Poppy's War by Lily Baxter Page A

‘If you’d like to wait outside, I’m just about to brush out Modom’s hair.’
    Amy smiled at Poppy’s reflection in the mirror. ‘I’ll meet you in Nan’s Pantry.’
    Feeling very grand and grown-up, Poppy made her way to the tearoom and was delighted to be recognised by the waitress who showed her to their usual table in the window. She ordered tea for two and pastries, and she sat looking out into the drizzly gloom of a December afternoon, surrounded by her packages. As she waited for Amy, she felt happier than she had for months. Christmas was just three weeks away and Mum had written to say that she hoped they would all be together by then as the threat of air raids seemed to have passed. She waved as she spotted Amy making her way towards the tearoom. She entered on a gust of cold air and threaded her way between the packed tables to join Poppy just as the waitress brought their order.
    ‘You can be mother,’ Amy said, taking off her mink jacket and tossing it onto an empty chair.
    Poppy poured the tea but she was shocked by Amy’s casual treatment of what must have been a very expensive garment. However hard she tried, she could not get used to the way that rich people seemed to take their expensive things for granted. She recalled how Mum always put her clothes on hangers as soon as she took them off, even if the dress or the cardigan was patched and darned. The thought of seeing Mum and everyone brought a smile to her lips as she passed Amy a cup of tea. ‘I can’t wait to show you what I bought for my family. If what Mum said in her letter is true, I’ll be able to give them their presents in person.’
    ‘I know I’m being selfish, Poppy,’ Amy said, as she sipped her tea, ‘but I’ll miss you terribly when you go home. Living with my Aunt Jane is terribly dull. She’s a dear, of course, but if it hadn’t been for my silly old illness I’d have gone to Singapore with my parents.’
    ‘I’ll miss you too, Amy. You’re my best friend in the whole world.’
    ‘I’m very flattered, but surely you must have some friends at school by now?’ Amy’s blue eyes darkened with concern.
    ‘Not really.’ Poppy eyed the plate of fondant fancies . ‘May I have another one?’
    ‘Of course you may. You don’t have to ask.’
    ‘I do. You said I must always ask before I take anything.’
    ‘That’s in polite society. You can do more or less what you like when you’re out with me. I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be your age.’
    ‘How old are you, Amy?’
    ‘I’ll be twenty-one in February and Guy will be twenty-two in December.’ Amy’s eyes softened as she mentioned Guy’s name, and a tender smile curved her lips. ‘Shall I tell you another secret, Poppy?’
    Poppy leaned forward, the cakes forgotten. ‘Oh please.’
    ‘Guy writes that he’s almost finished his initial pilot training and he’s expecting to be posted soon. We don’t know where, and I doubt that he’ll be able to tell us, but he hopes to get some leave before Christmas. And then …’ Amy broke off, blushing prettily.
    ‘And then?’ Poppy held her breath.
    ‘You’re not to breathe a word of this, Poppy. But we’re going announce our engagement on Guy’s first home leave.’
    ‘Oh!’ The shock of Amy’s words hit Poppy like a blow to the heart.
    ‘Aren’t you pleased for us?’
    ‘Of course I am. It’s a surprise, that’s all.’
    ‘I knew you would be happy for us, and I want you to be one of my bridesmaids.’ Amy paused, eyeing Poppy anxiously. ‘What’s the matter? Don’t you want another cake?’
    Poppy forced a smile. ‘No, I’m quite full after all.’ She swallowed a mouthful of tea and her eyes watered as the hot liquid burnt her mouth.
    ‘And when we have a home of our own, you must come and stay with us. We’ll keep a bedroom especially for you and you may choose the wallpaper and curtain material too.’ Amy hesitated and leaned towards Poppy. ‘Are you sure you’re