Beauty Chorus, The (19 page)

‘Do your parents live near here?’ Evie peeked surreptitiously at her watch.

‘Just up the road. My father died during the Great War, so it’s just me and Mother.’

‘That’s very good of you, looking after her like that.’ Evie leant back as the waitress slid a plate of greasy lamb and grey potatoes in front of her. It was the last thing she
felt like eating.

‘Mother enjoys spoiling me, but we take care of each other really,’ Teddy said, smacking his lips as he looked at the plate. ‘Thank you, Alice,’ he said to the waitress.
‘Do you have any brown sauce?’

‘Anything for you, Teddy.’

His head craned around to follow her as she walked away.

When it wasn’t offered, Evie helped herself to mint sauce. ‘You’ve never married?’

‘Why would I marry while I’ve got Mother at home to do my washing and meals?’ He laughed awkwardly as he took a big forkful of lamb, gravy soaking his moustache. ‘No,
I’m not short of company, if you know what I mean. Maybe once she goes I’ll choose some lucky lady.’ He dabbed at his mouth with his napkin, gazing up at the waitress as she
placed a bottle of sauce on the table. ‘Thank you.’ He patted her on the backside.

As the waitress sauntered away swinging her hips, Evie’s eyes opened in disbelief. She tried to laugh it off. ‘It sounds like you have it all worked out, Teddy. But, what about
love?’

‘Love?’ He laughed. ‘The moon in June, and hearts and flowers?’ He shook his head. ‘Women’s stuff.’

Evie washed down a mouthful of the lamb with a sip of warm champagne. ‘Do you think so?’

‘There was one girl.’ He paused, cutlery in mid-air. ‘I did think for a time she might be the one …’ As Teddy talked on about his ex-girlfriend, he ate steadily
and soon cleared his plate. Evie’s eyes had glazed over, and when he finally let his knife and fork fall onto his plate with a clatter, she jumped. ‘But Mother didn’t take to her,
so that was that.’ Teddy took a swig of his beer. ‘Excellent grub,’ he said. ‘Are you not hungry?’ He eyed Evie’s half-eaten meal.

‘Not terribly.’

‘I know what you girls are like, always watching your figure. Don’t want to run to fat, do you, sitting around in the cockpit all day.’ He licked his lips. ‘Would you
mind if I …?’

It took Evie a moment to realise what he was angling for. ‘Oh! The lamb? Gosh, you do have a healthy appetite. Um, yes, help yourself.’ They swapped plates. ‘It’s quite
exhausting, actually, flying all day.’

Teddy shook his head, swallowing a large mouthful. ‘It’s no job for a woman.’

Evie blinked. ‘I beg your pardon?’

‘Don’t get me wrong.’ He held up his hands. ‘Lord knows our fighting squadrons need all the help they can get, and the ATA has got to take any pilot capable of shifting
the aircraft. It just does the chaps’ morale no good having girls around the place.’

‘What do you mean?’ Evie sat back and folded her arms.

‘Well, imagine how it feels to a man to see a chit of a girl delivering their aircraft.’ Teddy drained his glass. ‘It’s not right. The natural order of things is for
women to support their men.’

‘Rather than working side by side you mean?’ Evie was determined not to lose her temper.

‘The trainers are one thing, but they’ll never allow girls to fly the fighters, let alone the big four-engined Lancs, whatever people like Pauline think.’

Evie drummed her fingers on the table. ‘Do you want to bet?’

‘Gambling girl, eh?’ Teddy said.

‘I bet you ten shillings the girls will be flying operational aircraft by the summer.’ She held out her hand to him.

‘Ten bob? A bit steep ... but it will never happen.’ They shook on it. ‘Suppose it runs in the blood.’

‘Sorry?’

‘Gambling. Your father, he was a jockey wasn’t he?’

‘Yes, he was,’ she said coolly.

‘That’s what I call a job, gallivanting round the racetrack. Don’t suppose he ever had to do a proper day’s work in his life.’

‘Talking of work, I really must get home.’ Evie faked a yawn. ‘Early start, as you said.’

‘No pudding?’ Teddy looked put out, but he signalled to the waiter for the bill.

‘Anyway, Daddy was very successful in his own right.’

‘It must be nice, though, having all that behind you. I can’t imagine you’re doing this ferrying lark for the money.’ It took him a couple of attempts to get his hand
into his jacket pocket. ‘I must admit, I was surprised you agreed to come out for dinner with me tonight.’

‘Why?’

‘Well, a girl like you—’ He stopped as the waiter appeared at their table.

‘Sir.’ The waiter slipped the billfold onto Teddy’s side plate.

Teddy flipped open the leather case. ‘Good grief,’ he said. ‘Tap water next time, Evie.’ He laughed at his own joke as he opened his wallet.

‘Let’s go Dutch, shall we, Teddy?’ Evie said.

‘Really?’ He swayed slightly as he looked at her. ‘I know some of you girls are frightful bluestockings, but this is one modern innovation I approve of.’ He tossed a note
on top of the bill, and Evie slipped another in.

‘Keep the change,’ she said as she handed it to the waiter.

It was dark on the street, only a faint silvery light from the crescent moon shining down.

‘Thank you, Teddy,’ Evie said as she pulled her gloves on. ‘This was … Well, it was lovely to have a night out.’

‘There’s a new picture on at the cinema this weekend if you fancy it?’ Teddy said. He slipped his arm around her as they walked along the pavement.

‘Thank you.’ Evie moved aside. ‘But I’m going to be awfully busy now I’m flying.’

‘Come on,’ he cajoled. ‘You’re never too busy to have a little fun.’ He stepped in front of her, pinned her against the wall with his arm. ‘Besides, I can
make your life a lot easier, if you know what I mean. I can make sure you get all the best jobs, see you have plenty of time to enjoy yourself …’

Evie recoiled, shrank against the cold, wet bricks. ‘I must be getting back. The girls are waiting up for me.’

‘Evie,’ he murmured, brushing her neck with his lips. His breath was hot, heavy with the smell of beer. His hand fumbled at her coat as he pushed himself against her.
‘You’re so pretty.’

She turned her face as he tried to force his mouth on hers, grazing her lip with his teeth. ‘Teddy,’ she said firmly, pushing him away. ‘I want to go now.’

‘Just a bit of a kiss and a cuddle,’ he whispered, his lips close to her ear. ‘I’m randy as hell, can’t you feel …’

‘I said no.’ She gave him a shove, and Teddy staggered back onto the pavement. Evie’s heart thumped in her chest, and she looked frantically around the deserted street.

Teddy followed her gaze, and a sly smile crept over his lips. ‘I know your sort,’ he said as he stepped towards her. ‘Say one thing, and mean another. It’s alright, you
don’t have to play hard to get with me.’

‘I can assure you I’m not playing games.’ Evie fumbled in her bag for her keys. At least if he made another lunge for her, she’d be prepared.

‘Let me walk you back to your car.’ He grabbed at her arm, held her tightly by her wrist.

‘Teddy, you’re hurting me,’ she said.

‘Hey, Evie?’ A man called from the doorway of the nightclub. ‘Is that you?’

A small crowd spilled out onto the pavement.

Evie recognised him as one of the engineers from the airfield.

‘Hello, Reg,’ she said.

‘Everything alright?’ he asked as he walked over to them. He eyed Teddy cautiously.

‘Clear off, Reg,’ Teddy said. ‘This is none of your business.’

‘Actually, I’m having a bit of car trouble,’ Evie interrupted. ‘Would you mind taking a look at it for me?’

‘Sure.’ He took Evie’s arm from Teddy. ‘Night, sir.’

‘Goodnight, Teddy,’ she called as they walked towards her car.

‘I’d watch yourself with him, Evie,’ Reg said once they were out of earshot.

‘Teddy?’ Her hand shook as she opened the door of the Aston Martin. It started first time. ‘He’s a buffoon. It was good you came along when you did, but I could have
handled him.’

‘I don’t know, Miss. I’ve heard things,’ he said as he leant down on the roof to talk to her. In the distance they saw Teddy walking alone along the middle of the road
into town. ‘Apparently he can be a nasty piece of work if he’s crossed.’

‘Thanks for the warning, but I can take care of myself,’ Evie said, and she waved as she drove off into the night.

SPRING

18

‘A little bird told me you went out with Teddy last week,’ Joan said as she waited with Evie for the chits to be put out in the Ops Corridor.

‘Does everyone know everything around here?’ Evie groaned. ‘Oh Lord, he’s coming over.’ She pretended to check through the rail vouchers and float money she had
just been issued with.

‘Morning, ladies.’ Teddy leant against the polished wood counter, pinning Evie in with his arm. ‘Super time the other night. Perhaps you’d like to—’

‘I’m sorry, I’m going to be frightfully busy now I’m ferrying.’

‘I haven’t suggested a day yet. We do let you have some leave.’

‘I know.’ Evie forced a tight smile. ‘I promised Daddy I’d help my stepmother out at home when I’m not flying. For the foreseeable future. She’s poorly
… in bed.’

‘What a shame,’ Teddy said, releasing her from the counter. ‘Well, you know where I am if you change your mind.’

‘What was that all about?’ Joan whispered.

‘Oh God, it was ghastly. He made a lunge for me after dinner.’

‘Teddy? Well, you wouldn’t be the first by all accounts.’ Joan looked at Evie. ‘Are you OK? He didn’t …?’

‘I’m fine,’ Evie folded her arms.

‘Don’t take it to heart. What is it they say – you have to kiss a lot of frogs.’

Evie grimaced. ‘I didn’t kiss him, though he gave it his best shot.’ She looked sad for a moment. ‘I’m done with frogs. It would just be so nice to have someone
special.’

‘I’m quite sure there’s a lovely chap just waiting to sweep you off your feet,’ Joan said kindly. ‘I can just picture you with a brood of children.’

Evie laughed at the thought. ‘I used to believe in all that you know – love at first sight, living happily ever after. I’m not so sure any more.’

‘Well, soon you’ll be so tired from flying you won’t have a chance to think about romance.’

‘What about you? Do you think you’ll settle down after all this?’

‘Marriage?’ Joan shook her head. ‘Flying comes first, and it always will.’ She looked down at the empty shelf. ‘They’re late with the chitties this morning.
Shall we get a cup of tea?’

The mess was quiet; exhausted pilots sat in silence as Jean stacked the cups and saucers ready for the day, the tea urn glugging, hissing steam behind the counter.

‘Is this your first?’ Joan asked as they settled down near the window.

‘Yes, I’m nervous as hell.’ Evie scanned her notes.

‘You’ll be fine. You’re an excellent pilot from what I’ve seen.’

The Ops Room hatch slid open. ‘Chits are out,’ one of the pilots called, and everyone trooped through to the corridor.

‘Typical, just as we get our tea,’ Evie said, scrambling to her feet. On the long, polished shelf the day’s ferrying instructions were laid out. She spotted her name on a chit
and picked it up.

‘Wellington from Brooklands,’ one of the Polish pilots said. ‘Again. What have you got?’ he asked his friend.

‘Beaufort to Chobham.’

‘So, what are you dicing with?’ Joan asked Evie.

‘A Puss Moth down to No. 2, Whitchurch, and a Magister back here. I’m glad it’s a simple day with only two flights. I heard from some of the girls you might get four, five
flights a day eventually, all with different aircraft.’

‘Oh you don’t need to worry about that. With single-engined types all you really need to know is the take-off speed, and the landing and stalling speeds. You’ll get used to
it.’ Joan checked her chit over. ‘You’ll have fun down at Whitchurch. Super crowd of boys in Bristol. Just remember mess etiquette when you’re away from home.’

‘Sorry?’ Evie looked at her quizzically.

‘Smoking only at tea, don’t monopolise the radio or papers, don’t shoot a line because the RAF chaps always have better stories, and if a Wing Commander comes in, stand up and
call him sir.’

Evie thought awkwardly of the day she had addressed Beau by his nickname. ‘Where are you off to?’ she asked.

‘Anson to Debden is my first, then you don’t want to know. I’ll be lucky if I make it back home tonight. Still, at least if I end up at one of the American bases the food is
good and I can stock up on lipstick and stockings.’

‘Really? Thanks for the tip.’ Evie made a mental note.

‘To be honest it’s quite fun if you get stuck out in the right place, and they do give you a pound for your expenses. It’s those ghastly night trains you need to avoid.’
Joan fastened her flying jacket. ‘Hope it all goes well. Make sure you watch the weather today.’

Evie looked through the hatch and across to the high curved windows of the Ops Room. She knew they were only supposed to fly if there was 1000 yards visibility, and she gazed out across the
airfield and up at the clouds with suspicion. On a blackboard covering one wall of the Ops Room, people were chalking up the day’s flights beside each pilot’s name. She caught
Teddy’s eye accidentally and looked away. ‘The sky looks clear enough at the moment. What’s the forecast?’

‘Perfectly good – which should always make you suspicious.’ Joan winked. ‘Be careful, we don’t want you to get caught out on your first run. Good luck!’ she
called over her shoulder.

One of the pilots pushed past Evie to the window. ‘Come on, Teddy, I’ve had five Hurricanes this week. Why not a Mustang?’

‘Sorry, Doyle.’ Teddy marched over. ‘I had to give it to someone, old boy.’ With that he slid the window closed.

Evie went to her locker for fresh maps and a splash of perfume. As she touched up her lipstick, she glanced proudly at her gold wings.
This is it
, she thought,
Third
Officer Chase. Let’s show these boys what we can do.
She checked in at the Meteorological Office just to be certain, but the forecast was fine for the morning, clouding up later. The air
was brisk and clear, a light breeze lifting her hair as she walked to her plane. In the cockpit she settled in, pulled up the collar of her flying jacket. By now she knew just how cold she would be
by the end of the flight. The engine started first time, and she gave the ground crew the thumbs up. As she turned the Puss Moth down the runway, Evie ran through her checks as easily as she had
recited the ABC as a child.