The Air Raid Book Club(46)



“Oh, Mummy, please, can Grandmama stay?”

Elizabeth stared at her son’s pleading face and sighed. “As long as we’re not intruding on Gertie.”

“Not at all, my dear. Your mother would be most welcome.”

Elizabeth turned to her son. “Billy, why don’t you show Grandmama what you got for Christmas.”

“Actually, I have something for you in the car.” She glanced over her shoulder, gesturing to the chauffeur, who retrieved a large box from the back seat and brought it over.

Billy’s eyes grew wide. “Is that for me?”

His grandmother nodded. “Shall we take it inside?” She held out a hand to Gertie. “Lady Mary Wilcox.”

The woman had such a regal air that Gertie had to fight the urge to curtsy. “Delighted to meet you. I’m Gertie Bingham. Would you care for some tea?”

“That would be most kind.”

Despite her aristocratic pedigree, Gertie was tickled to see Lady Mary crawling on her hands and knees with her grandson when she returned with the tea. Much to Billy’s delight, his grandmother had brought him a tin hat and a wooden rifle. “I am Sergeant Billy Chambers,” he said to them all. “And I will protect you from the Jerries.”

“Oh, how wonderful. Thank you, Sergeant Chambers,” said Lady Mary, placing a hand on her heart.

Gertie noticed Elizabeth standing on the sidelines, watching them with a reserved expression. “Tea, dear?” she asked.

“Thank you,” said Elizabeth, taking it from her.

“It’s lovely to see Billy having fun,” said Gertie.

“Yes. It’s just a shame he can’t see his grandmother more often,” said Elizabeth with a note of bitterness. “Excuse me.” She disappeared from the room.

Gertie was about to follow when she caught sight of the time. “Gather ’round, everyone,” she said. “The King’s speech is about to start.”

They sat in silence. Even Billy was quiet, swooping his spitfire through the air as they listened: We must hold fast to the spirit which binds us together now. We shall need this spirit in each of our own lives as men and women, and shall need it even more among the nations of the world. We must go on thinking less about ourselves and more for one another, for so, and so only, can we hope to make the world a better place and life a worthier thing. Gertie caught Hedy’s eye and they shared a smile.

When it was over, Lady Mary rose to her feet. “I should go now.”

“Oh, please stay, Grandmama,” said Billy.

She cupped his face in her hands and kissed the top of his head. “I’ll see you again soon, dear heart,” she said. “It was a pleasure to meet you all. God bless.”

Gertie followed her out to the hall as Elizabeth emerged from the kitchen. Mother and daughter stared at each other for a moment. Lady Mary moved toward her daughter with her hand outstretched, but Elizabeth took a step back. “Please don’t be angry with me, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth regarded her coldly. “How is Father?”

Lady Mary’s eyes misted. “It’s hard for him, you know.”

“It’s hard for all of us.” She stared at her mother for a moment before turning away. “Thank you for Billy’s gift. Goodbye,” she said, disappearing back into the living room.

Lady Mary sighed before following Gertie to the door. She paused on the threshold. “Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Bingham. As you may have noticed, I have a turbulent relationship with my daughter, but I love her and my grandson dearly.”

“I understand,” said Gertie. “It’s not always straightforward in families.”

Lady Mary fixed her with a steady look. “Would you talk to Elizabeth, please, try to reason with her to let the boy come and stay with us? It’s not safe in London, and I sense she might listen to you.”

Gertie hesitated. She could see the desperation in her eyes, and yet Elizabeth was a grown woman who made her own choices regarding the welfare of her son. “I’m sorry, but I’m not sure that’s my place, Lady Mary.”

The woman nodded. “No. No, of course not. Well, goodbye, Mrs. Bingham.”

“Goodbye.”



As Christmas inched toward the new year, the cease-fire seemed to be holding and the world felt lighter somehow. Even Miss Snipp was in a good mood, having enjoyed Christmas with her sister, who not only managed to acquire a rabbit for dinner but who had gifted another to her to take home. Gertie was cautiously optimistic. The war still raged, but for the time being Hitler seemed to be leaving them be.

“I’ve heard he’s turning his attention to Russia,” said Mr. Reynolds, who was browsing a copy of Martin Chuzzlewit.

“I’m sure he’ll receive the warmest of welcomes from Comrade Stalin,” said Mrs. Constantine, handing a copy of The Hound of the Baskervilles to Gertie. She had exhausted Agatha Christie’s oeuvre and was now turning her attention to Arthur Conan Doyle. “I must say, I do approve of your new book club choice, Mrs. Bingham,” she said, nodding toward the window display for Appointment with Death. “I shall do my best to be here for the next air raid, although let’s pray that the worst has passed.”

“We can but hope,” said Gertie, wrapping the book and handing it to her.

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