‘What?’ she said. She wondered if her eyes were still red. She had bathed them in cold water for ages to hide the signs of her crying fit earlier, and Mike had employed all of her skill with make-up, but Ernie King seemed to have a knack for spotting when things weren’t right with her.
‘I’m not sure,’ he said quietly. He raised his voice. ‘Well, boys, shall I make the introductions? This is Aircraftwoman Bobby Bancroft, an old friend of mine.’ He paused. ‘And in fact, I don’t know the names of these other ladies. Sorry. I’m not really sure why I offered to make the introductions.’
The blond officer laughed. ‘Honestly, Canada, you’re hopeless. Alfie Stone. Pleased to meet you, ladies.’ He took Mike’s hand, who was nearest him, and pressed it to his lips.
‘Carol Boyes,’ Carol said eagerly, thrusting her hand in Ernie’s direction. She looked hopeful he might kiss it, but Ernie just gave it a polite shake.
‘I’m Mike,’ Mike said. ‘And our friend is Dilys.’
‘Mike,’ said the blond pilot officer, Alfie. ‘Doesn’t suit you a bit. What’s it short for?’
Mike smiled. ‘Ask me to dance and I might whisper it to you.’
‘I will too, by Jove,’ Alfie said, grinning. ‘Come on then.’
He jumped up to lead her to the dance floor, leaving the others blinking after them.
‘Your friend’s a fast mover,’ Ernie observed.
‘She says that in war, there’s no time to waste,’ Bobby said. ‘We all have to cram months into minutes.’
Now it was only the three of them, Carol’s eyebrows seemed to have taken on a life of their own. They danced up and down in Bobby’s direction, with the clear message that three was a crowd.
‘Um, I have to go,’ Bobby said, starting to rise. ‘I just spotted a friend on the other side of the hut. I should say hello.’
‘Oh, no. Not when I’ve finally got a hold of you.’ Ernie put a hand on her shoulder. ‘At least stay and have one drink. Never mind friends over there. You’ve got a friend here you’re long overdue a conversation with.’
‘Well… all right,’ she said, sinking back into her seat.
Carol glared at her, but Bobby wasn’t sure what other excuse she could conjure that wouldn’t sound terrifically rude.
Dilys and the young officer, Carter, arrived with a tray of bottled beers.
‘Now here’s someone who can claim a mutual acquaintance with you,’ Ernie said to Bobby. ‘Young Carter’s been on this base ever since he was pulled from active service. He’s taught a lot of recruits how to fly, haven’t you, Carter?’
‘I’ve taught my share,’ Carter said, with pardonable pride. ‘King tells me you’re engaged to Charlie Atherton. Top man, that. Pleased to hear he’s doing well.’
Bobby felt tears rise at the mention of the name, and she looked away. Carter frowned; Ernie blinked. Dilys had noticed something was wrong too. She stared at Bobby, and, with studied casualness, knocked over her drink.
Carter jumped up as beer dripped from the table, and Bobby shot her friend a look of gratitude.
‘Oh my, I amsoclumsy,’ Dilys said, with a good impression of horror. She set the bottle upright and took out a handkerchief to dab at the puddle. ‘Did any get on your uniform, Danny?’
‘No, you missed me,’ Carter said with a smile. ‘But now you haven’t got a drink. You must let me get you another.’
‘That’s all right, I only spilt a little.’ Dilys glanced at Mike and Alfie dancing. ‘Besides, I’d rather dance than drink.’ She flushed. ‘I mean, if you wanted to dance.’
‘Best offer I’ll get all night,’ Carter said, laughing, and they, too, disappeared.
Bobby had her tears under control now, but it was too late. Ernie had seen, and was once again regarding her curiously.
‘Any news from home?’ he asked her.
‘Yes, I had a few letters today,’ Bobby said. ‘One from the Nowaks. Topsy was telling me all about the new arrivals – the goslings, I mean.’
Carol blinked. ‘You mean, like, baby geese?’
‘Yes. Her…’ Bobby paused, wondering how best to describe Mrs Hobbes. ‘Her foster mother has a pet goose. Norman. He’s a cantankerous old thing, but he finally found a lady goose who’d have him. He was page boy at Topsy’s wedding recently.’
