Page 66 of The London Girls
‘War brings, among other sorrows, the sadness of separation. There are many in the Forces away from their homes today because they must stand ready and alert to resist the invader should he dare to come, or because they are guarding the dark seas or pursuing the beaten foe in the Libyan Desert.
‘Many family circles are broken. Children from English homes are today in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. For not only has the manhood of the whole British Commonwealth rallied once more to the aid of the Mother Country in her hour of need, but the peoples of the Empire have eagerly thrown open the doors of their homes to our children so that they may be spared from the strain and danger of modern war.’
As Ava listened to the rest of his speech, tears glistened in her eyes. And when Grandma Ivy looked over at her, her smile so kind, her eyes so non-judgemental, she wished she could have grown up in a house that wasn’t filled with fear. She also realised that it was time for her to grow up.
In her entire life she’d relied on her looks and her social standing, expecting life to be easy, expecting to have everything she’d ever wanted. She looked at Olivia and Florence, two women who’d become her closest friends in such a short time, and she knew she wanted to be more like them.
From now on, she was going to pull her weight, at home and at work. No more getting others to do things for her; it was time to stand on her own two feet and show the world exactly what Wren Ava Williamson was capable of.
‘Merry belated Christmas, Ava.’
Ava looked up and found George standing there, his arms folded over his chest as he watched her. She wiped her hands on a rag, not even caring that her skin was stained with oil, and stood. He looked surprised.
‘MerryBlitzmas, George,’ she replied with a grin as he raised his brows. ‘Although it hardly felt like Christmas this year, did it? Despite everyone trying their best to be festive.’
He shook his head. ‘You’re right about that. There’s something strange about not having Christmas carols in the street.’ It was one of the main things she’d noticed this year, and although she’d never thought much about it before, she’d suddenly have done anything to hear someone singing ‘Silent Night’. ‘There’s also something strange about this picture. I don’t recall you being so at ease with having a tool in your hand.’
‘You’ve been away a few days. Things have changed.’
‘I can see that.’
Ava studied him a moment, before picking up her rag and the tools she’d been using and putting them back where they belonged. She’d actually missed him over the past few days; he’d been on aperiod of leave to return to his family in the country, and she was surprised how happy she was to have him back.
‘Did you hear that some of the bigger shelters were decorated so people could have their Christmas celebrations?’ she asked. ‘Apparently, there were all types of shows being organised underground, and there still are.’
‘So I’ve heard,’ he said, before clearing his throat. ‘Ava, I’m sorry to do this to you, but it’s going to be a long shift for you. I hope you’re up for it.’
‘Of course I’m up for it.’ She crossed back to her motorcycle. ‘Has something happened?’
He unfolded his arms and stepped towards her. ‘Actually, I’m expecting an urgent message tonight, but I don’t know whether it’ll be within ten minutes or a few hours. It’ll need to be taken immediately to the shipyards in Plymouth, and you know that route like the back of your hand. There’s no one I trust more than you to get this message there quickly.’
She placed her hand on her heart. ‘Why George, I’m flattered. I’m not used to such praise from you.’
He gave her what could only be described as a withering look, and she laughed, playing the role she always seemed to perform in front of him. Part of her wished she could admit how scared she was some nights, but it always seemed easier to paint on a smile and pretend that she’d never felt fear before.
‘Have you had dinner?’ he asked. ‘My sister packed me roast vegetables and beef, and I’m more than happy to share.’
‘Are you certain this staying-late business isn’t a ploy to get me to have dinner with you?’ she asked.
George didn’t reply, but she did hear him groan. ‘Don’t make me regret this, Ava. I could easily eat alone.’
‘Now where would be the fun in that?’ she replied, surprising herself at how easily she was chatting to him. George had alwaysmanaged to irritate her more than anything else, although she was starting to see just how much she may have irritated him with her earlier behaviour, too.
When she stepped into the back room that he used as an office, she waited as George cleared part of his desk and then produced the bundles of carefully wrapped food.
‘Thank you,’ she said, as she sat across from him. ‘I know I joke around a lot and make fun of everything, but I really do appreciate you sharing this with me.’
‘You’re most welcome, but it’s my sister you have to thank for the food. She hated the thought of me coming back to work so soon, so she put this little post-Christmas feast together. Only, I knew it was far too much food to ever consume on my own.’
‘Well,’ Ava said, ‘I certainly appreciate it. Make sure to thank her for me.’
The phone was beside them, and Ava noticed the way George glanced at it often, as if he was expecting it to ring at any moment. She turned her back to it slightly, her attention on him as he put some food first on her plate, and then his.
‘So, tell me, what made you want to do this job, other than your obvious appreciation of fast motorcycles?’ George asked.
Ava sat back, her stomach growling at the sight of food. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast.
‘You want my honest answer?’ Ava took a mouthful, eyelids shutting momentarily as she swallowed the food. It was exactly what she needed after a long day.
