The rhythmic thump of the darts took Ray back. It was a long time since he’d been in a pub. Since the blackout, going out at night was a risky business. Aside from the risk of raids, or breaking your neck tripping over in the dark, he’d heard of people getting killed as they stepped out of pubs, run over by cars and buses with their lights covered up.

Of course, there weren’t many vehicles out here in the country. Not a single one had passed them the whole way here. Ray had been glad of Bill’s company though; the pub had been a devil to find, even with torches.

It was a blow that they’d missed Geoff and Norm. Ray had rehearsed exactly what he was going to say and now he’d have to wait, by which time he’d have cooled off and it wouldn’t be half as satisfying. But the ale tasted good, there was no denying it, and the next thing he knew, Bill was asking, ‘Same again, Raymondo?’

He opened his mouth to object, to say they ought to get back to the Hall but his heart wasn’t in it. The pub was warm, the crackling log fire was comforting and the beer was making him feel quite mellow. It was only a couple of pints. He deserved it after the aggravation of this evening and that sour taste he got in his mouth when he thought about Maggie and that blasted airman.

‘All right, mate?’ Bill asked, bringing back the pints. ‘You’ve got a face on you like a slapped kipper! Come on, cheer up! We’re in the pub, remember! Away from London town! Life doesn’t get much better than this!’ He clinked his glass with Ray’s. ‘Bottoms up!’ They each took a long slurp of ale.

By the time they’d started their third pint, Ray was finding himself agreeing with Bill, that Norm and Geoff weren’t bad chaps, on the whole.

‘They’re bored,’ Bill said. ‘There’s not much else to do in the evenings, except go on the beer.’

The door behind them opened. It was the Land Army girl, Charity, marching in as bold as brass, still wearing her work trousers.

‘Hullo, you two,’ she said. Her blonde ponytail swung as she pulled up a stool at the bar and hoisted herself onto it. Before Ray could ask if she’d like a drink, she’d placed her order. ‘The usual, please, Derek.’

She pulled a packet of Players from her trouser pocket and lit a cigarette. ‘Not seen you here before, Ray,’ she said.

Ray explained they were on the trail of Geoff and Norm.

‘Ah, nanny duties.’ She tilted her head and blew smoke up towards the wooden beams. ‘They’re big boys, you know, I’m sure they can look after themselves.’