‘Has Vi been getting on all right?’ Maggie asked, unable to wait any longer. She wanted to know everything. Had Mrs Jenks been feeding her, keeping her warm, sending her to school, being kind? It was only politeness that was holding her back from a torrent of questions.

‘Vi? Oh yes, she’s good as gold. Once she settled in, you know. I think she was a bit homesick to start with. We were worried about having a child from the slums, I don’t mind telling you. You hear such stories! That cockney children don’t know how to behave, never eaten at a table before, wet the bed at night, they’re covered in fleas and lice …’

Maggie’s chest tightened. Bloomin’ cheek! They mightn’t have had much money but Vi was clean and well brought up, Maggie would have her know.

Mrs Jenks was oblivious to Maggie’s outrage. ‘Someone in the village has taken in an expectant mother and two little ’uns and she’s had all manner of trouble. As for the other girl I’ve got – Joan – she’s been a bother. She had German measles when she arrived. That’s been sent over by the Germans, you know. Right little tearaway. Still swears like a trooper, mind. Turns the air blue. Your Violet’s been a good influence.’

Maggie exhaled. Finally, some good news. ‘So, she’s settled in, then?’

Mrs Jenks looked towards the door. ‘Why don’t you ask her yourself?’

‘MAGGIE!’

She barely had time to stand before Vi was launching herself into her arms, almost sending her flying. They laughed and hugged one another.

‘You’re here!’ Vi said. ‘You made it! Did you bring Tabby?’

‘Stand back and let me look at you,’ Maggie said. ‘My, you’ve grown, haven’t you? And no, silly, we didn’t bring the cat!’

‘There now, how do you think she looks?’ Mrs Jenks asked, folding her arms and smiling at them.

Maggie had to admit that Vi looked very well. She had rosy cheeks and a healthy glow. The country must be suiting her.

‘I have an egg for breakfast every day!’ Violet declared.

‘She looks smashing!’ Maggie said. Her face was aching, she was smiling so hard. ‘Thank you, Mrs Jenks. Vi, this is my friend Ray. We work together. He’s organised this whole excursion.’

Vi smiled at Ray. ‘Where is it? The tandem?’

‘Where’s Joan?’ Mrs Jenks asked. She and Vi exchanged worried glances. The next moment there was a crash from outside.

‘There’s Joan!’ Vi and Mrs Jenks said, simultaneously.

Vi skipped out to inspect the damage and Ray followed her.

Mrs Jenks poured more tea into Maggie’s cup. ‘How long have you two been courting?’

Maggie laughed. ‘Courting? Oh no, we’re not.’

‘Are you sure, love?’

Maggie giggled, wondering what Ray would make of that. ‘Quite sure,’ she said firmly.