Heartwarming and emotional story of one girl's courage in WW2 Fenella Miller (best books for 8th graders txt) 📖

there were no more arguments between them. He had taken on a woman, Gladys Smith, to run the office and another full-time mechanic to help Sid maintain the three aircraft. With both of them taking pupils business was booming and she no longer felt guilty about being paid a proper wage.

At the end of the month George, her other brother, got a twenty-four hour pass to celebrate being given his wings. Mum decided they would have a party and was busy baking and making for the occasion.

‘You must ask Mr Reynolds to come, Ellen. George would enjoy speaking to another pilot,’ her mother said on the morning of the party.

‘I can’t ask him at such short notice, Mum, he’ll think he’s being invited as an afterthought.’

‘Nonsense, he’ll be delighted to be included. It’s a great shame Flying Officer Dunlop and Neil can’t get another pass.’

‘Neil said that Greg is with Bomber Command, but he’s going to be a fighter pilot. He’s joining a squadron at Duxford – such a pity he can’t be at Hornchurch.’

Dad was having a rare day off and looked up from the newspaper he was reading at the kitchen table. ‘Neil told me his friend came top in all the navigation stuff and they want those sort of blokes as bomber pilots. They could have to fly hundreds of miles…’

‘Please don’t discuss such things. No one at church thinks there’s going to be a war and I agree with them.’ Mum glared at her. ‘Don’t just sit there, young lady, do as you’re told. Go and make that phone call immediately.’

Ellie exchanged a glance with her father. Mum refused to accept that anything was going to change but they knew different. Hitler wouldn’t stick to the truce and Britain would be forced to go to war if they didn’t want to be invaded. After all, everybody in the country wouldn’t have been issued with a gasmask last year if the government didn’t expect there to be a war.

Although she had this weekend free, Jack would be working as usual. There were the usual clicks and whirs as the telephone operator connected her and then finally he answered.

‘Jack, my mother has insisted that I invite you to our party this evening. It’s to celebrate George getting his wings. I’m sure you’ve made other plans and we won’t be offended if you can’t come.’

There was a pause before he answered. ‘Actually, I’m at a loose end tonight. I’d be delighted to come – I take it I have to wear a jacket and tie.’

She couldn’t stop her giggle. ‘Good grief! It’s grander than that. Black tie, or at the very least a very smart suit. Mum wouldn’t let you in the house in a sport’s jacket.’

‘Bloody hell! Are you expecting the King?’

‘You’d think so, the fuss she’s making. However, all the grand folks in the neighbourhood will be there dressed up to the nines. She’s insisting that I wear my one and only evening dress. Dad is threatening to hide in the cowshed.’

He chuckled. ‘Go on, tell me exactly what I’ve got to endure if I do come.’

‘We’ve got three village ladies coming to wait, the cowman will be directing traffic and she’s even booked some sort of musical entertainment. It’s going to be absolutely hideous, if you’ve got any sense you’ll stay well away.’

‘I wouldn’t miss it. I could do with a laugh. Will there be plenty to drink?’

‘Mum’s teetotal.’ She heard his groan and laughed. ‘Don’t worry, Dad only agreed to have this party on the understanding there’d be plenty of alcohol.’

‘What time does it kick off? I don’t finish here until six o’clock. Although I’ve got digs in the village now I’ll still need an hour to get my glad rags on.’

‘It’s not a sit-down dinner, thank goodness, just a running buffet. The invitations that were sent out said seven thirty so you’ve got ample time.’

‘Righto. See you later. Thanks for the invite.’ The line went dead.

If Jack was coming as well as George then it wouldn’t be so bad after all. The three of them could circulate for a bit and then disappear to the rose garden as she had with Greg and Neil a few weeks ago.

A long, boring day stretched in front of her. She wasn’t even needed to assist with the preparations due to the paid helpers. Her dress was ready, she’d washed her hair and had a bath last night, and it was too hot and stuffy in her bedroom to hide up there with a book. The only place she was free of the petty restrictions of her mother was at the airfield.

Her life had been miserable until she was twelve, when out of nowhere Dad had leased the fields and barns to Joe. It hadn’t gone down well with Mum, but this time Dad had insisted. Joe was an unlikely person to start an aero-club. He was a rough diamond, but nonetheless was an excellent pilot. She smiled as she recalled the hours she’d spent hanging around the airfield. Joe had taken her up several times and when Neil and George asked Dad if they could have lessons she had added her pleas to theirs.

Mum had reluctantly agreed as flying was a skill she approved off – usually only the wealthy had anything to do with aircraft. Ellie had not been given permission but Joe taught her at the same time as her brothers. She was able to endure her hideous boarding school during term time because she had the escape of flying when she returned home. At school she was always the odd one out because she had no interest in society events, debutantes or the antics of the rich and famous.

She decided she would cycle to the airfield and see if there was anything she could do in the office as Gladys, the receptionist, didn’t work at the weekend.

‘Mum, Dad, Jack asked me to go down and help out. Don’t worry, I’ll be back in good