The Air Raid Book Club(72)

Elizabeth’s father regarded Gertie with disdain. “Thank you, but we do not share our business with strangers.”

Elizabeth scowled. “She’s not a stranger. She’s a dear friend who has been more support to me than my own family.”

Gertie noticed a shadow of hurt flit across his face. “I’ll tell your mother that you don’t care then, shall I?”

“Goodbye, Father,” said Elizabeth.

There was a moment’s hesitation before his expression hardened. He gestured to the chauffeur, who opened the door for him, and within moments they had driven away.

Gertie exchanged a glance with Hedy. “That cup of tea is still on offer, my dear. Or something stronger if you need it?” she said, noticing Elizabeth’s trembling fingers.

“Thank you,” said Elizabeth, following them both inside. “I daresay you think me terribly cruel.”

“If I’ve learned anything in my sixty-odd years, it’s never to judge books by their covers,” said Gertie. “Always wait until you’ve heard the full story.”

“Well, I think it’s time I gave you the full story.”

“You don’t need to explain anything to us,” said Hedy.

“No. It’s all right. I want to.” Gertie placed a glass of whisky in front of Elizabeth, who took a wincing sip. “I expect you’ve guessed by now that Billy’s father isn’t away fighting in the war.”

“I did think Billy might have tales to share if he was,” admitted Gertie.

“You know him well,” said Elizabeth with a fond smile. “The truth is that his father is a very eminent man. A friend of my father’s in fact.”

“Ah. I see.”

“Yes. You can imagine how my father reacted to that little scandal.” Elizabeth took another sip of whisky before continuing. “At first he wanted to throw me out, but then Mother made him see that this would cause even more of a fuss. It doesn’t help that my sisters have always done exactly as they were told. Married into wealthy families, produced grandchildren. Unfortunately, I decided to fall in love with a married man and have a child out of wedlock. You probably noticed from my father’s demeanor that he’s used to people doing what he tells them. So, he got in touch with all the newspaper owners he knows, and the story was suppressed. He only cares about the reputation of the great family name. He doesn’t give a fig for Billy or me.”

“But what about Billy’s father? Does he ever see him?” asked Hedy.

“He’s met him once. In a park. When he was a baby. Not exactly a memorable experience which forges a lifetime of fatherly love. He does pay for the house, however. He and my father came to an arrangement.”

“I’m so sorry, Elizabeth,” said Gertie. “For you and Billy to be pawns in all of this.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “It’s what happens when you get caught up with powerful men. I count myself as one of the lucky ones. I have Billy and I have a roof over my head. And I have you. What else do I need?”

“What about your mother?” said Gertie, leaning forward. “I don’t mean to speak out of turn, but I could see how much she loves Billy when she called ’round that Christmas. And how much he loves her too.”

Elizabeth folded her arms. “She sides with Father. She comes to see Billy, but it’s always in secret as if she’s ashamed of us.”

Gertie placed a hand on Elizabeth’s. “I understand your anguish, but I can also see how hard it is for your mother. She clearly cares about you both.”

Elizabeth shifted in her seat. “You think I should go to her?”

“You might regret it if you don’t,” said Hedy.

Elizabeth stared at her. “I’m sorry, Hedy. You must think me a monster. I know you would do anything to see your own mother.”

Hedy shook her head. “Everyone is different. My mother used to infuriate me at times, but no one loves me more than she does. I think this is the same for your mother. I saw how she was with Billy. She wants to make things better but doesn’t know how to.”

Elizabeth’s eyes brimmed with tears. “You’re right. Of course I know you’re right. I’ve just felt so alone. Until now.”

“Perhaps that’s how your mother feels,” said Gertie.

Elizabeth nodded. “I must go to her. I’ll take Billy. To hell with what Father thinks. Thank you. Both of you. I was worried you might think badly of me.”

“There are plenty of people doing terrible things in the world at the moment,” said Gertie. “I can assure you that you are not one of them.”



Margery Fortescue had pulled it off once more. The village hall was laced with the delicious scent of the fir tree she had instructed Gerald to cut from her garden that morning. It sat proudly in the corner of the stage decorated with whitewashed pinecones and homemade bows fashioned from scraps of material. Garlands of holly and ivy, which sparkled thanks to an ingenious idea from Emily Farthing to dip them in a strong solution of Epsom salts, were draped from corner to corner. The Old General hissed and wheezed from the far end of the room, ready to serve tea to the audience, which was now gathering with a murmur of excited anticipation. Gertie and Hedy took their places next to Elizabeth and Billy, who looked extremely smart in his magician’s cape and bow tie.