‘Perhaps he’s had to do some extra work, what with it being our last evening in Pucklechurch,’ she suggested.

‘Perhaps.’ Olivia set her handbag down on an empty table. ‘Or perhaps he’s getting an early night, ready for the next batch of recruits.’

Maude nudged her in the ribs. ‘I knew he wouldn’t let us down.’

Olivia followed her gaze to Ralph who had just walked through the doors. His eyes scanned the room before settling on Olivia. He smiled.

‘He’s coming over!’ hissed Maude from the corner of her mouth.

‘Shhh!’ Olivia hissed back.

Ralph smiled down at the girls. ‘Might I have the pleasure of buying the first ever female balloon operators a drink?’

‘Stout, please,’ said Maude.

‘And I’ll have a lemonade, thank you,’ Olivia said primly. The last thing she wanted was to get drunk and make a fool of herself in front of Ralph.

They waited until he was out of earshot before speaking. ‘He’s never offered to buy us drinks before,’ said Maude approvingly.

‘On the other hand, today is a day for celebration, and not just for us. Corporal Stebbins can be just as pleased with his efforts as we can with ours. After all, with this proving to be a success, it opens up more opportunities for more Waafs to train as balloon operators, freeing up more men, and I daresay he’ll get a giant pat on the back for that.’

They fell silent as Ralph returned with the drinks which he placed on the table. He held out a hand to Olivia. ‘May I?’

Olivia nodded happily. When all was said and done, Ralph Stebbins was a smashing chap who had helped them make history. If he hadn’t been so handsome, she very much doubted she and Maude would be discussing romantic notions. Taking his hand, she gazed into his eyes which twinkled delightfully. He sees me as a sister figure, Olivia told herself, no more, no less, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

He slid his arm around her waist, took her other hand in his and stepped into the dance. Olivia felt her tummy flutter as he led her around the floor. Was it her imagination or was he holding her tighter than he had in the past?

‘You’ve no idea how glad I am that you’ve passed out today, and not just because I’m pleased for you,’ said Ralph, gazing into her eyes, ‘but because I’m no longer your corporal, which means I’m free to …’ He hesitated.

‘To what?’ said Olivia, her heart in her mouth. This did not sound like the sort of conversation any brother and sister would be having.

He half smiled. ‘To dance the night away with you and not care two hoots what anyone else thinks – something I’ve wanted to do since the first day we met.’