Right, that was one problem solved. And now the next: how was she going to manage to see Violet?

‘Can you tell me where the nearest bus stop is, please?’ she asked.

The women laughed.

‘There’s no buses round these parts,’ the housekeeper said. ‘Your choices are: hitch a lift, jump on a bicycle or Shanks’ pony!’

The women were still laughing and shaking their heads when Maggie thanked them and took Tabby out through the back door, to introduce her to her new home.

* * *

‘Oh, where is that silly fellow with our bags?’ Pam asked now. ‘I want to get changed before lunch. Public transport makes one feel so dirty. Then, Nancy, we need to decide on our outfits for tonight.’

Oh, honestly! Maggie’s chest tightened. There were still hours to go before the drinks reception. Were these two really going to talk about nothing else until then?

Pam glanced across the room. ‘Looking forward to it, Maggie? Chance to get dressed up, put your face on, have a drink?’

‘Perhaps,’ Nancy said archly, ‘she’s TT.’

Maggie flushed. She wasn’t quite teetotal but she certainly wasn’t used to drink. A port and lemon or half a stout on special occasions was about her limit. But it wasn’t the drink she was worried about; it was the clothes. She hadn’t brought anything suitable for a party. What in heaven’s name was she going to wear?

‘I say, Maggie, are you courting?’ Nancy asked suddenly. ‘We both are. Pam’s chap, Jim, is in the RAF. He’s so much better than the last one, who threw her over for a WREN.’ She laughed. ‘And we don’t even talk about the one before that!’

Pam rolled her eyes, presumably at the thought of all the useless boyfriends before dreamy Jim. ‘He’s training overseas,’ she said. ‘All very hush-hush. And he’s not my boyfriend—’ she gave Nancy a mock glare ‘—he’s my fiancé.’

She extended her left hand and Maggie politely stepped forward to admire her diamond ring.

‘We got engaged in July. We’d only known one another six weeks. But everyone’s doing it, aren’t they?’

Maggie nodded. Were they?

‘And my Ken’s a soldier,’ Nancy said. ‘He looks so handsome in his uniform. Of course, we miss our chaps dreadfully but there’s no point moping around. We have to keep our spirits up as best we can. What about you, Maggie? Stepping out with anyone?’

They were both sitting upright on their beds now, waiting for her response.

They were going to be disappointed. Maggie had never wished so much for a boyfriend in her life but, although the idea flashed through her mind, she couldn’t simply make one up. Not on the spot like that.

‘I’m not, no,’ she said, retreating back to her position at the window.