Jemima unfolded the letter and read it through again. Mal had raised an eyebrow when he had handed out the mail as the return address was plain to see on the envelope. She was just as surprised that Dr Higgins had written to her as well.
It was a short missive an enquiry after Jemima’s health and little more. Or so it would seem to the casual reader. At the very end Honoria had added ‘I will of course be very disappointed were I to hear that you have not been keeping up the vowel exercises I set you. I might have to suggest to your commanding officer that I be allowed to visit and a cure be effected.’
Jemima shuddered at the memory of the Doctor’s cures they usually resulted in red stripes on Jemima’s thighs, and sometimes her bottom. Without knowing exactly why she read that last part again remembering how her tutor had made her bend over the desk with the hem of her skirt lifted. Jemima trembled at the memory just as she did when Sally kissed her. No one else enjoyed being spanked did they?
Sally had caught her daydreaming that morning in their usual place and had crept up close without Jemima realising. She had then proceeded to tickle Jemima until tears streaked her cheeks, and had laughed when Jemima admonished her for ruining her make up. Then they had kissed Sally’s hands roving as though searching for a new place to tickle. Jemima’s bottom was not ticklish nor were her stocking tops though she had to protest when the hands wandered further still up her skirt. All the way up her skirt in fact.
Jemima’s hands were just about to do some wandering of their own when there was a knock on the door. She took a moment to collect herself, stuffed the letter under the mattress and said ‘come in’.
‘Wow! You’re dolled up tonight, been out?’ Polly had caught up with Amanda as they both climbed the final flight of stairs to their rooms.
‘Verity wanted to play dress up’ Amanda said with a wry grin ‘how was vespers?’
‘Oh the usual’ Polly relied hoping that her voice did not betray how unusual she felt. At the top of the stair she gave Amanda’s arm a Polly ‘See you in the morning I’ve just got to have a word with Missy before I turn in’.
Amanda checked Polly, taking her arm lightly. ‘Go easy on her Polly’ she said ‘she’s young you know… this…’ she indicated with a gesture their appearance ‘…it’s a lot to take’. Polly nodded before turning away.
Unseen on the previous landing Catherine pulled her dressing gown tight about her wondering what Polly had to see Jemima about. Nothing to be a jealous about she told herself, probably nothing at all. Jemima was pretty but she was not Polly’s type at all. She stood a moment more and trudged back to her room.
‘Pilot-officer Crabtree if you’re going to flaunt uniform regulations at least make sure your seams are straight!’ Oh no Jemima groaned not again.
‘Ha!’ Polly laughed ‘Made you look’. She sat down on the bed beside Jemima straightening her skirt (over her own black stockings Jemima noted). Polly laid her hand on Jemima’s shoulder. ‘I’m not here to give you a roasting’ she smiled weakly ‘You’re a good pilot Jemima, better than most, and you’ll make a good officer when you get to your squadron too. I don’t want you to spoil your future by doing anything unfortunate now’ she gave Jemima’s arm a gentle squeeze ‘aircraftswoman Potter’s a fine girl just remember that there are rules about us mixing with the other ranks… listen to your Aunt Hope and be discreet’. She smiled and kissed Jemima on the forehead as she stood up.
‘Yes Auntie’ Jemima giggled ‘Goodnight’.
‘What’s wrong with me?’ thought Polly as she left the room ‘first I’m Mike’s little woman, now I’m Jemima’s auntie’ she shook her head and headed for her own room.
Jemima followed her out of the room with her eyes. ‘Just who’s been making you wiggle?’ she thought.
