Olivia began to tremble as the guilt of her previous thoughts caught up with her. ‘I didn’t, but as time’s gone by I’m not so sure, and that makes things worse because I’ve blamed Ted for everything, which isn’t fair.’ She held a hand to her forehead. ‘Oh my God, Maude, what have I done?’

Maude looked at her in astonishment. ‘What do you mean, what have you done? You’ve not done anything. Your father, on the other hand …’

‘I listened to him, Maude, and I should have known better. I even blamed Ted for our baby being stillborn because my father said the stress had probably caused it.’

‘I’m sorry, Liv, but your father’s a wicked man, with a lot to answer for. He knew you were too young to think for yourself.’ Maude quickly did the maths in her head before hissing, ‘You were fourteen! I don’t know what I’d have done had I got myself into that situation at your age.’

Olivia looked ashamed. ‘You wouldn’t have got yourself into that situation, though.’

‘How do you know that?’ said Maude firmly. ‘I’ve never been put in that position so I don’t know how I would have reacted. Girls do all sorts of silly things when boys are involved – you were just unlucky.’

Olivia smiled through her tears. ‘You’re a good pal, Maude Harris.’

Maude blushed. ‘I don’t like seeing women being taken advantage of, or being lied to.’

‘Poor Ted,’ Olivia said softly. ‘I’ve thought so badly of him all these years, and he might not have done anything wrong.’

‘Are you going to try and find him?’

Olivia looked doubtful. ‘I wouldn’t know where to start. Besides, what would be the point?’

Threading her arm through Olivia’s, Maude pulled her close. ‘I suppose you’re right, and I hope you know you can come and talk to me whenever you feel the need.’

Olivia nodded. She felt better than she had in years. Telling Maude her secret was like releasing a floodgate of pent-up emotions and guilt. She turned her thoughts to her father. She had written to him twice since joining the WAAF, letting him know on each occasion where she could be reached should he need to do so, but so far he hadn’t written back. Should she write again? She pictured her mother, and knew at once the answer to be yes. She smiled as she imagined what her mother would say if she were here now.

‘Your father’s a silly man, Liv, who doesn’t know how to express himself properly. That’s why he bullies people into doing what he thinks is right for them. His heart’s in the right place, if perhaps a little misguided.’