Smiling, Ted rubbed his jaw. ‘Fair do’s. You’ve got a mean right hook on you there, Mr Barnham, and I guess it’s the least I deserve.’

Ivor’s eyes flicked towards the paper in his wife’s hands. ‘We’ll pass it on.’

Thanking the Barnhams for their help, Ted made his way back to the tram stop. All he had to do now was hope Olivia wrote to him.

Maude entered the billet with a clutch of letters in her hands and handed them out to their recipients.

‘One from Ralph and one from Nana and Pops,’ said Olivia. Slitting Ralph’s open first, she read the contents.

Dearest Liv,

I knew it would happen sooner or later, but I suppose I was hoping I’d be lucky and spend the war close to you, but unfortunately the RAF have other ideas and as a consequence I’m being posted to the land of jellied eels, so I fear it might be some time before I see you next.

I’m glad we managed to sort out the ‘Beth business’, even if it was by accident.

Olivia grinned. Ralph was referring to his last day in Shirehampton. She had been on guard duty with Beth when Ralph had come by. He had acknowledged both women before turning his attention to Olivia and asking whether she would like to go dancing with him in the village hall the following evening.

‘I’m sorry, Ralph, I’ve already arranged to go with Beth and the girls to see Dumbo at the Metropole.’

Ralph had tutted as he shot Beth a withering glance. Fearing Beth might have seen or heard him, Olivia looked at her friend, and was glad to see she had her back turned to them.

Ralph looked imploringly at Olivia. ‘Why her?’ he said sulkily. ‘I can understand you wanting to spend your time with Maude and Josie because they’re nice girls, but why Beth?’

‘Because she’s a nice girl too,’ Olivia said quietly. ‘You’d know that if you gave her a chance.’

Ralph regarded Beth doubtfully. ‘She hides it well.’

Olivia smiled. ‘She does, because she knows what people think when they see her, so she’s very defensive, but if you took the time to get to know her, like I did, you’d see a different side.’

‘I don’t think there’s enough time in the world for that,’ Ralph said cynically. ‘I know you mean well, but mind you don’t get yourself a reputation for hanging around with her – you know how judgemental people can be.’