Isla's News

"Hey guys," Hitch joined his patrol at the table in the Mess Hall where they were having lunch. "I picked up the mail and there's a letter from Isla and part of it is to all of us." He put down the other mail and took Isla's letter from the opened envelope after he passed it around so they could enjoy the scent of her Chanel #5.

"Where's she at?" Tully asked.

"She's been performing in several places around France but is about to return to England," Hitch replied. "The USO tour is coming to an end, and she has to decide if she wants to sign up for another."

"I hope she does, and we get to see her perform again," Tully said and the other two nodded.

"I guess the fighting in France is ramping up and they don't think its safe for them to continue. They want to get them to a place of relative safety so they're pulling most of the performing units back to England. If the bombing starts again in London, they may send them into Switzerland or to the States." The concern in Hitch's voice was obvious and they shared his worry for her safety.

"If it gets too dangerous, perhaps she could go to her Granny Mac's house in Scotland," Hitch mused. "They haven't had the bombings like England experienced and the house is a bit outside Edinburgh."

"Sounds like that would be a wise alternative," Moffitt said. "Still, I know she'll hate having to stop performing. I did so enjoy watching her dance."

"Do you think she will return to the Rockettes?" Troy asked.

"Not yet," Hitch smiled, "Listen to this," he began reading from her letter:

Hello to all my Rat friends. I pray you are safe and hope we will soon be able to meet again. The colder weather in France almost makes me miss the heat of the desert. Almost, but not quite. I don't miss the sand at all.

Now for my exciting news, Mark. A few weeks ago, some of my group and I were asked to perform for a private party of Army bigwigs. Guess who was there? Your father's friend, General Eisenhower. I met him at your parent's house before I joined the USO. He asked for me specifically and requested I dance the "The Swan," so of course I did. He had heard about it from some of the brass in Benghazi when I performed there. He was so appreciative of everything we did and thanked us for our efforts in keeping up the soldiers' morale.

We continued the tour, and I didn't think anymore about it until yesterday when I received a letter from BUCKINGHAM PALACE! Can you believe it? It seems like the General told some others about my performance and long story short, I have been asked to perform for the KING AND QUEEN of England! Can you believe it? I'm going to perform for them next month with dancers from several companies. It's a presentation of "Giselle" and I am dancing the role of "Myrtha, Queen of the Willi." I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I'm also very nervous.

Just think. I will get to meet King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and dance for them! I don't know how I will get through it without my nerves shattering. So afraid I will faint or be sick. The two princesses will also be in attendance.

I leave for England in the morning to begin rehearsals and this couldn't have come at a better time since my last pair of pointe shoes are worn through. Now I can stock up. I will send you pictures and a full description of the program. I know you are happy for me and wish you were here to share my joy.

Mark stopped reading the letter aloud since the rest was just personal stuff about their families and some final words to her Rats.

"What an honor," Moffitt cheerily professed. "A Royal Command Performance, she should be very proud."

"That's tremendous," Troy added, silently wondering about the casual reference to General Eisenhower being a friend of Hitch's father. It was just like Hitch, to not mention the connection or try to capitalize on the relationship.

"What's Giselle about?" Tully asked. Who is Myrtha and what's a Willis?"

Hitch explained the storyline of Giselle, the peasant girl betrayed by a prince in disguise who goes mad and dies. She then becomes a willi, The willis are the ghosts of young women who were betrayed by their faithless lovers on the eve of their weddings. Myrtha is their queen, and she has a large part to play in the second act.

"How do you know that?" Tully inquired. He knew nothing about ballet and the stories involved and couldn't believe Hitch had such a quick explanation. Hitch looked at him over the top of his wire-rimmed spectacles with a look that expressed, "Seriously, are you kidding?"

"Isla has dragged me to every ballet and dance performance in New York for years. I wish I could see her dance the part." Mark said wistfully. "She'll do a beautiful job." The others agreed and reached for their letters lying on the table while Hitch continued reading.

I wear the necklace you gave me every day and think of you always. I do wish we could have spent more time together and I'd really like another chance of driving Bertha again. Have you made your way through my gift to you? Do you need me to send more? Here Hitch paused and smiled remembering how much fun it had been teaching her to drive a jeep and his embarrassment when he opened her gift. Have you heard from Cornell about your latest exams? Don't worry, I know you passed with flying colors.

I wrote to your parents to thank them for their help with everything regarding the show and the gifts for the female staff. I told your mom all about my time with you and the Rats and the medals you received. I enclosed copies of some of the pictures we took so they can now put faces to the members of your patrol.

Oh Tadpole, I miss you so much and I worry about your safety and that of Jack, Sam, and Tully. I know you all look out for one another, and I pray for you daily. I will be so glad when this wretched war is over, and we can get back to our normal lives. But will our lives ever be normal again? Has the war changed us too much to go back to the way things were? Sorry, didn't mean to get all philosophical, just miss having you around to talk with.

Be safe, my dearest friend and I look forward to hearing from you soon.. Please tell the others I'm waiting to hear from them as well. I will write and tell you all about dancing for the royal family. Beneath her signature she added a postscript:

P.S. Since I haven't heard from you, I hope I didn't scare you too much when we said goodbye.

Hitch folded the letter and replaced it in the envelope. She hadn't yet received his letter about the kiss she had given him. He was relieved it didn't sound like their relationship had been damaged by his not returning her kiss. However, he knew he would be nervous until she read his explanation that was such a struggle to write. Then again, they had always understood one another, and he had faith this situation would be the same and all would be well.