Page 9 of Summer of Fire
By the time she was dressed and seated at the breakfast table the following morning, drinking tea, and crunching on a piece of toast, she was resolved to do more to help win the war.
Just because the mighty Jack King had mocked her abilities and rejected her for his precious assignment, it did not mean she wasn’t able to do something meaningful. A burning desire to contribute had been awakened in her soul during that long, dark night. She was determined not to spend the war translating administrative documents, whilst the boys fought the enemy in the skies, at sea and on land.
‘A bit early to leave for work, isn’t it? Your sisters aren’t even out of bed yet.’ Her father remarked, poking his head from behind his newspaper when she stood and pushed her chair in. ‘I can give you a lift today if you like. My driver will be here shortly.’
Lizzie shook her head. ‘No thanks, Pa. I feel like getting some fresh air. I’ll walk through the park and hop on the bus.’
‘Very well. Take care, Lizzie.’
For a minute, she was tempted to ask her father if he would connect her up with someone who would have something more for her to do, but her mother had an eerie sixth sense. Rose had enough on her mind, and Lizzie didn’t want to add to her worries.
No—she decided if her boss couldn’t help her, she would talk to her father another time when they were alone.
Lizzie was just shrugging into her favourite light jacket with the padded shoulders when her mother, who had been pottering about in the sunny kitchen, followed her out to the hall.
‘Why are you leaving so early, darling?’ she asked.
‘No particular reason, Ma. Didn’t sleep all that well last night and could do with a walk before work or I’ll be nodding off at my desk this afternoon.’
‘Did something happen at work to upset you? You were awfully quiet last night.’
Rose had a finely tuned nose for anything that might bother her children. And all the Beaumont siblings were well acquainted with her impressive interrogation skills. If something was wrong with one of her offspring, they knew it was only a matter of time before their mother got to the bottom of it.
‘No, no, everything’s fine. Just one of those nights. I still find it strange being away from Seagrove.’
‘Well, it’s a bright morning for a walk. What time will you arrive home, do you think?’
Lizzie shook her head. ‘I can’t say. There’s a dreadful backlog at the office, so I might be late. Go ahead and eat without me and I’ll join you later.’
Rose looked concerned. ‘Do be careful, my darling girl. I don’t like you walking back on your own at night. Perhaps you can drive home in the car with Pa?’
‘Don’t worry so much, Ma. I’ll be fine. I’ll catch the bus or the Tube with one of the girls from work and it doesn’t get dark until really late now, anyway.’
‘Take the Tube. At least if there’s an air raid, you’ll be safe.’
Lizzie turned to peer at her reflection in the hall mirror and placed her red velvet hat firmly onto her brunette waves at a jaunty angle. ‘True. See you later, Ma. Have a good day.’
‘That hat suits you,’ Rose said, as Lizzie turned to hug her. ‘Brings out the green in your eyes. Someone’s heart will be broken before long,’ she added with a mischievous smile.
‘Not much chance of that with all the handsome young men away at war!’
Lizzie caught the bus and sat on the top deck watching the world go by in a sleep deprived haze. She chose the bus over the Underground whenever possible because the London big city sights and sounds were still a novelty after growing up on a tiny island.
The bus trundled along, and she admired the fine old architecture, each building more impressive than the one before. Lizzie jumped off the bus at Horse Guards Avenue, which was just a few minutes away from 10 Downing Street and walked the short distance to work.
As she walked, she pondered how strange it was that because of one decision; she was now in London, living a completely different life than if they had stayed in Jersey. Just a few months earlier, she would have bounced out of bed and dashed down to the beach for an early morning swim.
Lizzie missed the feel of the sand between her toes and the cold water supporting her body as she swam out in the bay. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to be living in Jersey with the Germans watching the islanders’ every move.
They probably wouldn’t allow swimming anyway, would they? The whole thing was surreal, and she was tired of thinking about the damn Nazis.
She pasted a bright smile on her face as the doorman greeted her like he did every morning. Her mother’s familiar words resounded in her head, and she followed her instruction automatically:Whatever’s going on, remember to put a smile on your face. There’s no reason to make everyone else miserable!
Lizzie was shocked to see Jack King emerge from Drake’s office, and an uncontrollable blush crept over her cheeks. That man had a disturbing effect on her since the moment they met.
She pretended not to see him and buried her pink face inher work, hoping he would leave, but she felt his presence before he spoke as he loomed over her.
‘Elizabeth?’ His voice was rich and deep, and noticeably warmer than it had been the day before.
