Gracie (Women & War, #1) by Ellie Keaton

Author:Ellie Keaton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: WW2 love story, historical fiction books, best historical romance novels, World War 2 love story, World War 2 romance, World war 2 romance stories, wwii historical fiction, wwii novels, romance, romance historical fiction, romance war stories
Publisher: Ellie Keaton
Published: 2014-07-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty

Gracie sailed through the interview and in due course her call-up papers arrived. All too soon, it was time for her to leave home. Gracie came downstairs feeling quite grown-up in the skirt and jumper her mam had made for her in honour of her leaving home.

“How are you feeling, lass?”

“Excited and nervous, I think. What if they don’t like me? The recruiting guy said that it was usually ladies from good homes they took. What if I am not up to the job? What if they send me home?”

Her dad bristled. "Stop thinking like that. You passed the interview, didn't you? They wouldn’t have accepted you if they thought you couldn’t handle it. They will be glad to have you. What more could they want than a sensible young woman from a good, decent family? You don’t have to make excuses for where you are from, young lady."

Gracie realised she had offended her father. She gave her dad a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Sorry, Dad, I didn’t mean anything. It’s just the nerves.” She stole a quick look at him. “Dad. I know that you didn’t want me to join up but I really need to do my bit. I need to feel useful and help to stop Hitler and his henchman winning this war. I would really like your approval before I go.”

“Your dad knows that, love. It’s a big step, leaving home, especially when we thought it would only happen when you got married. Who’d have thought that young girls would be joining the army?”

“Mam, it’s the air force.”

“Oh, whatever. What time do you have to be at Kingsway?”

“The letter said to be there at 10 a.m. sharp.”

“Well, you best get going. You don’t want to be late on your first day.” Her mam’s tears choked the words so that they came out as a whisper.

Gracie gave her mam a hug, then picked up her bag and headed out of the door.

“Gracie, wait.”

Surprised by the rough tone of her father’s voice, Gracie turned around.

“I might not agree with your actions, but I am very proud of you.” He took a deep breath. “Take care, love. We will be here waiting when you get your first leave.”

Gracie ran back to hug her father who held his arms open. “Thank you, Dad. I love you.” She wiped the tears away, straightening her shoulders before picking up her bag. “See you soon.” She could feel her parents’ eyes on her back as she walked away but she didn’t risk turning around. Her emotions threatened to overcome her and she wasn’t sure she would be able to stop herself running home if she looked back.

*****

When she arrived at the train station, she was relieved to find that there were loads of other girls milling around. She walked over to one girl who stood slightly aside from the group.

“Hi, I’m Gracie. I am getting this train to my new posting. Are you on your own, too?”

“Mavis Adams, and yes, I am. Thanks for coming over.

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