The Farmer's Daughter by Mary Nichols Page A

back. During the day the American Flying Fortresses droned overhead and they suffered badly, too. Shethought about the families of those who were lost and her gentle heart felt for them. She was thankful Gordon was out of it.
    â€˜Good. With luck we might get a good night’s sleep.’ His farm was closer to the airfield than Briar Rose.
    â€˜Have you tried ear plugs?’
    â€˜They don’t work. The noise is a constant throb. I swear it shakes my bed. Besides, if I try and block that out I can’t hear if Ma calls me.’
    â€˜Does she do that often?’ She knew he had been born when his mother had been in her late forties, long after she had given up hope of having a child, and the birth had been a difficult one. Consequently his growing up had been a strange mixture of neglect because she was getting on in years and didn’t know how to look after him, and overprotection because she was afraid of losing him. Since his father died, she clung to him more than ever.
    â€˜Often enough. She seems to lose track of time, sometimes doesn’t know night from day.’
    â€˜Poor you.’
    â€˜I get by, but she is getting worse. God help me, I sometimes stay out of the house just to get some peace and quiet.’
    â€˜As you are doing now.’
    â€˜Oh, I didn’t mean it like that,’ he said hastily. ‘I want to be with you. I want to be with you all the time, so every minute is precious.’ He stopped and turned towards her. ‘If it weren’t for this war and Ma and …’
    â€˜And?’
    â€˜Oh, you know what.’
    â€˜No, I don’t.’ He took her face in his hands and bent to kiss her. She put her arms round him. ‘Is that your answer?’ she asked when he drew away.
    â€˜For now.’
    â€˜For now?’
    â€˜Yes. There are too many obstacles. One day …’
    â€˜You are the most infuriating man, do you know that? You are possessive and don’t like me even looking at anyone else, but you won’t commit yourself. What are you afraid of?’
    â€˜I’m not afraid, just being sensible.’
    â€˜OK, so we’ll be sensible,’ she said, turning from him and striding away back towards home.
    He dashed after her. ‘Don’t go. I’m sorry. Don’t rush off like that. Let me explain.’
    â€˜You don’t need to. I understand. You want to wait until the war ends, until your mother no longer needs you, until you can summon up the courage to jump in at the deep end. Let me know when that happens, William Howson. I might still be around. On the other hand, I might not.’
    He tugged on her arm. ‘Don’t be like that, sweetheart. It’s not like you.’
    â€˜How do you know what I’m like? Have you ever taken the trouble to find out?’
    â€˜Course I have. Good God! I’ve known you since we were in infant school and you’ve known me. What’s got into you?’
    â€˜Nothing. I’m tired, that’s all.’
    â€˜We all are, but I’ve never known you so disgruntled before.’
    â€˜I expect it’s the war. I just want it to end.’
    â€˜So do I. Isn’t that what I’ve just been saying?’
    She did not think so, but she was tired of arguing. She just wanted to go home and have a cup of tea, but there was the milking to do, the other animals to feed and the chickens to shut up before that could happen. ‘I’m sorry, Bill,’ she said. ‘I’m just feeling a bit low today. Let’s go home.’
    Â 
    â€˜Did you enjoy the dance on Saturday?’ Karl asked during their midday break the following Monday.
    â€˜Yes, it was fun. Do you like dancing?’
    â€˜I used to go with Heidi before the war, and when I last had leave, but that was some time ago.’
    â€˜Tell me about Heidi. Is she pretty?’
    â€˜I think so.’ He delved in his tunic pocket and pulled out a battered