Beauty Chorus, The (24 page)

‘Congratulations on your engagement,’ he said.

Jack clapped him on the back. ‘Won’t you come and have a drink with us?’ He nodded towards the table where the girls sat.

‘I don’t think—’

‘I insist. If it wasn’t for you we might not be together.’

Beau helped Jack carry five champagne glasses to the table. ‘Good evening, girls,’ he said.

‘Wing Commander.’ Evie gazed up at him. ‘I haven’t seen you for a while. Is Olivia not with you?’ For a moment their eyes met. The champagne cork went off with a
loud pop, and as everyone cheered, Evie looked away uncomfortably.

‘I’d like to make a toast,’ Jack said, ‘to the most beautiful girl in the world. I’m the luckiest guy alive. To Evie!’

‘To Evie,’ they all said. As she looked up, she felt Beau watching her still.

‘What’s it like flying in combat, Jack?’ Megan asked him.

‘Well …’ He stretched back in his seat. ‘Our squadron is flying Hurricanes, but the Spits are coming soon. We’re all volunteers.’

‘It’s so brave of you,’ Megan said. ‘Fancy fighting in another country’s war.’

‘This is everyone’s war,’ Beau said steadily. He took a battered silver cigarette case from his breast pocket and offered it round.

‘Thank you,’ Evie said. As he lit her cigarette, their hands touched. She hoped Jack wasn’t about to shoot a line, or worse that Beau would show him up.

‘My feeling exactly, sir,’ Jack said. ‘I’ve been in since the early days with Shorty and Red and the guys. They’ve moved us around a bit, but once we’re over
at Martlesham I’m going to get me a couple of Jerries if it’s the last thing I do.’

Evie knew from the expression on his face that Beau was thinking,
It may well be.

‘You must have seen some action?’ Stella asked.

‘Sure. Man, I came close the other day.’ Jack tucked his hands behind his head. ‘We were doing convoy work over the North Sea. We were jumped by two or three dozen Me109s while
we were off the coast of France. I saw a Jerry cutting through the bombers. I got a couple of bursts in …’ Jack’s voice drifted over Evie. Beau smoked quietly as the story
unfolded. ‘It felt like he was taking a piggyback.’ He winked, and Megan giggled. ‘Next time I’ll get him.’ Jack drained his glass. ‘Those squareheads are wily.
You’ve gotta stay in formation, look out for your buddies. The ones who go off alone are the ones who get in trouble. They’re sitting ducks for Jerry.’

‘We always fly alone.’ Evie turned a book of matches over in her fingers. ‘I can’t wait to fly the Spits.’

‘D’you reckon that will happen, baby? It’s a hell of a plane for a—’

‘For a woman?’ Stella said frostily.

Jack held his hands up in defence. ‘Hey, back me up on this, sir.’

Beau stubbed out his cigarette. ‘Frankly, I would be delighted to have either Miss Chase or Mrs Grainger on my wing.’

Megan’s face fell at his omission, and Jack noticed. ‘Right, Meggie, how about I show you how we dance in America?’ He took her hand and spun her towards the dance floor.

‘I’m just going to powder my nose,’ Stella said.

‘Would you care to dance, Miss Chase?’ Beau asked her. ‘If I may?’ he asked Jack.

‘Sure, sir,’ he called, before Evie had a chance to object.

The band was playing ‘Stardust’ as Beau led her to the floor, couples moving slowly to the music, lost in one another’s arms, the mirror-ball lights swirling
around them. Evie’s heart was beating fast as Beau took her hand and slipped his arm around her waist. Through the thin satin of her gown she could feel the heat of his hand on the small of
her back. She was surprised how well he danced, easily, with a natural strength and grace.

‘I’m sorry about Jack,’ she said. ‘He does like to shoot a line. It was good of you not to show him up.’

‘There are two types of fighter pilot, Miss Chase. You’re either an ace, or a target.’

‘And which is Jack?’

‘He’s young,’ Beau said. ‘Perhaps he’ll learn.’

‘He’s the same age as me.’

‘You seem older.’

‘Is that what you class as a compliment, sir?’

‘It’s as close as you’ll get tonight.’

Evie smiled. ‘You’re hardly ancient yourself.’

‘I’m twenty-nine, in case you’re fishing.’ He sighed. ‘But when I see a wet-behind-the-ears stooge like your fiancé I feel twice that.’

‘You don’t seem terribly happy for me, Wing Commander,’ she said finally, her head resting lightly against his cheek.

‘Are you sure about that boy, Miss Chase?’

‘Yes, yes I am,’ she said defiantly.

He turned his head slightly to look at her, his dazzling blue eyes close to hers. ‘Then I am happy for you.’ As they danced on, he held her a little closer, the music and shimmering
light moving around them, within them.

‘Jack says we have to take every chance of happiness we can at the moment. Do you think he’s right?’

‘Happiness? In my experience it’s ephemeral, Miss Chase.’ His head turned, his lips close to her ear now. ‘Often you don’t appreciate you had a chance of it until
it is too late.’

As Beau exhaled, Evie felt his warm breath against her temple. He smelt good to her – tobacco, leather, eau de cologne. She felt a rush of sensation, a warmth that made the hair at the
nape of her neck rise, and her stomach melt away.

‘It’s never too late.’

‘You seem to have a natural talent for happiness, which I lack.’ He hesitated. ‘I just hope you’re not rushing into this.’

Evie laughed lightly. ‘I know what I’m doing, sir.’

‘Do you?’ He turned his face to look at her. ‘Lord knows I’m the last person to be giving advice on affairs of the heart, but sometimes you need to know when to rein
yourself in.’

Evie met his gaze. His lips were close to hers. ‘You’re talking like I’m a wild horse that needs breaking, sir.’

The sparkling air swam between them. As the song ended and the couples began to leave the floor, they stood, caught in the moment.

Beau’s hand fell away and he led her to the now empty table. Evie felt hot. She reached for her champagne, the cold bubbles dancing on her tongue.

Beau lit two cigarettes and passed one to her. ‘You do need to consider your reputation, Miss Chase,’ he said.

‘What do you mean my “reputation”?’ Her temper flared. ‘You’re not my father.’

‘Thank God.’ He blew a cloud of smoke into the air. ‘It’s simply not the same for men and women.’ He leant towards her. ‘Perhaps if you concentrated on being
a good pilot instead of bedding pilots …’

‘I beg your pardon?’ She glared at him.

‘First Teddy, now this Yank. You’ve been in the ATA barely a couple of months. I had you down as more than—’

‘How dare you!’ She slammed her glass down on the table. ‘I most certainly did not sleep with Teddy. Is that what he’s been saying?’

‘From what I’ve heard he’s telling everyone you are a “tigress” in bed. Strangely believable …’ Beau wiped up the champagne she had spilt with a linen
napkin.

‘Believe what you want, but he’s lying.’ She fought to control her anger. ‘What do I need to do? Get old Doc Barbour to confirm my virginity? Wouldn’t he just love
that.’ She leant towards Beau. ‘Or perhaps once the great event has occurred I could ask Miss Gold to post a notice on the Lost Property board?’ Evie held his gaze until Beau
looked away.

‘I’m sorry. Clearly I owe you an apology.’ He pushed back his chair. ‘Good evening, Miss Chase. My congratulations … and my apologies, again.’ As Beau walked
away, Jack and Megan came back to the table.

‘Is he leaving already?’ Jack held out Megan’s chair for her. ‘That’s no fun.’ He went after Beau.

‘Hey, sir.’ He tapped him on the shoulder. ‘Help me out here. I can’t dance with three women all night!’

‘I wouldn’t worry about that. There are always plenty of men sniffing around our ATA girls.’ Beau handed his ticket to the coat-check girl. ‘By the way, you should know
that a certain Ops Officer, Edward Parker, is spreading rumours about your fiancée.’ He looked over at Evie. ‘If she was my girl, I’d punch his lights out.’

Jack’s face hardened. ‘Thanks for the tip.’

23

At dawn, Evie woke alone. She padded downstairs to wake Jack, but the sofa was empty. She stretched out her hand, felt the warm indentation in the cushions where he had lain.
In the half light as she turned, she saw him, sitting in his vest and boxer shorts by the kitchen window, his face turned away from her. The dawn light flared around him. ‘Jack?’

‘Hey.’ He turned and smiled at her. ‘You’re awake.’

‘What time is it?’

‘I’ve got to go, baby.’

‘Already?’

He walked across the room, took her in his arms. As he kissed her, his skin was cool and fresh against hers; she tasted shaving soap on his lips. Jack sighed, enveloped her in his arms.

‘You are a very hard girl to say goodbye to.’ He kissed her forehead, and gathered up his clothes. As he buckled his trousers, Evie handed him his flight bag. After the weeks of
anticipation, it had all gone so quickly. She couldn’t believe he was leaving already. ‘Why don’t you get some more sleep?’ he said.

‘But I want to see you off.’

‘No, it’s fine. I want to remember you like this.’ He slipped his hand around the curve of her waist. ‘Damn, I’m going to miss you.’ He broke away from her,
pulled his boots on.

‘When will I see you again?’

‘Soon, I promise. Once I’ve written to your dad, we can set a date.’ Jack buttoned up his shirt and shrugged on his jacket. ‘The next time I see you, you’re going
to be walking down the aisle, Mrs Whitman.’

Evie followed him to the door. As it swung open a cold draught lifted the hem of her kimono, danced around her bare feet. Her eyes scanned his face urgently. She wanted to remember everything
about these few snatched hours together. This handful of memories had to last the days and weeks until they were together again. ‘I can’t bear it.’ She buried her head on his
chest. ‘It’s too soon.’

‘Hey, don’t be blue.’ He gently lifted her hand to his lips, kissed her engagement ring. ‘The time will fly by. Just think of everything you have to plan – dresses,
bridesmaids …’

‘Stella and Megan will be my flower girls. I thought I’d ask my godmother Mary to be my Matron of Honour.’

‘Sounds swell.’ Jack looked out at the sky. ‘Red sky in morning, isn’t that what you guys say?’ He pulled on his cap. ‘Go back to bed, baby, don’t get
cold.’

‘I love you, Jack,’ Evie called after him. He turned to her as he walked, and grinned as he flicked a salute.

As Jack waited in the mess at White Waltham for his ferry back to Kirton, an orderly marched in. ‘Excuse me, Officer Parker …’

‘Yes? What is it?’ Teddy snapped, not bothering to look up from his paper.

Once the orderly had gone, Jack strode over and stood in front of him. ‘Excuse me sir, are you Edward Parker?’

‘Yes. Do I know you?’

‘May I have a word with you?’

Teddy flicked his paper with irritation. ‘I’m extremely busy. What is it?’

‘I’d like to have a word with you – outside.’

‘Very well.’ As Teddy followed Jack, he signalled to Doyle and Stent.

*

Around the side of the hangar, Jack turned on him. ‘Do you know who I am?’

‘No, I don’t,’ Teddy sneered. ‘You Yanks all look and sound the same to me.’

Jack stepped up close. ‘You know my fiancée, Evelyn, then.’

‘Oh yes, Evie.’ A slow, dangerous smile flickered on his face. ‘I know her.’ He glanced at Doyle. ‘I know her very well.’

‘You’re a liar.’ Jack landed a quick punch in the eye that caught Teddy off guard. He staggered back, tongued his cheek, tasted blood. Doyle and Stent leapt on Jack, pinned his
arms back against the wall.

‘Liar, am I?’ Teddy drawled, his face close to Jack’s as he struggled. He punched him hard in the stomach, and Jack’s head fell forward as he gasped for breath.
‘Let me tell you something. This is no place for women. They’re all spoilt brats and trick flying whores. Women like your fiancée think they’re better than the ordinary
woman but she’s nothing but a little prick tease just like the rest of them.’

Jack roared, struggled to get free but the men were too strong.

Teddy rolled his head, loosened up his shoulders. ‘Why don’t you fuck off back to America?’ He punched Jack hard, a right hook that spun his head around to the side, a spray of
blood and spittle arcing from his lips. As Doyle and Stent released him, Jack slid to the floor.

‘What the hell is going on here?’ Beau did a double take as he strode past to the Anson waiting on the runway.

‘None of your business, Beaufort,’ Teddy said, striding towards him. ‘I’m going to get that Yank fired for attacking an officer if it’s the last thing I
do.’

‘I wouldn’t do that.’ Beau blocked his path. ‘If you want everyone to know you are a bully, a cad and a coward, go right ahead. I’d be delighted to let the entire
pool know what a liar you are.’ Teddy swore under his breath, and Beau marched over to Jack, helped him to his feet.

‘Are you alright?’

‘What a prick.’ Jack’s eye was closing already, and he smarted as he put his hand to his face. ‘He got his goons to hold me down.’

‘He’s always been an arsehole.’ Beau watched the three men disappear around the corner. ‘I’m supposed to be dropping you in Kirton on my way up to Scotland. Are you
sure you want to fly?’

‘Yeah, I’ll be fine.’ His legs gave way as he started to walk. ‘Man, you always forget how much it hurts getting punched.’

‘Know what you mean.’ Beau laughed. ‘Not like the movies is it? You go down, you stay down.’ He put his arm around Jack’s waist and took his weight as they crossed
the airfield. ‘When’s your next mission?’

‘Tomorrow they reckon.’

‘I’d get yourself checked out. You might have concussion.’

‘Nah, I’ll be fine. Just a bit of a shiner.’ Jack paused by the Anson. ‘Thank you for telling me about him. Jerks like that give the rest of us a bad name.’ They
shook hands. ‘Listen, can you do me a favour?’

‘Of course.’

‘Would you keep an eye on Evie for me?’

‘Funny, you’re the second person to ask me to do that.’ Beau gave Jack a hand up into the plane. ‘Miss Chase is more than capable of looking after herself.’