The opening of individual presents had been delayed until no one had to go outside again. As he was rinsing the filth from his wellingtons he saw Ellie by the barn. She must be shutting up the chickens for Mrs B.
He’d bought her half a dozen novels and a bottle of a perfume called Joy. He’d been assured by the shop assistant in Harrods it was all the rage. He’d got the usual gloves, handkerchiefs, and scarves for the others.
‘Drop your overalls in the boiler, Mr Dunlop, you won’t be needing them again today,’ the housekeeper told him as he came in.
‘Thank you, but I’ll want them for tomorrow morning. The men aren’t coming in until the afternoon.’
‘Bless you, we’ve plenty of spare. Nobody has to wear dirty clothes whilst I’m in charge.’
He nabbed the bathroom first and put his uniform back on. He supposed he could wear mufti but hadn’t brought anything else with him.
Neil arrived as he left. ‘I’ll be down in ten minutes. Mrs B is bringing cake, mince pies and tea to the sitting room. Jack and Dad should be in shortly.’
Once all of them were assembled Ellie began to hand out the gifts. Greg and Neil received a similar rectangular box from her but Jack’s gift was obviously a garment of some sort. She put her parcels to one side, as always putting other people before herself. Whatever she thought, he was certain she would make him the perfect wife and would adapt to being the lady of the manor without too many problems.
He opened his box and discovered a card with a picture of a bicycle. Neil had the same thing. She was bubbling with excitement. ‘Both of you must go into the scullery – you’ll find your gift there. I do hope you like them.’
Sure enough there were two shrouded shapes one on each side the scullery. His name was on the one on the left. He pulled back the dust sheet. ‘Ellie, it’s magnificent. It looks as good as new and I love the patriotic colour scheme. Nobody will be able to steal my bike.’
Neil did the same and was equally delighted. His was red and black, just as distinctive.
‘I did most of the work myself but Jack and Dad helped with the chains. I’m so glad you like them.’
He picked her up and swung her around. ‘The best Christmas present I’ve ever had, sweetheart. Every time I use it I’ll think of you.’
‘Thank you, little sister, exactly what I need to get around the base. If the snow stops, I think I might be able to peddle to Hornchurch when I go.
Ellie was thrilled with the books. He rather thought the expensive perfume was a dud as far as she was concerned. He should have known better; Ellie wasn’t a girl who worried about her appearance and he doubted she’d ever use it.
*
By midday the house was ready for the invasion of partygoers. Ellie had reluctantly decided to put on a frock so she could use some of the expensive perfume Greg had given her. Somehow perfume and slacks didn’t seem right together.
She’d allowed her hair to grow since she’d stopped flying and it was now long enough to put up. She spent a good half an hour fiddling around with hairpins and grips and was still dissatisfied with the result. The first guests would be arriving any minute. She ran her fingers through her curls, applied a smudge of red lipstick and was ready.
Jack was in charge of drinks but her brother and Greg were going to help as well.
‘Ellie, you look lovely.’ Greg kissed the top of her head and sniffed appreciatively. ‘You’re wearing my perfume. It smells quite delicious.’
‘I thought maybe we could announce our engagement at the party, make it a bit of a celebration.’
‘I’ll speak to Fred, if he doesn’t want to do it then I’ll ask Neil.’
‘I heard people arriving. I’m so glad it stopped snowing as several people will have walked.’
He brushed his fingers across her cheek and then went in search of her father. Jack had set out a temporary bar in the music room. He called out as she passed.
‘You look a million dollars, Ellie, it’s amazing what an expensive dress will do.’
‘Thank you. Your uniform’s very flattering – but I’m not sure it complements your red hair.’
They exchanged grins. ‘What do you think?’ He gestured at the impressive array of bottles, glasses, jugs and steaming punchbowl. ‘Fred suggested I made this, he thinks people will need warming up. It’s not very alcoholic – would you like a glass?’
‘It smells wonderful, very Christmassy. Is the hot water to make squash for the children?’
‘Mrs B’s idea, but there’ll be cold as well. I hope they won’t be bored. I found some dominoes, a pack of cards, a chess set and a pile of paper and pencils. I’ve put them at the far end of the sitting room.’
‘You’ve thought of everything. You mustn’t spend the entire time in here, I want to introduce you to everybody. I’ve got to go; people are coming in.’
All the guests had arrived by one o’clock and as they all knew each other there were no need for formal introductions. The children, once they had a plate of food, settled happily in the designated place and were no bother to anyone.
She and Greg were congratulated on their engagement. However, by the end of the party she was heartily sick of being asked if they had set the day.
Gladys and Bert had come, as well as Sid and his wife. She hadn’t seen them since the airfield closed and spent most of her time talking to them.
‘I don’t expect you’re in a hurry to get hitched, Ellie,’ Sid said after his third pint of beer. ‘To tell you the truth I didn’t think you were the marrying kind.’
‘What you mean?’ She spoke more sharply than she’d intended but he didn’t take offence –
