A Sister's War by Molly Green (the reading strategies book txt) 📕

‘You never used to bother about that sort of thing before,’ Suzy said, pulling her blonde hair off her face and grimacing before letting it loose again. ‘You always made it plain how you thought that was all girls talked about. But since you and Michael have been seeing each other it seems as though everything’s changed.’

‘Suzy’s right,’ Raine put in. ‘And if you could see yourself you’d know you’re as red as a beetroot.’

‘Stop teasing me,’ Ronnie said. ‘Let me see what you’ve both decided.’

‘I practically had to remake mine.’ There was a note of pride in Suzy’s voice as she went to the wardrobe and took out a lilac-coloured dress. She shook it out and held it up against herself. ‘You’ll never guess who it belonged to.’

‘Who?’

‘Jack Hawkins’s girlfriend, the actress Doreen Lawrence.’

‘How did you get hold of it?’ Raine asked.

‘She’s an actress – she’s lovely – they both are. They were in the play of the last ENSA troupe I was on, but Maisie, the wardrobe mistress, said the colour made Miss Lawrence feel ill and to please pass it on to Suzy Linfoot. She said it would bring out the unusual colour of my eyes – or was it the other way round?’ Suzy grinned.

‘It’s gorgeous,’ Ronnie said admiringly. She looked at her eldest sister. ‘What about you, Raine?’

‘I never get time to buy clothes. My boss only said at the last minute I could have the time off, so I decided it would have to be my uniform. But I’ll make a concession and wear the skirt instead of the trousers … especially for Maman.’ Raine winked.

‘You always look glamorous in your ATA uniform,’ Ronnie said. ‘You do as well, Suzy, in your ENSA uniform.’ She clicked her tongue. ‘I sometimes wish I was more like you two.’

‘There’s no need for you to wish such a thing,’ Suzy said. ‘You’re a true individual and we adore you as you are.’

‘So you won’t mind if I turn up in my shorts and a blouse then,’ Ronnie said, keeping a straight face. ‘Both clean and freshly ironed, of course.’

‘And give Maman a heart attack on her wedding day,’ Raine said, chuckling.

‘I very much doubt it,’ Ronnie said. ‘Haven’t you noticed? Maman only has eyes for Pierre when he’s in the room. So just think how she’ll be in church.’

‘Don’t you believe it,’ Raine said. ‘She likes us to look like well-brought-up young ladies.’ She put on an exaggerated posh accent for the last few words. ‘I’m not sure what she’ll say about me attending her wedding in uniform.’

‘She can’t grumble,’ Suzanne chuckled. ‘Your wings make it really special. I think she’s secretly proud of all of us. But we need to sort out our baby sister.’

‘Don’t call me that,’ Ronnie said. ‘Or kiddo. Especially in front of Michael if he manages to come to the wedding.’

‘Why do you say that?’

‘Because he’s four years older than me and I don’t want to draw attention to it.’

‘Just what you need to curb that impulsive nature of yours.’

‘Stop it, you two, and help me with what I’m supposed to wear tomorrow. It’s got to be something that goes with my shoes.’

And to her sisters’ open-mouthed astonishment, Ronnie produced a pair of sparkling silver high heels.

‘Gracious, Ronnie, I’ve never seen you in anything like those.’ Raine picked one up and examined it. ‘Good Lord, they’re Crockett and Jones.’ She looked up. ‘I’m really envious. They would’ve cost a fortune. Where on earth did you get them?’

‘It’s a long story,’ Ronnie said. ‘They were a gift from the owner who’d only worn them once. She said she needed to let them go and I was the only person she knew who was a size four.’

‘Ronnie,’ Raine said, her voice coated with awe, ‘these shoes are one of the most expensive makes you can buy. They’re handmade. You simply have to tell us who gave them to you. All I can say is, whoever it was must be mad to give away something so special.’

‘That’s the very word the owner used,’ Ronnie said. ‘Special. Jess brought them when she came to see me a fortnight ago, saying the owner wanted me to have them as a present and to keep them for special occasions. I told her to tell the owner they’ll be worn at Maman’s wedding. I think she’d approve of that.’

‘I shall throw you out of the room if you don’t tell us who it was.’ Raine gave her youngest sister her fiercest expression.

Ronnie deliberately paused. Then she grinned. ‘Prepare to be astonished. It was my trainer, who I’ve told you all about – Deadly Dora!’

‘What! I didn’t think she was the sort of person who’d wear something so feminine, the way you’ve always described her,’ Suzy said.

‘People aren’t always what they appear to be,’ Ronnie said, then broke into a scream of laughter. ‘I’m joking about me wearing them. They’re not me. But I know someone, and they’d be right up her street.’

‘Who?’

‘Maman, of course. Mrs Garland invited her to the shop and let her choose one of the wedding dresses but she couldn’t help with the shoes. She told Maman you couldn’t buy a pair of evening shoes for love nor money, however many coupons she’d saved, so she thinks she’s going to be married in an old pair of summer sandals. She doesn’t know it yet but I’m giving her these for a wedding present. She and I are exactly the same size. Only bad thing is – I’ll have to wear Maman’s old summer sandals in return.’

6th September 1944

‘Maman, I’ve brought your tea.’

Simone jerked up in bed.

‘Oh, Véronique, put it on the table. Let me wake properly. I was dreaming.’

‘A nice dream, I hope,’ Ronnie said, smiling.

‘I cannot remember. But there is something I do remember.’ Simone’s delicate features broke into a wide smile. ‘I think today is special, n’est-ce pas?’

Ronnie pretended to look puzzled and shook her