A Flight of Golden Wings (23 page)

Ruth watched Jack strolling across the field carrying his parachute and couldn’t help smiling. He had only taken three days off after his adventures in France and, within a week, was once again crossing the Channel. The only difference she had noticed in him over the last few days was that he was more relaxed, more openly affectionate, and seemed to enjoy everything he did. Their occasional nights together had taken on a new intensity. She was sure he loved her, but he’d still never uttered the words she longed to hear.

‘Hi, honey.’ He ruffled her hair as he walked past to report in. Then he stopped and turned. ‘I saw Gussie today, and she said to tell you that number one is on the way.’

It took a moment for that to sink in, then she gasped. ‘She’s expecting?’

‘Yep, and she said she’s leaving the ATA at Christmas.’

‘That’s only a week away. I must ask Mum to make a christening gown for the baby.’

‘What’s this about babies?’ Lucy asked as she came into the Mess.

‘Gussie’s pregnant.’

‘Wow, that’s terrific, Ruth! I’ll write to her tonight and see what she needs.’

‘Everything, I expect. She’s leaving the ATA almost immediately, Lucy, so we must try and get over to see her soon.’

‘First bit of free time we get.’ Lucy followed her brother to report in then paused at the door. ‘I thought they were going to wait until the war was over before starting a family?’

‘So did I, but they must have decided not to wait any longer. This damned war can’t go on for many more months.’

‘That’s what we all keep saying, but there’s still a way to go yet,’ Lucy said, and then disappeared.

Ruth knew Lucy was right. The faint hope they’d nurtured that the war would be over by Christmas had faded.

Not only had Hitler unleashed his V1 flying bombs on them, but the V2 rockets had followed. There was no warning with the rockets, and you didn’t know they were coming until they exploded.

‘Do you know where Simon is?’ Lucy asked Jack as she came back to the Mess with him.

‘Still in France. Why?’

She shrugged. ‘I wanted to wish him a happy Christmas before we go to Ruth’s folks for the holiday.’

‘Well, if the weather doesn’t improve he’ll be spending it
in Paris.’ His eyes glinted with amusement. ‘I expect there’ll be plenty of grateful girls to keep him company.’

‘Yeah, I suppose.’ She looked thoughtful. ‘What are his folks like, Ruth? He never says much about them.’

‘They’re nice people, but Simon’s relationship with his father has been rather strained in the past. He’s a busy doctor and wanted his son to follow in his footsteps and join him in the practice, but Simon had other ideas. His family weren’t at all happy when he said he was going to fly instead of going to medical school.’

‘He ought to be proud of his son,’ Lucy declared. ‘He’s a terrific pilot.’

‘Yes, he is. From the age of seventeen Simon’s made his own way in life, but he thinks the world of his parents and visits them regularly. He’ll get home at Christmas if at all possible.’

‘He’s a strong character in a quiet way, isn’t he?’

Ruth nodded. ‘He knows what he wants, and sets about getting it with the minimum of fuss. In that way he’s like his father.’

‘Have his folks ever forgiven him?’ Lucy seemed quite concerned about this.

‘I’d say they’ve come to terms with it.’

‘Hmm …’ was Lucy’s only comment.

Two days later, Ruth and Lucy managed to catch up with Gussie when she flew into Bognor with her last delivery for the ATA. The baby wasn’t due until early May, but Harry wanted Gussie to stop flying until after the birth, and she had readily agreed. The most important thing in Gussie’s
life now was that she had a healthy baby. The first of many, she hoped.

‘You keep in touch now,’ Gussie told them. ‘This baby is going to have heaps of godparents.’

‘You bet.’ Lucy couldn’t stop smiling. ‘We’ve got to look after a future pilot.’

Gussie ran her hand over her thickening middle. ‘Let’s hope the war is over before this little one puts in an appearance.’

‘It looks as if it could be.’ Ruth gazed into space. ‘It’s going to be strange, isn’t it? This will be our fifth Christmas at war, and in all probability, the fighting will be over well before the next one.’

‘Yes, and what an opportunity the war has given us, Ruthie. Who would have believed at the beginning that women would be given the chance to fly so many different planes?’

‘We’ve done a good job.’ Ruth smiled affectionately at Lucy. ‘And so have the many nationalities who have flown for the ATA. And that includes the Americans who have become our friends. It’s been a privilege, and we haven’t finished yet.’

‘No, but I have. Here comes my taxi.’

‘You take care of our baby!’ Lucy hugged Gussie. ‘I can’t wait to be a godmother.’

‘Same here.’ Ruth also hugged Gussie. ‘Love to Harry and tell him we’ll be around as often as we can to make sure you’re not tossing a Spit around in the air.’

Gussie kept a perfectly straight face. ‘You know that’s against the rules, Ruthie.’

‘Oh, come on, Gussie, are you trying to kid me you didn’t? Pull the other one.’

Her friend tipped back her head and roared with laughter. ‘And you didn’t, I suppose?’

‘You don’t expect me to admit to a thing like that, do you? I’m still in the ATA. What about you, Lucy, have you ever been tempted?’

‘Who, me?’ Her mouth twitched at the corners, making them all chuckle.

They waved Gussie on her way, and then made for their next job.

Ruth’s mother was in her element when they arrived late on Christmas Eve. She and George adored Jack and Lucy, treating them not like guests, but as part of the family.

‘Come and look at this!’ Alice towed them into the kitchen where the dresser was loaded with tins and boxes of delicious luxuries. ‘All this arrived over the last few days. I thought the parcels were never going to stop coming!’

‘Good old Mom,’ Lucy nodded approval. ‘She’s been busy.’

‘But my dears, this must have been very expensive.’ A frown of worry creased Alice’s brow. ‘She really shouldn’t have. It is so generous.’

Jack placed an arm around her shoulders. ‘Don’t worry, we’ve always seen that Ma isn’t short of a dollar or two. You’re feeding her children, and have made us welcome in your home ever since we arrived in England. We’re grateful to you for that, and so is Ma. It’s her way of thanking you.’

Ruth’s father, who had just come downstairs after
insisting that he put their bags in their rooms, said, ‘We don’t need thanks; in fact, it should be the other way round. You’ve been the one bright spark in this terrible war. We were still hurting after losing our son, and then Ruth joined the ATA, leaving our house very empty. Then she brought you home, Jack. And when Lucy joined us as well we felt as if we had gained two more fine children.’

Lucy was quite overcome, and in her usual outgoing way, gave Ruth’s parents a big hug. ‘You’re great folks.’

George was clearly pleased with the show of affection. He picked up one of the boxes. ‘Let’s have a nice pot of tea and some of these. Are they biscuits, Lucy?’

‘Yeah, only we call them cookies.’

‘Then it’s tea and cookies,’ he teased.

Ruth helped her mother while the others went into the sitting room.

‘We’re going to miss them when they go home.’ Alice sighed. ‘What about Jack? He’s more than a little fond of you, and I know you’re in love with him, Ruth. I see it in your eyes when you look at him.’

There was little point in denying it. ‘I am, but I don’t know what’s going to happen when the war’s finally over. Jack’s been here since the beginning and must be longing to return home. He’s not a man you could easily tie down and I wouldn’t try. I’m not putting any pressure on him, and if he wants to take things further later, then that will have to be his decision. But it will be a tough one, Mum, with other people to consider. Jack and Lucy wouldn’t want to leave their mother, and I wouldn’t want to leave you and Dad.’

‘Yes, I agree it isn’t easy, and Lucy hasn’t anything to stay
here for after losing Dave.’ Alice studied her daughter with respect. ‘You’ve grown into a very wise young woman, darling. We’d let you go to America if that’s what you really wanted to do, but I won’t pretend it wouldn’t break our hearts.’

‘I couldn’t leave you.’ Ruth changed the subject. If her brother had still been alive then she might have considered going if Jack had asked her to, but he hadn’t. It was a problem they were going to have to talk over soon, but they still had a little time yet. And the last thing you did to a man like Jack Nelson was try to tell him what to do.

‘Everyone’s looking to the future now. Simon’s going to open his flying school again and has asked me to join him. I’m going to get my instructor’s licence as soon as possible.’

‘That will be lovely for you.’ Alice arranged the cookies on a plate, clearly pleased her daughter was making arrangements to go into business with Simon. ‘I met Simon’s parents the other day and they were so proud of what he’s been doing.’

Ruth filled the pot. ‘He’s one of the best pilots in the ATA, if not
the
best.’

‘His father accepts that now. This war has changed a lot of our priorities, hasn’t it? I’ve asked them over for tea on Boxing Day.’

‘Oh, good. I haven’t seen them for some time. And you’re right, Mum, things we once considered important, no longer are.’

‘And in many cases that’s for the better.’ Alice picked up the tray. ‘We’d better take the tea through to the other room. I expect they’re wondering what we’re up to.’

Not only did Mr and Mrs Trent arrive on Boxing Day, but Simon was with them as well.

‘Glad you made it back in time,’ Jack said as soon as he saw his friend. ‘How was Paris?’

‘I wouldn’t know; I never made it that far.’ Simon introduced his parents to Jack and Lucy.

Ruth was amused to see that Lucy was regarding Mr Trent with unusual reserve. Simon took after his father in looks and manner, and there seemed to be very little of his mother in him. She was more talkative and dominated the conversation for some time.

During a short break when his wife went out to help Alice lay the table for tea, Mr Trent turned to Ruth. ‘Simon tells me you fly anything from fighters to bombers, Ruth?’

‘We fly anything that needs moving.’

Mr Trent shook his head. ‘I don’t know how you do it. And what about you, Lucy, what do you fly?’

‘Fighters, trainers and twin-engines. Simon’s been my teacher,’ she said proudly. ‘He’s the best darned pilot in the whole world, along with my brother, of course.’

Simon’s mouth twitched as he glanced at Jack, but they said nothing.

But they weren’t the only ones amused by Lucy’s declaration. Mr Trent had also discerned the way her mind was working. ‘You don’t have to defend my son to me, my dear. I am well aware of Simon’s talents.’

‘Oh.’ Lucy hadn’t been expecting that.

Simon’s father winked at her, looking so like an older version of his son. ‘I still think he would have made an excellent doctor, but I’m sure he’s an even better pilot.’

‘He is!’

Jack sighed pointedly, making Lucy turn to him with a frown on her face. ‘What?’

‘You don’t need me to tell you.’

She thought for a moment and then looked slightly uncomfortable when she realised what she had been doing. ‘I’m sorry, sir,’ she said to Simon’s father. ‘I didn’t mean to be rude. I have the habit of saying what’s on my mind.’

‘There’s no need to apologise. I’m pleased my son stands so high in your estimation.’

Lucy glanced at her brother, puzzled, and then a sudden smile crossed her face. ‘Oh, I get it; you mean you’re pleased I think so much of him. Well, it isn’t just me, we all do.’

‘That is even more gratifying.’

‘Jack, just listen to that accent.’ Now Lucy was enjoying herself. ‘You’re posh, Simon, but you don’t talk like that.’

‘Neither does my father usually. He’s teasing you, Lucy.’

‘Are you?’ She turned back to Mr Trent, now completely relaxed. ‘Do you know, sir, I like you?’

Simon’s father was having difficulty keeping a straight face. ‘And I like you. You are a charming girl.’

‘Gee, thanks.’

Ruth stood up. ‘Come and help me get the tea ready, Lucy, and leave the men to have a chat.’

As they made their way to the kitchen, Ruth heard the amused chuckles coming from the other room.

‘You know, Ruth, I thought I wouldn’t like Simon’s pa, but he’s OK, and they’re so alike. And what about his mother!’ Lucy whispered. ‘She’s OK too, but she sure can talk!’

When the girls had left the room, Mr Trent turned his attention to Jack. ‘Your sister is a remarkable young girl. She speaks her mind, and I like that. You have said very little, though, and I suspect that you are more reserved.’

Simon laughed. ‘Jack’s just the opposite to his sister. No one has been able to find out what really happened to him in France.’

Jack sat back, a slight smile on his face. ‘You had it all in my report.’

‘Which consisted of three lines. One day I want the whole story from you.’

‘Perhaps I’ll tell you when I’m sixty.’

Simon laughed out loud. ‘I’ll keep you to that, my friend.’

‘Tea’s ready.’ Alice looked in to the room. ‘You sound as if you’re having a good time.’

‘We are, my dear,’ George said, as he stood up. ‘But now we’re ready for those luxuries Mrs Nelson has so generously sent us.’

Mr Trent walked beside his son into the dining room, and said quietly, ‘I like your friends, Simon.’

‘So do I, Father.’

1945 heralded bitterly cold weather, but as the weeks passed it was obvious that the war in Europe was coming to an end. By the 19th of January the German army was in full retreat along the Eastern Front, and by the end of that month the Soviet troops were in Germany and only about a hundred miles from Berlin. All the time the British and Americans were carrying out raids on Germany.

Ruth, and all the other ATA pilots, continued with their work of delivering planes where they were needed.

It was late March when Captain Anders joined them in the Mess at the end of the day. ‘I’ve just heard that the US forces have crossed the Rhine into Germany.’

A cheer went up and everyone began talking at once. Andy motioned to someone at the door and the room erupted into laughter as Jack rolled in a barrel of beer. He hoisted it on to a table and leant on it. ‘The drinks are on the American contingent of the ATA.’

Ruth and Lucy were crying with laughter at the stampede to find glasses and get them filled.

‘Where did he get that?’ Ruth asked Simon, wiping her eyes.

‘He sweet-talked the landlady at the pub. He can certainly turn on the charm when he needs to.’

Ruth rolled her eyes. ‘Don’t I know it!’

‘This bloody war’s nearly over, Ruth. But it’s given us a flying opportunity we would never have had otherwise.’

‘I agree. When I learnt to fly I never imagined that I would be flying fighters and bombers, but there’s been so much death, destruction and suffering. It will be a relief to see the end of it.’

‘Hey, you two!’ Lucy was holding out glasses of beer to them. ‘Stop looking so serious and have a drink with us.’

It turned into quite a party and Ruth and Lucy had to tear themselves away at eleven to get some sleep. They were flying in the morning, weather permitting. The war might be coming to an end, but there was still work to do, and they were just as devoted to the ferrying as they had been at the start. They wouldn’t give up until they were told that the ATA was no longer needed.

A couple of weeks later the British and Canadian forces crossed the Rhine, and the excitement mounted. It wouldn’t be long now.

Ruth had just delivered a Lancaster to one of the supply units and went to check in.

‘Have you heard the news?’ the ops officer asked her, as he stamped her chit dated 12th April. ‘President Roosevelt has died. He was only sixty-three.’

‘Oh, no!’ Ruth was dismayed. ‘We’re so close to the end
of the war and he won’t see it! What a dreadful thing to have happened.’

The officer nodded. ‘It’s a damned shame.’

‘ATA taxi’s here!’ someone shouted.

Ruth hurried out to find Simon was the pilot. ‘Have you heard the sad news?’

‘Yes, at my last stop. Jack and Lucy are going to be upset. Harry Truman is being sworn in. The war in Europe is almost over, but it will be his task to bring the war with Japan to an end.’

Ruth climbed into the Anson and sat next to Simon. ‘We’re all excited about the war with Germany coming to an end, but we mustn’t forget that there is still a fierce battle raging with Japan. And we have troops in Burma, and there are many who were taken prisoner by the Japanese.’

When they arrived back at White Waltham everyone was sorry about the death of the American President.

‘He’s worked so hard,’ Lucy said, ‘and he won’t see the end. It’s so sad.’

‘He sure wouldn’t like to see us sitting around here with long faces.’ Jack stood up. ‘He was the right man for the job, and we should celebrate his achievements.’

Every ATA pilot there agreed, whatever their nationality, and they all went to the pub to drink to his memory.

Jack was grabbing a quick snack at Luton as he waited for Sally to deal with her paperwork, when a young RAF recruit ran in.

‘The bugger’s topped himself!’ he yelled, making sure everyone in the Mess could hear.

When no one responded he waved his arms around. ‘Hitler’s dead! He committed suicide!’

‘You sure, son?’ Jack asked.

‘Course I am. Station officer’s just told us.’

Jack closed his eyes for a moment. Just over two weeks since Roosevelt had died, Hitler had killed himself. Germany must surrender now.

‘That’s good news, Jack, isn’t it?’

He opened his eyes and saw Sally smiling at him. ‘Yeah, terrific. That leaves Japan to deal with, and that won’t be easy.’

‘I agree, but you and Lucy will be able to go home soon. What will you do, go back to barnstorming?’

‘I don’t think we could return to that kind of life after this. We’ll stay with the ATA until it’s disbanded.’ He stood up. ‘You ready to go now?’

On the way back to No. 1 ferry pool, Jack’s mind mulled over Sally’s words. He had been putting off making a decision about the future, but one thing was for sure: there was no way he wanted to go back to his old life. It would be wonderful to see Ma again, but he doubted if he could stay at home for very long. He gazed out at the countryside below him and felt the usual tug at his heart. He’d fallen in love with this country as soon as he’d arrived, and he still felt the same. And it wasn’t only the country that would keep him here; there was also Simon’s offer. He’d sure love to be a part of his flying school. They got on well together, and he’d really enjoy working with him. There was so much to keep him in this country, but could he leave Ma and Lucy? But just as importantly, could he leave Ruth? Simon had already told him that she was going for her instructor’s
rating as soon as possible so she could work with him. She had made her decision, and he couldn’t blame her because he had never given any indication that he considered their relationship a permanent one. He was going to have to sort that out soon. He was being damned unfair to her, and she didn’t deserve to be treated like this. He knew what he wanted to do with his life now, but how could he achieve that without hurting some of the people he loved?

White Waltham came into view and he put aside his dilemma to concentrate on landing.

He found Simon in the Mess and sat next to him. ‘Where are the girls?’

‘Lucy’s back and has gone home. Ruth’s making a final delivery to Bognor.’ Simon checked the clock. ‘I’m going to collect her in half an hour.’

‘Right. Is that tea fresh?’

‘Yes, help yourself.’

Jack poured the tea and drank it straight down. He loved it boiling hot. ‘Is that offer of a partnership still open?’

Simon nodded, giving Jack his full attention. ‘It will always be on the table. You can pick it up at any time.’

‘I can’t say yes or no at the moment. There are other people to consider. If I stay I’m going to upset Ma and Lucy. If I go back to America, I’m going to hurt Ruth, her folks and the friends I’ve made here.’

‘You’ve got to think about yourself as well, Jack. What do you really want to do?’

He didn’t get a chance to answer Simon’s question because Jane hurried into the room. And the words he heard turned him cold with fear.

‘Simon, get over to Bognor right away. Ruth’s crashed. That’s all I know at the moment.’

Both men were on their feet and rushing for the Anson.

‘I’m coming with you, Simon.’

It was only a short hop and they were soon there.

‘Oh, dear God!’ Jack swore when he saw the fighter Ruth had been flying. ‘She’s flipped right over.’

The station commander met them. ‘She’s all right. Damned lucky to have got away with a few cuts and bruises. They’ve taken her to the local hospital. My driver will take you there now. Oh, and by the way, she’s got a cool head on her.’ He grinned. ‘Even apologised for breaking the plane as they were pulling her out of the wreckage.’

‘That’s my girl,’ Jack murmured as they strode to the waiting car. ‘We can phone Jane from the hospital after we’ve seen her.’

They were shown into a room and found Ruth sitting on an examination table studying a rip in her slacks. She glanced up when they came in. ‘Just look at this, I’ll have to ask my mother if she can mend it for me. She’s good at invisible darning.’

Jack bent down in front of her. ‘You trying to get your own back, honey?’

One eye was fast closing, but the other gleamed in amusement. ‘Frightened you, did I?’

‘You sure did, and you’re also going to have one hell of a black eye. Have you seen your face?’

She grimaced. ‘I don’t think I want to look.’

‘Don’t worry, there isn’t any permanent damage done by the look of it. In a couple of weeks you’ll be as beautiful as ever.’

‘Flatterer.’ She took hold of his hand.

Jack felt it shake and knew that she was putting on a show for them. She was more shaken than she was letting on. But so would he have been after a crash like that.

‘What happened, Ruth?’ Simon wanted to know.

‘Everything was normal on approach. There wasn’t anything to indicate problems. As I touched the field there was the almighty crash and the undercarriage collapsed. The plane skidded along on its belly before upending and flipping over. No warning sign came up to tell me it wasn’t locked.’

‘That’s enough questions.’ A doctor and nurse walked in. ‘I must ask you to wait outside while we examine the patient.’

Jack leant against the wall in the corridor while Simon went to find a phone to let Jane know that Ruth was all right. That sure had been a close call. She could easily have been injured or even killed, and yet she was sitting in there complaining about a rip in her pants. But he knew only too well that there would be a delayed reaction. He had experienced it when he’d finally reached safety in France.

‘I got through to Jane.’ Simon stood beside Jack. ‘She was very relieved.’

‘Yeah, me too. We must have a look at that plane when we get back to the airfield.’

‘Just what I was thinking.’ Simon straightened up. ‘Here’s the doctor. How is she?’

‘Bruised and shaken, but nothing’s broken. However, we are going to keep her in overnight, just to make sure she isn’t suffering from concussion. You can see her for a few minutes before they take her up to the ward.’

‘I don’t want to stay in,’ were the first words she uttered when she saw them.

‘But you’re going to.’ Simon spoke firmly. ‘It’s just a precaution, Ruth. Either Jack or myself will collect you in the morning and take you home.’

‘All right.’ She yawned, giving way easily. ‘I do feel rather tired … Don’t tell Mum and Dad, it will only worry them, and there’s no real harm done.’

They agreed. Satisfied that Ruth was being taken good care of, they left, and once back at the airfield they made for the wrecked plane.

Jack removed his coat and tossed it down on the grass. ‘I want to have a look in the cockpit.’

‘You’ll have a job getting in there, Jack. Let me have a go, I’m not as big as you.’

‘I’ll have a go first.’ As the plane was upside down, Jack had to wriggle along and, after much struggling, managed to see inside the plane. He checked everything carefully, and then eased out again.

‘What did you find?’

‘As far as I could see everything looked normal.’ He clambered up and examined the undercarriage, or what was left of it.

Simon joined him and whistled through his teeth. ‘This is a real mess.’

‘It sure is. I can’t tell anything from this, so we’ll have to wait for the investigators to find out what really went wrong.’

‘Nothing more we can do at the moment, then.’ Simon bent and picked up Jack’s coat and handed it to him. ‘You’re
the engineer, so what is your opinion? Mechanical failure?’

‘I’d bet my last dollar on that. Ruth is too good, too careful and too experienced a pilot to have missed a warning sign. That would have been the kind of elementary mistake she would never make.’

‘I agree.’ Simon gazed up at the sky. ‘The light’s fading and we’d better get back. Lucy must be wondering where Ruth has got to.’

Lucy was looking out of the window when they arrived and she rushed out to meet them. ‘Where’s Ruth? Has she been stranded somewhere?’

‘We’ve just seen her.’ Jack urged his sister indoors. ‘Make us some tea.’

‘Not until you tell me why you’re both here and she isn’t.’

Simon made her sit down. ‘She’s all right, but when she landed, the undercarriage of her plane collapsed.’

‘Oh, hell, but you say she’s OK?’

‘A few bumps and bruises. They’re keeping her in hospital tonight. One of us will go and collect her in the morning.’

As it happened, Simon was the only one free the next day, and he was at the hospital by nine o’clock, knowing Ruth would want to get out of there as quickly as possible.

‘Why don’t you go and stay with your parents for a while?’ Simon suggested. ‘You’re going to feel groggy for a couple of days.’

‘That isn’t a good idea.’ Ruth touched her bruised face. ‘I don’t want them to see me like this.’

‘Perhaps you’re right, that’s a real beauty of a black eye you’ve got there.’

She gave a worried sigh. ‘Did you and Jack manage to get a look at the plane?’

‘Jack squeezed himself in far enough to check everything in the cockpit, and then he examined the undercarriage. You know he’s a genius with anything mechanical, but it was impossible to come to a definite conclusion on such a short examination. But, knowing you as he does, he’s certain it wasn’t your fault.’

‘So am I, but it’s a relief to know that.’ She brightened up then.

By the time they reached the house it was pouring with rain, and they had only been there about ten minutes when Jack and Lucy arrived.

‘Wow!’ Lucy exclaimed when she saw Ruth. ‘Are you sure you’re OK?’

‘Quite sure.’ Jack kissed her and she smiled up at him. ‘Has flying been rained off for the day?’

‘Yep, according to the Met it’s going to rain until tomorrow.’

Lucy was frowning at Simon. ‘That’s three of us who’ve had an accident. That leaves just you.’

‘I’ll pass on that.’

‘You make sure you do, Simon.’