The War I Finally Won

Lady Thorton discusses the fact that she is ashamed of her ignorance. Compared to Ada and Susan’s skills in the home, and Susan’s Oxford education, she feels that she knows little. When Ada points out that she is well traveled, Lady Thorton concludes that they’ve learned from each other.

The household slaughters their pig and feasts with their neighbours. Mrs. Ellison brings lamb for Ruth, as Ruth (being Jewish) does not eat pork. Later that month, the household celebrates Jamie’s eighth birthday.

The household hears via their radio that Japan has attacked Pearl Harbor and Singapore, prompting the United States to enter the war. Susan and Ada look up these locations in an atlas.

Ada learns that Susan does not get along with her family. Susan explains that her father does not love her because of things she cannot change. Ada is angry and upset at the injustice. She cries thinking of Susan’s parents not loving her and of the cruelty of her own Mam. It makes her cry more when Susan says that she loves Ada and Jamie.

Ada draws a “map” of her life, starting with herself trapped in a box, progressing to her coming to live with Susan, getting Butter, and living in their new cottage with Susan, Jamie, Ruth, Lady Thorton, and Maggie. Susan is in the middle of her map wielding a sword.

Maggie comes home for Christmas. The children paint the inside of the blackout curtains with cheerful scenes, and they all cut down and decorate a big Christmas tree. Despite their best efforts, Jonathan’s absence is palpable, and the household is quiet and despondent.

On Christmas Day, Ruth, Ada, and Maggie walk to the station to meet Lord Thorton’s train. Ruth is amazed and delighted to see her parents get off the train with him. They’ve been released from the internment camp, and Ruth clings to them, sobbing with joy. Ruth’s parents are extremely grateful to Lady Thorton, Susan, and Ada for caring for Ruth.

Later on Christmas Day, the household exchanges small gifts. Lord and Lady Thorton unexpectedly produce a large parcel, which they place on Ada’s lap, as well as a letter that they read aloud. The parcel contains Oban’s halter; the letter was written by Jonathan’s friend Stan, a fellow air force pilot who accompanied Jonathan on the day that he, Maggie, Ruth, and Ada rode horses together. Stan recounts the morning from his point of view, describing how Oban suddenly bolted, and how Ada held on and encouraged Oban to gallop. Stan writes that Jonathan was so inspired by Ada’s bravery that day that he intended to name his plane “Invincible Ada.” Jonathan died before having a chance to write the new name on the plane’s tail.

Based on this letter, and the fact that Jonathan was obviously touched and moved by Ada’s enthusiasm and bravery, Lord and Lady Thorton have decided to give his horse Oban to Ada. Ada declares that, since Oban is now hers and she can do with him what she chooses, she would like to give Oban to Ruth.

When Lady Thorton is upset with Ada’s decision, Ada explains that she already has Butter, and that Ruth is her sister. Ada says she will take care of Oban while Ruth is away. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt (Ruth’s parents), Ruth, Lord Thorton, and Ada all go riding. That night in their shared bedroom, Maggie, Ruth, and Ada hold hands, and Ruth declares them to be “schwestern” sisters. Ruth tells the girls that although she passed the Oxford University entrance exams, she has decided to do war work with her father and Lord Thorton.

Lady Thorton is upset that she did not get to see Jonathan on his last visit and takes her grief out on Maggie. Ada loses her temper and accuses her of being a terrible mother.

After the confrontation with Lady Thorton, Ada flees to her room. Ruth tells Ada that she must apologize. Ruth explains that Lady Thorton is not perfect, but she loves Maggie. She also explains that just because Ada’s mother was a monster, it does not mean that all mothers are monsters. Ada fearfully apologizes; she is pleasantly surprised when Lady Thorton easily accepts her apology and Susan offers her breakfast. Lady Thorton clarifies to Ada that she blames herself, not Maggie, for the way things were left with Jonathan.