Maude shrugged. ‘I like the uniform.’

Olivia giggled then looked down at her feet. ‘I don’t think it matters what uniform they give me – if they’ve got any to fit me, that is.’

Maude tutted her disapproval. ‘The way you carry on, anyone’d think you were the size of an elephant!’

A deep blush swept Olivia’s neckline. ‘I’ve got eyes in my head, Maude, and whilst those boys may only be making fun of me to make themselves feel better, that’s not why my father said it.’

Maude’s eyes widened with horror. ‘Your own father?’

Olivia nodded. ‘He doesn’t believe in sugar-coating things; it’s his way of trying to gee me up into looking after myself.’

Maude shook her head. ‘Blimey, with pep talks like that no wonder you’ve a low opinion of yourself. Take it from me, you’re fine as you are.’

The girls had reached the top of the line and Olivia bade Maude good luck as her new friend handed the corporal her papers.

It seemed to her that he had barely glanced at them before beckoning Olivia to step forward. He went through her details then told her to go home and wait.

‘Well?’ said Maude, who was waiting to one side.

‘He said to go home and wait,’ said Olivia. ‘You?’

‘Same,’ she grinned. ‘Wouldn’t it be smashing if we ended up doing our training together? It’s much easier starting something new with a friend, don’t you think?’

‘I do,’ said Olivia, ‘because I’m not very confident around new people.’

Maude jerked her head in the direction of the door. ‘I reckon you’ll soon come out of your shell once you’ve been in the services for a few days!’ She opened her handbag and rooted through the contents, eventually pulling out a piece of paper and a pencil. ‘How about we swap addresses? If I get my papers first, I’ll come and tell you, and vice versa?’

Olivia beamed. ‘Good idea! Or, if you fancy it, you could come to mine now for a cuppa – if you’re free, that is?’

‘Even better!’ said Maude.

Together the two girls made their way to Olivia’s grandparents’ house, chattering with anticipatory excitement about their new venture.

Olivia heard the letterbox snap shut. She looked across the table to her grandmother who gave her an encouraging nod. ‘Go on, then! What are you waiting for?’

She pushed her chair back from the table and trotted through to the hallway, only to return a few moments later with an official-looking letter which she propped up against the jar of Robertson’s jam.

‘Aren’t you going to open it?’ asked Pops, his eyes fixed on the letter.

‘What if it says thanks but no thanks?’ said Olivia, nervously nibbling the nail edge of her thumb.

Nana rolled her eyes. ‘It won’t! So for goodness’ sake open it and let us know what it says!’