A Sister’s War

‘You know I do. If there wasn’t a war on I’d jump at the chance but …’ Oh, what the heck. She plunged in before she could change her mind. ‘Maman, I spoke to Raine this morning. We’re planning to go to London next week – spend the day together. Just her and me,’ she added quickly.

To her amazement her mother smiled. How beautiful she was. If only she would smile more often. Then Ronnie froze at her next words:

‘We can all three spend the day together. A mother and her two daughters. It will be wonderful.’

No, Maman. That’s not what I want at all. Blast it!

Ronnie tried to control the alarm she felt at Maman’s suggestion.

‘Véronique, why are you quiet? What is the day you will choose?’

‘Um, I’m not sure. Raine’s going to telephone this evening. She has to work something out with the other pilots.’

‘It must not be Friday,’ Maman warned. ‘I have promised to help Beatrice Mortimer at the Red Cross.’

They’d just finished supper when Raine rang. This time Ronnie managed to get to the phone.

‘Friday’s all arranged,’ Raine said. ‘I’ll meet you at Victoria Station at ten o’clock. It’s a direct line. But give yourself plenty of time in case of delays. All right?’

‘Yes, that’ll be perfect.’

‘What have you told Maman?’

‘Only that you and I want to have a day together. She immediately said how wonderful it will be for the three of us. Oh, Raine—’

She heard Raine heave a sigh. ‘Don’t worry. Leave it with me and put her on the phone.’

Five minutes later her mother appeared at the kitchen as Ronnie was washing the dishes.

‘It is so disappointing. Lorraine can only have the Friday for her day off. I said I am not able to come. But you may go with her. I expect you want to discuss the job with the vet.’ She looked Ronnie up and down and frowned. ‘I wish I had the money for you to buy a dress to wear to meet your sister in London. I cannot remember the last time I saw you looking pretty.’

‘A dress isn’t practical for my kind of life,’ Ronnie said, breathing out. She was actually going to spend some time with Raine whom she adored. They’d never done anything like this before. Maybe her sister would stop treating her like a kid when she told her about the interview with Mrs Hunter.

Ronnie gave an inward smile. Raine was in for a shock.

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