‘George just told me he’s been visiting my mother and that horrible man. How could he betray the family like that?’
‘You told me that he’s always been your mother’s favourite. Stands to reason he’d want to keep in touch. You don’t have to see any of them again after this if you don’t want.’ He dumped his kitbag by the door and put his arm through hers. ‘Let’s go for a walk in the garden. There’s something I want to tell you that might cheer you up a bit.’
She couldn’t think that anything he had to say would make her feel any better.
‘Did you know that they are taking on female pilots in the ATA? A girl turned up at the base the other day. She was delivering some spare parts and left with a bloke who needed a lift. She was flying a Tiger Moth like the one we had. Why don’t you apply?’ He handed her a form he’d been keeping in his inside pocket. ‘I picked this up for you in case you want to have a go at getting in.’
She took it and quickly scanned the page. It appeared she had exactly the qualifications they were looking for. ‘I wondered what ATA stood for, now I know – Air Transport Auxiliary.’
‘It seems they only had male pilots, but we’ve lost so many blokes they’ve decided they’re going to take on suitably qualified women. This means the men can leave and join an active squadron. It’s a civilian operation so I’m not sure exactly how it works.’
‘I’m going to apply. The WAAF would never have let me leave a few months ago, but they’ve got plenty of radar operatives now so they might well agree. I’d be better off doing something very few girls can do.’
This information had definitely cheered her up. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek. He hugged her back then gently removed her hands.
‘Don’t encourage me, Ellie, I never could resist a pretty girl even when she’s spoken for.’
‘Thank you so much. Now I’ve got something to look forward to. I’ll fill this in right away – would you post this for me when you leave this evening?’
The leaflet that accompanied the form explained they were only looking for female pilots with more than two hundred hours in the log book and she had over two thousand. There were stamps in the drawer downstairs and she thought she’d get one and bring it up, rather than take the envelope down. This was the second time she’d applied for something without telling anyone – she wasn’t sure why she hadn’t told Greg. Being a civilian would be better as far as he was concerned as she could leave whenever she wanted to.
*
Dad was driving his truck. She and Mabel were sitting in the front and George, Jack and Greg had to make do with the back. George obviously wasn’t pleased but got in without comment. They arrived only minutes before the hearse.
There were no wreaths on the coffin, just a large bunch of garden flowers. Sombre music could be heard in the church. Greg, George and Jack took one side of the coffin and three other RAF officers took the other side. The vicar moved in front and led the procession into the church whilst solemnly intoning the words from the funeral service.
Ellie put her arm through Dad’s and dropped in behind. Mabel had already taken her place in the congregation. Mum should have been there with them.
She bit her lip and marched as she’d been taught by the drill sergeant. As long as she concentrated on her steps she wouldn’t break down. The church was packed. Even with her eyes firmly to the front she was aware there were a dozen or more grey-blue uniforms.
A pew had been reserved for them at the front. Mum and Sir Reginald were already occupying two of the seats but there was plenty of room for Dad, George and her, but Jack and Greg would have to sit elsewhere.
The service followed the usual pattern, too many hymns and too many prayers before they got to the eulogy. She’d expected George to do this but it was left to the vicar, who’d scarcely known Neil, to tell everybody what an exceptional young man her brother had been, and how much he was going to be missed. He ended by saying he died for King and Country and to keep his family safe.
Her handkerchief was sodden and she wished Greg was beside her and not George. Eventually the service was over and the entire congregation traipsed outside for the burial. Neil wouldn’t be lonely here, with more than two dozen Simpsons in adjacent plots. Their family had bought this corner of the churchyard one hundred and fifty years ago and she hoped, when her turn came, she could rest with them as well.
Greg was beside her and she turned her face against his shoulder needing his comfort. As one by one people moved to the grave to pay their respects he led her to a quieter spot. ‘Come on, let’s get it over with, darling.’
‘I don’t want to speak to her or him…’
‘I know, but you must. They’re waiting for you.’
Without his arm moving her forward she would have run away. She had expected her mother to look more elegant. happier, but the reverse was true. The woman standing nervously beside Sir Reginald couldn’t meet her eyes. Ellie’s animosity evaporated. Suddenly she was sorry for her. Dad was happy with his new life but her mother obviously wasn’t.
‘Mother, thank you for coming…’
Sir Reginald interrupted her. ‘It’s not your place to thank your mother, miss. Of course my daughter would attend her son’s funeral.’
Ellie ignored him. ‘I’m glad you came. I hope we can stay in
