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

hadn’t been at all sure whether he could get the time off. But it would have been nice to have had him by her side. She hated playing gooseberry to Raine and Suzy, and still felt a little shy in Alec and James’s company, lovely though they both were, and it was wonderful to see the two men getting along well together like old friends. And for once Maman had someone of her own. The very thought made Ronnie feel quite lonely.

And then she felt a warm furry body nuzzle her legs and heard a muted bark. Rusty. How could she possibly be lonely when she had him?

Simone and Pierre entered the room, both looking dazed with happiness. They had just begun to circulate amidst laughter and chatter when the door opened and a few of the guests turned to see who it was. Ronnie heard an audible gasp. Everyone in the room except Simone and Pierre, who were busy smiling at one another, turned to see who was causing the commotion. Then to Ronnie’s amazement Suzy broke away from James and went up to the tall, elegantly dressed woman with the dark shining hair and wide smile. Curiously, Ronnie followed a little way behind and heard her sister say: ‘Oh, I’m so thrilled you could come. You look sensational!’

‘Thank you, darling,’ the woman said. ‘I thought I’d better see your mother in person as I know she didn’t believe you and I were acquainted with one another. Or even that I was real.’ She gave her throaty laugh and Suzy giggled.

‘Come on, then, let me introduce you to her and her new husband.’ She turned round and saw Ronnie. ‘Oh, Fern, this is my young sister, Ronnie.’

Fern smiled and extended her gloved hand. ‘Ah. I have heard about you, Véronique. You have been working on the canals, I understand. And do you enjoy it?’

Ronnie nodded, not knowing quite what to say to such a vision. ‘Yes … a lot, but it’s not so glamorous as being a famous actress,’ she blurted.

‘But every bit as important – probably more,’ Fern said magnanimously. ‘Now, come with us and find your mother.’ She linked her arm through Suzy’s and Ronnie’s as they went in search of Simone.

‘Maman, I’ve brought someone who would like to meet you,’ Suzy said.

Simone spun round, ready to be gracious. She gave a double take. ‘Fern Miller! Ce n’est pas possible.’

‘Oh, do call me Fern,’ the actress said, then added mischievously, ‘Your daughter does.’

‘I hope you give Miss Miller … Fern … your respect, Suzanne,’ Simone said, back in Maman mood, to Ronnie’s amusement.

‘No, she never does,’ Fern said, a delicious smile curving her lips. Suzanne laughed.

Simone took a back step, eyes wide in horror.

‘Maman, Fern’s teasing,’ Ronnie said, laughing.

‘This is an English trait,’ Simone addressed Fern, pronouncing ‘trait’ in the French way. ‘They like to tease. I have this always from my daughters.’

‘I’d give anything for three beautiful daughters like yours,’ Fern said wistfully. ‘Even one would be marvellous.’

‘Yes, I know I am a very lucky woman,’ Simone said, as Pierre walked up to join the little group, giving Fern his charming, yet utterly sincere, smile.

Ronnie was just about to say something when a hatless figure in the doorway caught her eye.

‘Excuse me,’ she said to no one in particular, and rushed over. ‘Michael! I thought you weren’t coming.’

‘I’m sorry I’m so late, darling. Something last minute at the station,’ he said, giving her a swift peck on the cheek. ‘But I’m here now.’

Ronnie studied him. ‘There’s something different about your uniform.’

He chuckled. ‘Just slightly. I’ve been promoted.’ He gave her a bow. ‘Sergeant Scott at your service.’

She giggled. ‘It sounds awfully grand.’ She took his arm. ‘Come and say hello to the happy couple. And, Michael …’

‘Yes, Véronique. For that’s who you have to be today, looking gorgeous in your pretty flowered dress.’

‘I’ll allow it,’ she laughed. Then, honest as usual, she added, ‘It’s really Suzy’s. She made it at the beginning of the war. She makes all her clothes.’

‘You look delightful in it.’ He stroked his chin. ‘But I do miss the trousers and the three jumpers and the muddy wellies.’

‘I must say I feel more comfortable in them,’ Ronnie said, grinning.

‘Whatever you wear, you are still my gorgeous Ronnie.’ He took her hand and gently kissed the scar on her palm. ‘That’s looking much better.’ He paused. ‘You were also about to say something else when I called you “Véronique”.’

Ronnie pretended to think what it was by frowning. ‘Oh, yes. It was just that even though you’re not the constable I fell in love with, I think I could rather get to like this new sergeant.’

‘You’re incorrigible,’ he grinned, chucking her under the chin. ‘Now back to the wedding. Did it go well at the church?’

‘Wonderfully well,’ Ronnie said. ‘Maman and Pierre are the happiest couple I know.’

‘No, there’s another couple who are just as happy,’ Michael said immediately, as he looked down at her. ‘Come here. Because I don’t care who knows it. Even if it is the famous actress Fern Miller over there.’

He swept Ronnie up in his arms.

‘Maybe it will be us in that same church one of these days,’ he murmured against her lips.

‘That is, if you turn up,’ Ronnie quipped.

‘If it’s you waiting for me, I will.’ He paused and placed her a little apart, his expression serious. ‘What do you say, Véronique?’ He kissed her soundly.

In answer, Véronique put her hands behind his neck, drawing him towards her upturned face, and soundly kissed him back.

Chapter Forty-Two

May 1945

The war was finally coming to an end. The Russian Red Army had beaten the Western Allies last month to reach Berlin and was holding it under siege, Mussolini had been captured and shot, together with his mistress, Claretta Petacci, and two days later Hitler and his mistress, Eva Braun, had committed suicide by poisoning themselves in the Führer’s bunker the day after the two of them had married. Ronnie