The Pilot's Story by Fenella J Miller

Author:Fenella J Miller [Miller, Fenella J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

Alex drew up a rota so everyone took a turn cleaning, laundering and cooking. They had little contact with Madame Blanchain but Bernard came to see them several times a day. The two dogs appeared to be happier with them than they were with their owners.

There was adequate food but, even better, there was a large earthenware jug of wine provided every evening to accompany their al fresco dinner. There were no visitors to the vineyard and whatever work needed doing on the kitchen garden and the vines was accomplished by the family. The children were old enough to do their share.

After three days the atmosphere was relaxed. He wished he still had his photograph of Babs and baby Charlie to show his friends – his family seemed a long way away but then, so did the war.

Lolling about in the sunshine, playing cards, drinking wine wasn’t what he’d signed up for. They were supposed to be fighting for King and Country, preventing the Nazi bastards from overrunning Britain, but it felt like being on holiday, not hiding from the Germans.

The sooner the guides appeared and they could begin their long trek over the mountains, through Spain and down to Gibraltar, the better. At this rate no one would want to leave. On the fourth day a Spaniard and a young Frenchman arrived and introduced themselves as the men who would take them into Spain.

‘We will leave at dusk. We must go to Banyuls-sur-Mer,’ the Spaniard said. Alex was amazed that so many of these brave men spoke decent English. ‘From there we will cross on foot into Spain. The journey will not be easy but not as hazardous as it is in colder weather. Once in Spain we will take you within twenty kilometres of Gerona. From there you must make your way into the town and catch a train to Barcelona.’

He made it sound simple – but nobody spoke Spanish. The Guardia Civil were fascists and although supposedly neutral were not known to favour evaders or escapees.

‘There you will be contacted.’ He didn’t say exactly how this would happen, or who would do the contacting.

‘We need pesetas if we’re going to buy train tickets.’

The young man nodded. ‘We have them here. You must give us your francs in exchange.’

‘We don’t have any left.’

This information didn’t go down well. ‘We were told you would have something with which to pay your way. We risk our lives every day for you – do you wish us to pay for the privilege?’

‘I’m sorry, señor, but if we don’t have money then there’s nothing we can do.’ Alex shrugged.

The Spaniard removed half the roll of notes and then gave him the rest. There was no point in arguing. They were lucky to get anything and he understood how they felt.

‘Thank you, your assistance is much appreciated.’ He had a nasty feeling there wouldn’t be sufficient to buy them all tickets. It would be down to him to decide who got the money.

‘Be ready to leave at nine o’clock.

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