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

fly a Tiger Moth or Swallow when only required to do circuits but either she or Jack had to now make sure they could find their way using landmarks, a compass and map.

By the end of the second week all six trainees were ready to learn how to control the plane if it stalled, do aerobatics and land without the aid of an engine. So far no one had come to grief but Ellie was both physically and mentally drained.

‘I’m supposed to be going away for the weekend. We’re expected to work on Saturday so I’m going to ring Greg and cancel.’

They were driving home when she mentioned this to Jack. ‘You deserve a couple of days off. It’s already arranged. The Flight Lieutenant and I can deal with your three. As we don’t work on Sunday, thank God, you’ll be fine. Just make sure you get back here by Sunday evening.’

‘I will. To be honest, I don’t really want to go, I’m far too tired. The thought of gallivanting about town mixing with Greg’s friends doesn’t appeal.’

He patted her knee affectionately. ‘You sound just like one of them when you want to. Pretend you’re in a film, swan about in your new clothes and don’t let them know who you really are. If you mention flying, don’t say you’re an instructor, just that you fly for pleasure.’

‘I used to love drama at school so I think I could do that. I’ll have to warn Greg; he’ll think he’s taking out a complete stranger otherwise.’

‘What time is he coming to pick you up tomorrow?’

‘Nine o’clock – I can have a lie in and listen to you and dad going off to work. Then I’ll have a leisurely bath and get ready. Pretending to be a lady of leisure will make a pleasant change.’

She didn’t pack her overnight bag until half an hour before Greg was expected. The least time her evening gown spent rolled up in tissue paper the better. She applied a little rouge and a smudge of lipstick, ran a brush through her hair, and she was ready.

The smart navy-blue dress with wide shoulders, matching belt and buttons down the front was, she believed, just right. The low-heeled shoes, also in navy, and matching handbag completed the ensemble.

‘I’m going now, Mrs B, see you tomorrow evening,’ she called as she dashed out with her case in her hand.

‘Have a lovely time, Ellie, you deserve it.’

Greg met her at the door looking dashing in his RAF uniform. She dodged past and threw her case into the back of the open sports car before he had time to kiss her.

‘You haven’t told me where we’re going, is it somewhere very grand?’

‘I’m taking you to our London house in Hanover Square, then I thought we could have tea at the Ritz. We’re meeting my friends for dinner at La Coquille and then we’re going on to the 400.’

‘The 400? I’ve never heard of that.’

‘It’s a nightclub. It’s in cellars next to the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square. It’s where everyone goes nowadays.’

‘It all sounds very jolly. I’m not looking forward to meeting your parents as I’m sure they won’t approve of me.’

‘Relax, sweetheart, neither of them is in Town at the moment. Both my older sisters are married and busy bringing up a load of squalling brats and I rarely see either of them.’

‘I’m sure they both have perfectly adequate nannies and don’t have to spend time with the children if they don’t want to. One thing my mother did tell me was that wealthy families spend as little time as possible with their children.’

‘A bit harsh, Ellie, but more or less correct. But then you and your brothers went to public school, didn’t you? I noticed that you don’t always speak like your father.’

His implied criticism of her beloved father made her reply less than friendly. She spoke in a crystal-cut accent. ‘Are you implying, Gregory, that my father is somehow inferior to you? I do hope not, because if that is the case then I shall insist that you return me to Glebe Farm immediately.’

His reaction was unexpected as he ignored her question. ‘That’s absolutely perfect, Ellie. Talk like that and no one will suspect…’

She interrupted him, no longer in the slightest bit amused. ‘Suspect what exactly?’ She shifted as far away from him as possible in the sports car and stared at him icily.

He finally grasped his error. She watched his neck, and then his face, turn an unflattering shade of beetroot. Instead of answering he swerved dangerously and screeched to a skidding halt on the side of the road much to the annoyance of the vehicles behind him.

He ran his finger around his collar and cleared his throat noisily. For the first time since she’d met him he wasn’t in control of the situation. ‘I’m sorry, I’m a complete ass, wide open mouth and both feet straight in.’ He swivelled so he was facing her and she glimpsed moisture in his eyes. ‘Please, will you forgive me for being so crass? I think the world of Fred; I wish he was my father. I love you and I’m sure my friends will too.’

He looked genuinely upset and she couldn’t bear to see him like this. She reached out and touched his hand. ‘It’s all right, I’m just a bit touchy at the moment.’ Then she remembered what she and Jack had been discussing last night. ‘Actually, I think it might be a good idea if I do pretend to be from the top drawer. I won’t be seeing any of them again and I don’t want to put a damper on what will be my only jaunt around London.’

‘You really don’t have to – just be yourself.’

‘Admit it, Greg, if they think I’m one of them, things will go more swimmingly, won’t they? In fact, you need to fill me in on all the things I’d already know if I was a debutante.’

‘That won’t work, if you