turned to winter and Ruth had hardly seen anything of Jack. Every pilot in the ATA was taking on as many deliveries as they could fit in during the daylight hours. By early December Ruth had decided she must track down Jack. Her parents wanted him to spend Christmas with them again – and so did she. It was disconcerting how often he
invaded her thoughts now. She fought against the attraction because he was just passing through this country and would return home one day, but she was fighting a losing battle. She knew her parents were hoping that he was going to be a permanent fixture in all of their lives but, like her, they were realistic. Dakota was a long way away, and that was his home.

It was almost dark when Ruth landed the Spitfire at Hamble. She would take this on to Brize Norton in the morning, weather permitting. There was an excited buzz when she walked into the Mess. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked.

‘Haven’t you heard?’ Sally was clearly moved.

Ruth shook her head. ‘I’ve been in the air most of the day.’

‘The Japanese have bombed the American Fleet at Pearl Harbor. They’ve sunk a lot of their ships.’

‘Oh, dear God!’ Ruth’s first thought was for the Americans working for the ATA. They would be devastated. ‘Gussie, we must go and see Jack, Don and Rob.’

Her friend nodded, looking thoughtful. ‘I expect we’ll be losing our American pilots now. They’ll want to get back home.’

The realisation that they might lose Jack sooner than expected was upsetting, making Ruth aware of just how used she had got to him being around. And Lucy would never come now.

It was about seven o’clock when Ruth and Gussie reached White Waltham. As soon as they walked in it was clear that no one had left. The Mess was crowded and noisy.

Simon spotted them first and pushed his way over to them. ‘Ah, glad you’ve come. Gussie, perhaps you can calm Don down. He’s fighting mad.’

‘I’m not surprised. They were attacked without warning. What a despicable thing to do.’ Gussie left them to find Don.

‘How are the other Americans taking it, Simon?’ Ruth asked.

‘Shocked, angry and very vocal on the subject. Some are already packing to return home. We’re going to miss them, but we’re hoping to persuade some of the instructors to stay. We need them at the flying school.’

An ember of hope flickered inside Ruth. Jack had recently moved to the school and was more involved in teaching than ferrying …

‘But this isn’t the time to bring up the subject. We’ll have to discuss it when everyone’s got over the shock of the Japanese attack.’

‘I can see that. What a terrible thing to have happened, Simon.’

‘Yes, I agree, but from a purely selfish point of view, don’t you see what this could mean?’

She ran the implication of the Japanese attack through her mind, and then she looked at Simon in surprise. She had been too concerned about Jack and the others to give this much thought. ‘You think America will now come into the war with Germany?’

Simon nodded. ‘It’s a possibility.’

‘But it’s Japan who did this, not Germany.’

‘I know, but you can bet that Churchill and Roosevelt are already talking. However, we’ll have to wait and see what develops over the next few days.’ Then Simon’s mouth thinned with anger. ‘In the meantime, our American friends are going to need our help and support. They’re reeling at this despicable, cowardly act.’

‘Hi, Ruth.’

She spun around to face Jack, and then touched his arm in a gesture of understanding. ‘I’m so sorry, Jack.’

‘Yeah.’ He held tight to her hand for a moment, and then looked down into her face. ‘Thanks for coming. Gussie’s quietened Don. He’s going home on the first available flight he can cadge, so are some of the others. Rob’s definitely staying, Simon.’

‘I’m pleased to hear that. He’s a first-class instructor.’ Simon hesitated for a moment. ‘If any of you do decide to stay, you’ll be more than welcome. You know that, don’t you?’

Jack nodded, draping an arm around Ruth’s shoulders. ‘Don’s managed to stockpile a few bottles of whisky from his trips to Scotland. You’ll join us in seeing how many we can empty, won’t you?’

After that things moved quickly. The attack on Pearl Harbor came on 7th December; on 8th December Britain and her allies declared war on Japan. On 11th December Hitler declared war on the United States, and they responded with a declaration of war against Germany and Italy. In a few short days the whole face of the war had changed, and Britain was no longer alone.

A week later, Ruth arrived home to find Gussie looking far from happy, which was unusual. She checked to see if the tea in the pot was still hot. It was, so she poured herself a cup and sat down. ‘Why the long face, Gussie?’

‘Don left today. He managed to get a lift in a bomber returning to America.’

‘Oh, I’m sorry. You’ll miss him, won’t you?’

She shrugged. ‘He was fun to be with, but not the type to want commitment of any kind, Ruthie. As soon as I heard about Pearl Harbor I knew he’d be leaving. I managed to see him before he left. He couldn’t wait to get home. He said he’d keep in touch, but I know I’ll never see or hear from him again.’

‘That’s quite a few who’ve gone already.’ Ruth began to peel potatoes ready for their dinner. ‘I know Rob’s staying, but Jack hasn’t decided yet. I must see him soon. If he’s still here at Christmas, I hope he’ll spend it with my parents. They like him, and this might be the last chance they’ll have to spend some time with him.’ She pulled a face. ‘The partings you have to face in a war are hard, aren’t they?’

‘He won’t leave without telling you, Ruthie,’ Gussie said kindly. ‘From what I’ve seen, you two were made for each other, but this damned war doesn’t give anyone a chance to develop a proper relationship. Working for the ATA means we’re scattered all over the country and only ever meet in passing.’

‘That’s true. I didn’t like Jack when we first met, but he’s grown on me.’

Gussie attacked a carrot. ‘They have a habit of doing that, and then they up and leave you. The buggers.’

Ruth hit Gussie on the arm. ‘Your language gets worse.’

‘Must be the company I’ve been keeping. Don’s language was colourful at times.’ Gussie gave an inelegant snort. ‘Anyway, why are we fretting over a couple of men? There’s a war on and we’ve got better things to do – like flying all these lovely planes! We’re lucky to be doing something we love so much, and should count our blessings, Ruthie.’

‘Quite right.’ Ruth popped sausages in the pan and watched them sizzle.

‘Hey, where did you get all those?’

‘There’s a rather nice butcher in the village. I happened to be wearing my uniform at the time, and he said he’d heard about us. He was so interested in talking to me that I think he forgot to weigh the sausages.’

‘Good move, Ruthie!’

They were both in better spirits as they sat down to enjoy their meal. There were constant changes to their lives now, and they just had to accept it and carry on.

Because Simon had run his own flying school before the war, he was doing more and more administration work at the ATA school. Not that he minded. He was making regular flights in the taxi and at least one delivery a day, so he was still doing plenty of flying.

With work over for the day he was relaxing in the Mess when he saw Jack wander in looking distracted. Ever since Pearl Harbor, Simon had been expecting him to say that he would be returning to America. Quite a few of the others had gone, except Rob, who had no intention of leaving. Simon was hoping Jack would stay as well. He was an excellent instructor and the pupils got on well with him. He was going to be sorely missed if he did leave them.

Jack was standing just inside the doorway, and then he spotted Simon and headed for him.

‘Hi, Simon, mind if I talk to you?’

‘Sit down, Jack, and tell me what’s on your mind.’ Simon pushed a mug and the pot towards him. ‘The tea’s still hot.’

‘Thanks.’ Jack poured and stirred sugar into the tea. After a pause, he looked up. ‘I’ve always been restless.
That’s why I took up flying. I thought barnstorming around the country would help me to find what I was looking for. But it didn’t. When I decided to come here I had no idea what to expect. I found death and destruction, beauty and kindness, freezing cold lodgings and terrible food. I found laughter and sadness, and a dogged determination to survive, whatever the cost.’

Simon wondered where this was leading, but he said nothing, allowing Jack to talk freely – something he rarely did.

‘I’ve also found genuine friendship, and I’ve never been so happy. I love what I’m doing; I love the country and the people. For the first time in my life I feel as if I’m where I should be. I’ve thought long and hard about what I should do. I can’t leave, Simon. I belong here and I’ve decided to stay.’

‘That’s good news indeed, Jack. We need you.’

‘Thanks.’ He sat back and smiled for the first time. ‘It’s taken a lot of soul-searching, but I know I’ve made the right decision.’

‘And talking of need, could you fly the taxi for me tomorrow?’

‘Sure, no problem.’

‘Thanks, I’ll give you the schedule in the morning.’ Simon was delighted Jack was staying. Not only was he a first-class pilot, but also he had become a good friend, and Simon had enormous respect for the tall American.

The girls had collected their delivery chits and were waiting for the taxi, which was coming from White Waltham today. Ruth smothered a laugh as she watched Gussie. Fed up with spending too much time on the ground because of short days and bad weather, and missing Don, her friend
had taken up knitting. She was sitting in the corner of the Mess, a deep frown on her face and tongue caught between her teeth. The wool was a tangled heap, as usual, and Ruth knew it wouldn’t be long before it was dumped on her to sort out. Gussie had even tried to knit in the taxi, but that only resulted in more dropped stitches. The sooner she found herself another boyfriend, the better, because Gussie didn’t appear to have a creative bone in her body.

One of the recent additions to their group at Hamble was Sylvia, a petite, glamorous blonde, but a good pilot. The only problem was that it was sometimes difficult to see her in the cockpit and it was disconcerting to see a fighter flying itself. She was also not known for her patience.

‘We’ll lose this slot of clear weather if we don’t get going soon.’ She sighed irritably. ‘Where the blazes is that taxi?’

‘Just coming in now.’ Gussie thrust the knitting at Ruth. ‘Do the usual, Ruthie.’

Stuffing it in her bag, Ruth fought back a smile. Perhaps she could lose it during the day.

‘Ah, it’s the big man himself.’ Gussie’s frown disappeared as Jack strode in.

‘Hi, gals, who wants a lift this morning?’

Sylvia sidled up to Ruth. ‘Who’s that? I haven’t seen him before.’

‘Jack Nelson. He’s one of our American instructors.’

‘Really?’ Sylvia hadn’t taken her eyes off Jack as he talked with Jane, receiving further instructions for the day. ‘I wouldn’t mind him instructing me in a few things. American, you say?’

‘That’s right,’ Ruth said. But she was talking to an empty space. Sylvia was already across the room.

‘Why didn’t you warn her off, Ruthie?’

‘He doesn’t belong to me, Gussie.’

‘No, but that’s your fault. You try to pretend that you don’t care for him, but you do. Why on earth don’t you make a move – just like that bundle of sex appeal is doing right now?’

Jack had his head bent as he listened to something Sylvia was saying, a smile on his face. Ruth turned away, not wanting to acknowledge the stab of jealousy she felt. ‘I’m not going to chase after any man. You know the American men aren’t slow when it comes to chatting up the girls, but Jack’s never shown the slightest interest in me, except as a friend. I’m not going to make a fool of myself!’

Gussie pursed her lips. ‘But you are going to invite him home for Christmas?’

‘Of course. My parents want him to come.’

‘Of course.’ Gussie raised her eyes to the ceiling in exasperation. ‘And your feelings don’t come into it?’

‘Certainly not. I admit that I’m attracted to him, but it’s up to him to make the first move, if he’s interested.’

‘Right, gals, lets get this show in the air.’ Jack waved across the room to Ruth and Gussie, and then walked out with Sylvia at his side.

‘Men are so easily taken in by a pretty face, aren’t they?’ Gussie muttered as they piled into the Anson. ‘Not that yours isn’t lovely, Ruthie,’ she added hastily.

Ruth laughed. ‘Do you know, Gussie, I believe there’s a real romantic under your devil-may-care attitude.’

‘Course there is. Have you only just discovered that?’

Three of them got out at Cowley; the rest were going on to another factory airfield at Aston Down.

When Jack jumped down to help them out, Ruth took her chance to mention her parents’ invitation. There was no telling when she would run into him again. ‘My parents would like you to join us for Christmas again – that’s if you’ll still be here, of course.’

‘Tell them thanks, I’d like that.’ His smile was one of genuine pleasure. ‘I’m not leaving, Ruth. I’ve decided to stay here.’

‘Oh, I’m so glad.’ Ruth couldn’t hide her relief at Jack’s decision to stay, and then tried to cover it by saying, ‘Simon and everyone at the flying school will be pleased that both you and Rob are staying.’

‘So they’ve said.’ Jack tipped his head on one side, thoughtfully. ‘And what about you, honey; are
you
pleased I’m staying?’