Beth suppressed a giggle. ‘That’s what I thought, and he does make me laugh, but I don’t want to agree to go out with him just to have him start swaggering round like an idiot.’

Olivia pictured Corporal Evans. Ginger-haired, pale-skinned, and an open, honest face. She shook her head. ‘If he turns out to be like Ralph, I’ll eat my hat – yours, too, if it comes to that.’

Beth looked at the letter which rested on her knees. ‘If you’re wrong …’

Olivia squealed with delight. ‘Good girl! I just know he’s going to make you happy!’ She gave a contented sigh. She had felt increasingly guilty over Beth’s refusal to date, knowing that it was her encounter with Ralph which had formed her decision. As for Ralph himself, no one had seen hide nor hair of him since he’d last set foot in Shirehampton.

She opened Maude’s letter.

Dearest Liv,

Guess who I bumped into the other day? He’s gorgeous to look at but rotten to the core …

Olivia’s head snapped up. ‘Maude’s seen Ralph.’

Beth’s features clouded over. ‘What’s he done now?’

‘Haven’t got that far,’ Olivia admitted before studying the letter in detail.

I don’t think he recognised me at first, and when he did, he couldn’t wait to get away, possibly because he’s no longer a corporal! Obviously, he wasn’t going to tell me what had happened, so I asked around and it turns out he’d been caught with a Waaf when he was meant to be courting the major’s daughter. Apparently, it caused a real brouhaha, and he’s been demoted because of it!

Olivia gave a short squeal as she read the last bit. She passed the letter over to Beth, who was staring at her, on tenterhooks. She waited until Beth squealed then started laughing. ‘Talk about getting your just deserts.’

‘And to think he had the nerve to portray himself as holier than thou!’

‘I always thought I’d never want to bump into him again, but after hearing that I think I’d quite enjoy the experience,’ said Olivia. ‘I must include that in my letter to Ted. Thank goodness I haven’t sent it yet.’

William Campbell rolled his eyes as Annie entered the room. ‘For goodness’ sake, woman, what now?’

‘It’s Doctor Palmer come to see you,’ Annie said apologetically.

William drew a deep breath before letting it out in a series of barking coughs. Turning puce, he gestured with his hand for her to send him in. Fighting to regain his breath, he scowled at the doctor who stood patiently beside William’s bed.