Ronnie relayed the order of events as far as he could remember them and told as much as he knew about Sarah’s background.
‘So, she works at the docks in the canteen? And what of her husband?’ Kate asked.
‘Well, I can’t tell you much more about that,’ Ronnie replied, cautiously holding back. ‘All I know is, it’s difficult for her at the moment. They have separated.’
‘It’s all right, Ronnie,’ Kate said. ‘We won’t pry any more. I’m sure things will work themselves out. We’re very happy that you’ve met someone at last, but we would like to meet her. Will you bring her and Anthony to meet us?’
‘As soon as I can,’ Ronnie replied. ‘She’s looking forward to meeting all of you.’
‘Bring her soon, lad,’ Albert said.
‘Yes, bring her soon,’ Grandfather Jim said. ‘Main thing is, is she a good cook?’
‘I’ve only tasted her cakes,’ Ronnie replied, ‘and they’re delicious.’
‘Really, Granddad. Is that all you men can think about, your stomachs?’ Rose said.
‘Well, it’s important,’ Jim said, defending himself. ‘A man needs a woman to be a good cook.’
‘I hope the man I marry thinks more of me than providing him with food and doing his washing and ironing.’ Annie joined in.
‘Don’t have too many expectations,’ Tilly said, smiling. ‘Then you won’t be disappointed.’
‘Says the voice of experience.’ Kate scoffed.
Ronnie was keen to change the subject. Much as he wanted them to know about his new-found love, he didn’t want them to start forming opinions before they met her. Families could be a bit like that.
‘I have news about my apprenticeship,’ Ronnie said.
‘Is it all going well? Are you enjoying it?’ Albert asked.
‘I’ve been offered a new venture,’ Ronnie replied.
‘What new venture?’ Tilly asked.
‘I’m going to be sent on a special training course,’ Ronnie replied. ‘I’m going to learn how to fly one of the seaplanes we’ve been building. The management decided that they needed someone on the engineering team to have some hands-onexperience with the plane itself. Someone who could join up the design process with the actual performance of the aircraft on the ground and in the air, so to speak.’
‘That’s wonderful, son,’ Albert said.
‘What an opportunity,’ said Jim. ‘What I’d give to get up in one of those planes. I’ve always dreamed of learning to fly. Who’d have thought that our Ronnie would train to be a pilot.’
‘You do hide your light under a bushel sometimes, Ronnie Locock,’ Kate said. ‘That sounds so exciting. Congratulations, Ronnie. I’m so pleased for you.’
‘I’ve got Mr Farthing to thank for that,’ Ronnie said. ‘He put my name forward when he knew that the board were trying to find someone who would be suitable and would rise to the challenge.’
‘And our Ronnie enjoys a challenge all right,’ Tilly teased. ‘Do they need a co-pilot? I’d be happy to . . .’
‘I don’t think fixing bodies qualifies you for fixing aeroplanes somehow.’ Ronnie laughed.
‘There were female pilots during the war. Don’t see why I couldn’t learn too,’ Tilly replied.
‘There’s just a small matter of expense,’ Albert said. ‘Ronnie will get his training as part of his job. I don’t think the Royal will see it as an essential part of becoming a nurse.’
‘What about learning how to drive, then?’ Tilly insisted. ‘That’s an important skill. There were female ambulance drivers during the war too.’
‘Perhaps you should concentrate on getting qualified as a nurse first before you start taking on new schemes. Besides, we all hope that there will not be a repeat of 1914 and female drivers will not be needed,’ Kate replied.
‘I can’t believe you are saying that,’ Tilly said. ‘I thought things had moved on from this old-fashioned view. You, of all people, Kate, should know that those antiquated ideas have beenconsigned to the past. Think of all you and Dot have achieved. We Truscott women are not the kind who quail in front of a challenge. It’s a new year and my resolution is that I am going to learn to drive. You just see if I don’t!’
