The Spitfire Girls(57)

‘It’s normal to be scared. And you can always confide in me,’ Ben said, stepping in and cupping her face in his hands, pressing one more warm, slow kiss to her lips. ‘You don’t need to be brave for me, May Jones.’

May smiled up at him. She should have been terrified of the way she was feeling, of how vulnerable she’d been opening up to him like that; but for the first time since she’d started with the ATA, she actually felt like herself. And instead of being afraid, she liked it.



An hour later, May stood with her other pilots waiting for their guest. And trying not to think about what had happened between her and Benjamin.

Darn you, she cursed as she looked up. Can’t you at least give us a cloudless day once in a while? The cloud cover was her biggest enemy, but she’d hoped they could at least tour White Waltham with Mrs Roosevelt without the heavens opening and pelting them with rain. The chance of that was no longer looking likely.

‘She’s coming,’ Lizzie said, standing beside her. ‘The cars are on their way.’

May smiled through her nerves. ‘How are you doing?’ she asked, knowing how badly Lizzie had taken the news about her father. ‘Have you heard anything else?’

Lizzie bit her lip. ‘He’s stable, and they’re hoping to have him home by the end of the week.’

May wondered how she could have slowly become almost fond of someone so difficult. She was certain Lizzie had caused her at least a handful of grey hairs over the months they’d spent together.

‘If he’s half as strong as you, he’ll be fine,’ May said. ‘I’m so pleased you’re here for the visit.’ She realised now how much she was going to miss Lizzie when she was gone.

‘Me too. I’m pleased I’m still here,’ Lizzie said. Was her accent no longer as pronounced, May wondered, or was it just that she’d got used to it? ‘You want to know something ridiculous?’

May raised an eyebrow. ‘Do I want to hear what you’re going to say?’

Lizzie grinned. ‘I actually thought about staying, and not going back at all. I actually wondered if I’m more help here – if I’m better being on the front line and ferrying planes for the ATA.’

‘But you changed your mind?’ May almost hoped she would stay, after everything. Lizzie was finally starting to show them a nicer side.

‘I miss my family so much,’ Lizzie admitted, and May saw that the arrogant smile and the sharply raised eyebrow had gone. This Lizzie seemed more open, more emotional. ‘If my daddy dies while I’m on the other side of the world, I’ll never forgive myself. And I can see that, after being here, I can share that knowledge with our women pilots back home.’

May took her hand and squeezed it tight. ‘I’d have given the world to see my brother again, just one last time, if I’d had the chance. So you get yourself back home as quickly as you can.’

‘But your brother – you said he was a flying ace? That first night . . .’

May inhaled and slowly let the breath go before forcing the words out. ‘My brother was an amazing pilot, but he died in the air, Liz. And I miss him so badly every single day.’

Lizzie’s eyes flooded with tears and May had to swallow hard to stifle her own.

‘Honey, I’m so sorry,’ Lizzie whispered. ‘I had no idea. I would never have said all that if I’d known.’

‘Just go back and see your father, Liz. Promise me you’ll go straight to him before it’s too late.’

At that moment, a murmur rippled through the group, and they both turned to see what the commotion was about.

‘Ah, here she is, our shining star!’ Lizzie cooed as Ruby walked towards them in her striking dark-blue uniform, her cheeks pink.

‘Stop it!’ Ruby hissed, coming up to them. ‘You know I don’t like a fuss.’

But Lizzie started to clap, and soon everyone gathered was clapping, too – the other pilots, the ground crew and even Captain MacMillan.

‘We’re so proud of you, Ruby,’ May said to her, breaking from formality and giving her a big hug. ‘I was talking to Captain MacMillan earlier, and we both agree that you deserve every accolade. Congratulations on your success flying the Halifax.’ She glanced at Lizzie, expecting to see her bristle, but she was smiling instead.

‘I don’t want to brag about knowing a celebrity, but . . .’ Lizzie started to say, dramatically pulling a newspaper cutting from her pocket and unfolding it. She held it out and Ruby let out an audible moan.

Britain’s Four-Engine Bomber Girl – Ain’t She Grand?

There was a grainy photo of Ruby beneath the bold, black headline, shaking her long, dark hair out as if she were advertising a special brand of shampoo. Her flying suit was unzipped a tiny bit at the neck, as if she was trying to show a hint of cleavage, and she was wearing a huge smile.

May glanced at Ruby, who looked utterly mortified.

‘Put it away,’ May scolded.

Lizzie grinned as she folded and tucked the paper away. Then they all craned their necks as the sound of vehicles drifted across the base.

‘In position, everyone. They’re here,’ said May, her heart beating faster as a cavalcade of black cars came into sight, driving slowly towards them. The vehicles came to a halt in front of the gathered group, and security men leapt out to attend to the doors.