The Kingdom of Night (Book 3)

Three - Pride and Prejudice

A/N: No relation to the Jane Austen book. I just think the title's appropriate to what happens in this chapter. :)

George

I managed to obtain leave right over the Valentine's Day holiday, four days in total. Although my excuse was weak, and I hardly seemed believable, Group Commander Henderson granted it to me with a completely straight face. When I asked him why, he gave me a much more believable answer.

     'Look, son.' He sat forward, leaning his elbows on his desk. His pale blue eyes held mine. 'I won't pretend to not know what it's like to be in love. I was young once too. The missus and I have been married thirty-five happy years. No regrets at all.'

     I nodded. I didn't care about the cultural difference between Hannah and me, nor was I planning on engaging those who insulted us. I wanted to make our relationship last. 'Yes, Commander...Group Commander.'

     'Just watch yourself around those American girls, Haywood. I've known a few in my time, and they've proved themselves to be prim and uptight. Easily offended, far more than British girls. Tread carefully, that's all I'm saying.'

     'Of course.' I grinned, a bit ridiculously. Hannah didn't strike me as the sort of girl to be easily offended. 'Of course, Group Commander.'

     He sent me off with a nod and a wave of his hand, turning back to more important matters. I didn't try to understand the reasoning, but I appreciated his words of advice. My time spent with her was precious, because I grew weary of being cooped up with all these men all the time. The company of a woman was refreshing, especially when it was Hannah.

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I rang Mother as soon as I got off the train at Victoria. She seemed both confused and happy that two of my leaves came so close together. But I told her the reason—there was a concert to go to, and would they like to attend as well. I wanted them to meet Hannah. I was excited about the possibilities a friendship with her would bring.

     'Come see us once you're through, Georgie,' Mother said, with a note of hurt. I couldn't tell if it was real or imagined. 'We're getting lonely in our old age.'

     'Oh, Mother. You're not that old.'

     'Still. It feels as though this war has aged me twenty years already.'

     I stopped by the Imperial College on the way, asking round the music department for a Hannah Zeigler. Fortunately I ran into quite a few music students who knew her well, and directed me towards a vacant rehearsal room. I could hear cello music coming from it, beautiful and emotional. It was accompanied by a viola.

     I stood outside and listened for a few minutes before knocking on the barely-cracked door. Abruptly the music cut off, and the door whipped all the way open. A buxom blonde girl blocked my way, her viola and bow held tightly in one hand.

     'What do you want?' she asked rather rudely, in a brassy New York accent.

     'My name's Wing Commander George Haywood. I was told I could find Hannah Zeigler here.'

     'Let him in, Rache, he's all right.' Hannah's voice came from further inside the room, and then her face appeared over the other girl's shoulder.

     'But he's wearing this...this uniform,' said Rachel, looking me up and down.

     'That's because he's in the RAF,' Hannah explained patiently. 'Now let him in.'

     Rachel rolled her eyes and stepped aside. I entered, and she went out, slamming the door behind her. We were silent for a moment, the both of us staring after her.