Her Secret War by Pam Lecky

Author:Pam Lecky [Lecky, Pam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2021-08-23T17:00:00+00:00

21

20th October 1941, Hursley

At her aunt’s behest, Sarah invited Gladys and Ruth to dinner with the family the following evening. Once the dinner things were washed and put away, Ruth and Martin went out for a walk and Gladys went upstairs to Sarah’s room with her for a natter.

‘Why, this is lovely. Lucky you to have your own room. I’ve never had that luxury,’ Gladys said, plonking down on Sarah’s bed and surveying the room.

‘Yes, I know, me neither. I love it.’ Sarah sat on the window seat. ‘It was my cousin Judith’s room for the brief time she was here.’

‘Is that the girl who went off to London?’ Sarah nodded. ‘Tall, blonde girl? I only knew her to see; she worked in a different building. She was always very glamorous.’ Gladys blew out her lips. ‘I wonder what London’s like. I’d love to go there someday. Do you fancy it? Could be fun. We’d have a ball! I hear there’s plenty of work.’

Sarah tensed up. ‘I’m not sure I do while Jerry is bombing the place to pieces. I think I’ll stick with Hursley for now.’

‘Must be exciting though. I’ve heard the nightlife is a deal better than sleepy Winchester.’

‘That wouldn’t be difficult,’ Sarah replied. ‘Even Dublin was livelier.’

‘There you go. Think on it. It would be fun to share a flat and sample the delights.’ Gladys sighed contentedly. ‘That was a grand dinner. Your aunt puts on quite a spread. You should see the muck we get served up of an evening. No fear of me getting fat on my landlady’s offerings.’

‘My aunt never stints. I think she wanted to impress you.’

Gladys spluttered. ‘Why on earth?’

‘Aunty Alice is the most kind-hearted woman. She wants to welcome my friends to help me settle in, I suppose. She was very keen I invite someone here.’ Sarah bit her lip. ‘The best I could do was you and Ruth, of course.’

‘Well, aren’t we hilarious this evening? Just you be careful now. Don’t forget I know secrets about you.’ Gladys wagged her finger at her.

Sarah froze for a moment before she realised Gladys was referring to Paul and her doubts about walking out with Rob. Sarah made a face back at her.

‘Charming! Well, spill the beans, girl. I’m dying to know how you got on with Rob yesterday.’ Gladys smirked, settling back against the pillow she had propped against the wall.

‘It was fine.’

Gladys wrinkled her nose. ‘Fine! What kind of insipid word is that? Sounds awful.’

‘No, no, it wasn’t.’ Sarah laughed. ‘He was more relaxed and turned out to be good company. The exhibition was interesting, and Rob’s friend is really talented.’

‘Was it a posh do? Champers and caviar?’

‘Not at all: cheap white wine.’

Gladys smirked. ‘Oh well, there is a war on! So, was that it?’

‘No. We didn’t stay long in the end as it was crowded and uncomfortable. We went for a walk down by the Itchen before he walked me back to my bus.’

‘Very romantic,’ Gladys commented. ‘I guess you enjoyed the attention.

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