Darling Liv,

I never thought I’d be saying this, because I’ve always gone with the rule of ‘once bitten twice shy’, but I now find myself engaged for the second time in my life – or should I say the second and last time in my life? Stanley came over for a visit, and took me out for a meal. I didn’t think much of it until the waitress came over with a pudding which we hadn’t ordered. I told her to take it away and was quite put out when she refused. Stanley urged me to take a look, and when I did, I could see what looked like a piece of metal poking through the top of the sponge. I was about to complain when he told me to take a closer look. I dug it out with my spoon, and when I realised what it was, well, you could have knocked me down with a feather! Stanley took the ring, got down on one knee in front of everybody, and asked me to marry him. I think I’d said yes before he’d finished asking! With hindsight, I was surprised at how quickly I agreed, I didn’t even think about it, but then again, this proposal was totally different to the last one. When Billy proposed it was more like a suggestion and he hardly whooped for joy when I accepted, whereas Stanley was like a dog with two tails. I’m so happy, Liv, and I can’t wait to see you again. Are you able to come over for a visit? I know from what you’ve said that you’ve an awful lot on your plate at the minute, but everyone needs a break.

With love,

Maude

‘How romantic!’ Beth exclaimed. ‘Though I can’t say I’m especially surprised – it’s clear that Stanley is completely smitten.’

Olivia was delighted for her friend and was longing to say so in person, but she knew she wouldn’t be allowed any more leave, so she would have to fit her visit into a forty-eight-hour pass.

A few weeks after receiving the letter, Olivia found herself keeping an eagle eye out for Maude and Josie as her train pulled into the station. As it came to a stop, she was pleased to see a familiar face grinning at her from the crowded platform.

She grabbed her bag from under her seat and leapt down to join her friend, who was holding up her hand for Olivia to see. ‘What do you think?’

Olivia admired the thin band which encircled her friend’s finger. ‘Blimey, Maude, I didn’t know your engagement ring was gold! Where’d Stanley get that from?’

‘It was his great-grandmother’s,’ said Maude, beaming proudly. ‘I told him it was too much, but he insisted. I felt ever so guilty, especially when I met his mam, but she said if it was what Stanley wanted then that was fine by her.’ She threaded her arm through Olivia’s. ‘I can’t wait to show you round Ramsbury – it’s like heaven compared to Shirehampton.’