‘No, he said it’d be nice for his parents to get away from London. I did tell him that it would be a bit like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire as far as bomb-damaged cities go, but he says a change is as good as a rest. How’s Beth getting on with Spencer?’

‘They’re a match made in heaven!’ said Olivia proudly. ‘I’m so glad I persuaded her to give him a chance; I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy. He’s put a real spring in her step – she’s even taken up train spotting.’

Maude shot her friend a look of amused disbelief. ‘Beth? Trainspotting?’

Olivia chuckled. ‘Yes, he’s really calmed her down.’

As the taxi drew to a halt Maude took out her purse.

‘Halves,’ said Olivia, also removing her purse from her handbag.

They sorted through their change and thanked the driver for the ride.

‘I’ll take you for a quick tour of the base, then we can have some lunch in the NAAFI – or the cookhouse, whichever you prefer.’

Olivia shrugged. ‘I know a lot of people prefer the NAAFI, but I don’t think there’s a great deal of difference, not when it comes to the meals at any rate, and at least the cookhouse is free!’

Maude introduced Olivia to the girls she worked with in the control tower, then showed her the billet she shared with the other Waafs.

‘God, how I miss a real base,’ Olivia sighed wistfully. ‘It must be wonderful being somewhere so big and well organised.’

Maude nodded happily. ‘Proper cooks doing the food – it’s like a hotel compared to Shirehampton.’

‘Oh, Maude …’ Olivia was watching three Hurricanes as they came in to land.

Maude smiled. ‘Magnificent, aren’t they?’

‘They certainly are, and the men are so brave.’

Maude opened the door to the cookhouse. ‘It gives me shivers every time I hear the siren sound for them to scramble, but you should see them, Liv – they run hell for leather towards their kites, never giving a thought for their own safety. I don’t think it crosses their minds for a minute that they might not make it back.’

Taking a tray each, they joined the back of the queue. ‘I suppose it’s better for them not to dwell on what-ifs. I’m glad Ted’s a mechanic – at least he gets to keep both feet firmly on the ground.’

‘How is Ted?’

‘You know Ted – nothing seems to faze him. I felt a real heel dragging him all the way up to Scotland for no reason, but he was so sweet. Did I tell you about the tree in Sefton Park?’