It was hardly surprising that men noticed Jayne Thorpe, as she was young and attractive wearing just enough make-up to be noticed by her male admirers. She surveyed the full carriage and decided that it would be prudent to find a smaller compartment hopefully occupied by officers to make her journey less stressful. She was tired and made her way through the sea of testosterone and assorted bags feeling the odd pat on her shapely behind. She ignored these advances and continued with complete purpose towards the last carriage that had numerous compartments.

In the last compartment sat an airman deep in thought. Jayne recognised from his smart RAF uniform that he was a Wing Commander and she opened the compartment door with confidence in one swift action. The young officer looked up at her and immediately stood to help her with her bag. She noticed straight away his piercing blue eyes, tanned face and short, blonde regulation haircut. He was attractive and Jayne knew that she would spend a pleasant hour and an half on the train in his youthful company.

"Thank you, it’s very kind of you," offered Jayne with a smile as the young officer heaved her heavy bag onto the luggage rack.

"My name is Geoff Barnes. I’m on my way back to base just outside Winchester," he uttered gazing at Jayne’s natural and innocent beauty.

"Oh, how rude of me! I’m Jayne Thorpe and I’m stationed at Southampton. It’s a pleasure to meet you Geoff," she replied offering him her warm hand. Geoff held it gently and savoured its warmth and tenderness.

"Please do sit down. Would you like a window seat?" he asked.

"No, I’m happy sitting away from the window. As it’s night time there will be little to see especially during the blackout," she commented.

The train started to move out of the station and struggled on the sharp embankment in the direction of Newbury. The train was heavier than usual as several mixed goods carriages were attached carrying arms and ammunition towards the coast to supply the forthcoming D-Day invasion. The driver used maximum steam pressure to its greatest effect and the stoker shovelled on more coal to provide the full amount of torque possible from this Merchant Class Locomotive.

The passengers were unaware of the problems faced by the driver as they settled down to their conversations and numerous games of cards aimed at boosting individual income through illicit gambling.

The train gliding to a halt went relatively unnoticed by most passengers as the incline; wet rails, heavy load and gravity took their effect. The driver dismounted from the cab and walked briskly back down the track towards the engine shed to fetch another engine to help his train up the challenging incline.

Jayne, using her pocket mirror checked her makeup and removed her Wren’s cap. Geoff was reading his book but studying her motion using his peripheral vision and masculine charm.

"Why have we stopped so soon?" commented Jayne as the compartment lights went out.

"Don’t worry. This is standard procedure. Probably there is going to be an air raid and they are just taking precautions for our own safety," Geoff grunted as he opened the compartment window to survey the dark environment. He stared towards the darkness of Didcot and examined the sky for aircraft as Didcot was a major junction and important to wartime rail traffic to the coast. As there were no searchlights visible he concluded that there was a problem with the engine and a German attack was not likely. Jayne joined him at the open window and felt the cool, May evening air brush against her face.

"Look another engine is coming up behind us from the depot," announced Geoff. "There must be a problem with the engine probably this bloody incline. The Victorian railway builders took a gamble when they designed this slope and embankment. Light weight rolling stick would not have a problem under normal circumstances but this section of railway was not designed for this wartime loading."

"I hope they get a move on as I have to report for duty by midnight," said Jayne.

"No worries. They will have us moving in about ten minutes if I’m not mistaken."

There was a sudden jolt to the carriage as the other locomotive was attached as a shunting engine and Jayne fell into Geoff’s strong arms. He held her in all innocence as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Their lips met briefly but passionately. Jayne pulled away,

"I’m sorry Geoff, but I’m not that type of girl. I like to know a man before I reveal my female mystery!" laughed Jayne to break the tension.

"I don’t know what came over me," apologised Geoff as he sat down. "Let’s pretend it never happened."

"What was that, Geoff?"

"Never mind. Do you want some chocolate?" offered Geoff as he put his hand into his jacket pocket. Chocolate was a luxury and its main source was from the American Airfields. Geoff had a good access to this source of pleasure and Jayne did not hesitate and held her hand out eagerly for this delicacy. Geoff placed two squares of milk chocolate into the palm of her warm, yet dry hand and she devoured them fervently. As she chewed the sweet delight the train started to move and beat the incline through the combined power and tandem of two locomotives.

The guard stood outside their compartment but just stared aimlessly into the inner darkness. He hesitated but did not enter the compartment to check their tickets but left them to their invisible lovemaking. Jayne looked intently at Geoff,

"Geoff, tell me something about yourself. Are you married? Do you have a girlfriend?" inquired Jayne.

To read the rest of this story send me an email...

© 2002  Steven Longman-Marshall – all rights reserved.

[ Home ] [ The Pilot ] [ Jimmy D (JD8) ] [ Reunion ] [ In the Night ] [ Moonlight Café ]