‘Darling, I’m sure everyone’s heard quite enough of your pet project,’ interrupted Mother patiently.
‘Poor, Nicky,’ said Aunt Pat, ‘your valves mean so much to you.’
Daisy wanted to say that no one understood Pop’s inventions, not even Mother. He sat back in his chair, quiet again.
‘And Matt?’ asked Grandma. ‘Has he flown yet?’
‘No,’ said Mother with a frown. ‘He’s with Amelia and her parents. The poor boy only managed a few days leave.’
‘How grand for them to be together,’ said Grandma.
Daisy didn’t think it grand at all. Matt had chosen to be with Amelia and her stuffy parents rather than Mother and Pops. But even so, she was not downcast for Aunt Betty had escaped the evil clutches of Mr Calder. Her secret would be safe forever.
CHAPTER 28
‘WE’RE GOING to walk to the village today,’ Bobby told Daisy the next morning as they woke up.
‘I’d rather ride in the car.’
Bobby chuckled. ’Cheer up, little sister.’ He ruffled her hair and made her giggle. Bobby could always make her smile when he wanted to.
After breakfast they set off. Pops carried lemonade and homemade cake in a basket and they sat on the bench usually occupied by the breathless members of the village council.
‘This feels much more like Christmas,’ Daisy said, enjoying her slice of cake.
‘It’s a very different Christmas,’ said Pops, grinning.
‘Has Matt gone up in an aeroplane yet?’
Daisy knew Bobby was keen to know everything about the airforce.
‘He’s learning his theory,’ said Mother as she packed away the picnic things. ‘It’s very hard work. Every cadet has to pass his exams before he can fly.’
Daisy glanced at Bobby. She hoped the mention of hard work might put him off joining the airforce.
‘We saw Spitfires flying over Wattcombe,’ he said, disappointing her. ‘They were in formation. They were amazing.’
‘Were they now?’ Pops said. ‘They must be stationed at the aerodrome west of here.’
‘An aerodrome?’ cried Bobby. ‘How far is it?’
Pops threw back his head and laughed. ‘Too far, I’m afraid.’
Mother waved her gloved hand. ‘And anyway, these places are secret. No one is allowed in.’
Daisy knew that Mother didn’t want to encourage talk of the airforce as one son preparing for active duty was enough.
The next day it began to drizzle and so Aunt Pat brought out the entertainment. Daisy didn’t mind playing the games they had played at least a hundred times whilst staying in Wattcombe. It wasn’t boring with Mother and Pops here. There was laughter and fun and jokes and teasing. Grandma made a wonderful supper which Daisy helped to prepare. There were slender slices of left-over chicken, together with cheese and pickles and some of Mr Webber’s delicious cow’s milk, followed by hot, baked scones. Mother had brought a little butter which melted into the soft, scented dough.
‘We didn’t tell them about the fire in our old house,’ said Daisy that night from her makeshift bed on the couch.
‘It would only spoil Christmas,’ yawned Bobby. ‘They might know anyway.’
‘I suppose it’s just another secret that we aren’t supposed to know.’
Bobby yawned loudly. ‘Go to sleep, Daisy.’
She drifted off, trying to think of a reason to prevent Mother and Pops from leaving. Was she sick? Unfortunately she felt very well indeed and couldn’t muster up a hint of flu or a tummy ache or even a toothache.
So that, as Grandma would say, was that.
O n Thursday morning the wind howled, the gutters dripped and the rain lashed against the windows.
‘Nicky, are you sure you’ll be safe driving back in this awful weather?’ asked Grandma at breakfast.
‘Wait another day,’ Daisy begged. Perhaps God had sent a storm to stop her parents from leaving?
‘I wish we could,’ replied Pops, finishing his cup of tea with a final gulp. ‘But my meeting is at six sharp.’
‘The car might get washed into a river,’ Daisy protested. ‘Or the engine might stop.’
‘A chance we’ll have to take, treasure,’ said Pops, regretfully.
‘Come along, Pat,’ said Grandma, ‘you can help me in the kitchen.’
‘I’ve made a list of things I need to send to you,’ said Mother as they stood in the hall. ‘I promise to tell Aunt Betty to reply to your letter. Is there anything else you want?’
‘I’d like to write to Sally, but I don’t know where she is.’
Mother smiled. ‘I’ll do what I can to find out.’
Bobby looked up at Pops. ‘And I’d like to write to Sammy.’
‘The doctor may know,’ Pops replied as he piled one suitcase on top of the other. ‘But don’t get your hopes up. London is in chaos.’
He gave Bobby a hug then swept Daisy into his arms. She could smell the slightly damp gabardine of his mac and the familiar waft of cigarettes. She hugged him and the tears fell.
‘Now, now, treasure. It won’t be long before you’re home.’
Daisy felt a stir of hope. ‘We could catch the bus to London. There’s a stop in the village.’
Pops looked amused. ‘You’ve got it all worked out, Daisy Purbright.’
‘Be good,’ said Mother as she hugged Daisy tightly. ‘Look after each other.’
Daisy watched through the rain-soaked window as Mother and Pops hurried to the car. When would she see them again?
CHAPTER 29
‘WELCOME TO THE NEW CHILDREN,’ said Mrs Gardiner on the first day of school in January. ‘Daisy will tell you all about school and help you with your lessons. Now get out your pencils and paper.’
‘I ain’t got none,’ shouted a mischievous looking little boy.
‘Nor ‘ave I.’
‘Daisy will get you some from the cupboard.’ Mrs Gardiner sank down into her chair, which was now bolstered by cushions so that she could rest more comfortably. Before Daisy had time to hand out the necessary supplies, Mrs Gardiner’s chin had dropped
