Heartwarming and emotional story of one girl's courage in WW2 by Fenella Miller (best ereader for students .TXT) 📕

be enough to convince her? Maybe he would speak to her father before he spoke to her – surely Fred would see the advantages for his only daughter. By the time they arrived at the farm he was convinced she’d fallen asleep.

‘Wake up, Ellie, we’re home.’

‘I’m wide awake, I was just thinking. Do you think that man can actually cause this family any harm?’

‘Can’t see how. He’s got more to lose than you have. I’m sure he understands you wouldn’t hesitate to inform on him, regardless of the consequences.’

‘Thanks, it’s reassuring that we have come to the same conclusion. I intend to forget about him and hope he does the same for us. One thing does puzzle me, the reason he came thundering down here in the first place. It doesn’t make sense that he just came here to threaten us.’

‘Possibly he just wanted to see where his daughter had spent the past twenty-five years, see if he could persuade you to leave Glebe Farm too.’

‘I doubt it. There has to be something else behind his visit and we just can’t work it out.’ She opened the door and ducked out. ‘The house is dark; everyone has gone to bed including Mrs B. I’d no idea it was so late.’

He left the keys in the car and followed her to the back door which fortunately had been left open. He didn’t fancy having to wake someone to let them in. He’d hoped to get a chance to kiss her but she was already inside. Maybe the opportunity would present itself at the airfield – fat chance of getting her alone here as Jack was always about. He appeared to have taken on the role of older brother where she was concerned. As long as Jack wasn’t interested in her as a girlfriend, things should be okay.

‘Night, Greg, see you at breakfast. Make sure you don’t wake Jack; he needs his rest.’

‘Thanks for a delightful evening, Ellie, you must let me take you for that lemonade before I leave.’

‘Actually, if you want to take me out, I’d love to see Gone with the Wind. I noticed it was playing at the cinema this week. If we go straight from the airfield we should just make the last performance.’

They were now standing at the bottom of the stairs talking in whispers.

‘It’s a date – but I’m not taking you in your overalls. You’ll have to take a change of clothes with you.’

‘I’m not a complete idiot, you know. And it’s not a date – it’s just two friends going to the pictures.’

She vanished upstairs and he heard the latch on her door as she went into her bedroom. Ellie might think it wasn’t a date but by the end of the evening he was sure she would have changed her mind. His lips curved. He would really push the boat out and buy her some fish and chips when they came out – how could she resist him after that?

He crept into his bedroom and almost tripped over his feet when Jack spoke to him from the darkness. ‘You took your time, Dunlop. Remember Ellie’s inexperienced, she’s a sweet young girl and not ready to have a serious relationship with anyone, and especially someone who reminds her of her obnoxious grandfather.’

The bed creaked as Jack turned over. The one-sided conversation was finished. Greg wanted to tip him out of bed but thought better of it. However, he would put Jack straight about a few things at the earliest opportunity.

Being told he couldn’t have something, and by someone like Jack Reynolds, hardened his resolve. He didn’t bother to find his pyjamas, just stripped off his outer garments and got into bed in his underclothes. He’d only been here a couple of days and already standards were slipping. He bit back his chuckles as he slid under the sheet. Glebe Farm and its inhabitants were changing him and he hoped it was for the better.

Fifteen

No more was heard from Sir Reginald and by the end of the week Ellie was convinced the matter was over. She removed the stitches from Jack’s arm, following Jimmy’s detailed instructions, and he was ready to return to work.

Saturday would be Greg’s last day and she was going to miss him. They’d been out twice together and she let him kiss her on the second date. Things had changed after that and he now had an annoying, proprietorial manner where she was concerned.

Greg was taking the de Havilland for a last jaunt when Jack arrived. He strode towards her looking serious. What now? Just when she was beginning to relax.

‘Fred said that Dunlop has asked for permission to marry you.’

For a moment she was too surprised to think of a sensible answer. This would explain why Greg had changed, but it didn’t explain why Jack thought it was any of his business.

‘I’d no idea. This is the first time I’ve heard about it. I can’t see why you’re so interested unless you’re jealous.’

He smiled. ‘Don’t be bloody ridiculous. I think of you like the sister I never had. You’re a damn good pilot and you shouldn’t give that up for someone you’ve only just met.’

‘I’ve no intention of giving anything up. Greg hasn’t spoken to me about getting engaged and if he did I’d refuse. I don’t think one kiss is sufficient reason for him to consider that I’m his property. Don’t worry – I’ve no intention of leaving here unless the government stops civilian flying. Then I’ll help on the farm as one of our men has already said he’d volunteer if there’s a war.’

‘Good, I’m relieved to hear you say that. I’ll join the RAF, if and when, but not until I have to. They didn’t make me feel very welcome when I enquired. I think I’m not posh enough for them. Not officer material – I don’t know if anyone from the ranks can be a pilot – certainly can’t be at the moment.’

‘As