Chapter 31
In the end, Fitz had left Yvette at Badcombe House and returned on her own to Bignor and Mrs Bertram to collect their belongings and say goodbye.
‘We thought seeing as Yvette was happy at my father’s, it would be easier to leave her there,’ explained Fitz.
‘Oh, that is good news. I am pleased,’ enthused Barbara. ‘She’s a dear little girl. I hope everything works out for her.’
‘I’ll do everything possible to make sure it does,’ replied Fitz.
‘So now, you just have to sort yourself out.’
‘I do,’ agreed Fitz. ‘I’m determined to make every day count. I’m very lucky to have the chance to do that.’
‘Indeed. As are we all.’
‘Thank you so much for your kindness and good luck with everything.’
She parted from Barbara Bertram with a sense of contentment, something she had felt yesterday when she’d left Badcombe Hall. It was a fanciful thought, but she wondered if she was finally laying some of her past demons to rest. No, demons was too strong a word. Maybe her ‘hang-ups’. It sounded awfully American to say that, but it was the best expression she could think of.
And of course, there was the issue of Sam. Another American hang-up – but one she was more than happy to have. All she had to do now was convince Sam of this.
Bob was very kind, he had offered to pick her up again and this time instead of two wheels, he arrived in four – a black Vauxhall staff car.
‘Going up in the world, are we?’ teased Fitz, climbing in beside him.
‘I’m taking it for a test run,’ said Bob. ‘Problem with the spark plugs.’ He winked at Fitz.
‘You’re such a dear,’ said Fitz.
Soon they were pulling up outside the entrance to Goodwood House. Fitz took out her compact mirror and checked her hair, before touching up her red lipstick. ‘There how do I look?’
‘Perfect,’ said Bob. ‘And if he doesn’t open his eyes and realise what he’s got, then he’s an arse.’
Fitz laughed. ‘I agree.’
‘Good luck, Fitz,’ said Bob as she exited the car.
Fitz watched Bob drive off. He had to get the car back to the airfield before someone clocked what he was really up to. How she was going to get home, she didn’t really care. At the moment, her main priority was to talk sense into a certain American. This was another mission she was determined to complete.
Thankfully, the nurse she’d seen earlier in the week wasn’t on duty and a young one, who was much more welcoming, greeted Fitz.
‘Flying Officer Sam Carter,’ said the nurse after Fitz informed her who she had come to visit. ‘I’ll just go and see him.’
‘Actually,’ said Fitz quickly. ‘Would you mind not telling him? I want to surprise him.’
The nurse looked at Fitz uncertainly. ‘Surprise him. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.’
‘Please,’ said Fitz. ‘He won’t be cross. I promise.’ She discreetly crossed her fingers as she spoke.
‘All right, then. Just this once, seeing as Matron is busy on another ward.’
Fitz could have hugged the nurse. She followed her through the door which the previous nurse had used and along a corridor. ‘There you are, bed five.’
‘Thank you,’ said Fitz. She could see Sam sitting up in the bed in the corner of the room. He had a good spot with the benefit of a large bay window which overlooked the west side of the building. Fortunately, he wouldn’t have been able to see the front and so had not spotted Fitz arriving.
She approached the bed, aware she was drawing attention from some of the other patients. ‘Hey, Miss. Have you come to see me?’ called out one of them. ‘I could do with cheering up.’
At that point Sam looked around. His eyes taking in Fitz approaching and then flitting to the bay where the remark had come from.
