Kate laughed too and spread her hands, looking down at them. ‘I suppose I’m just practical,’ she murmured, ‘rather than brainy.’ Unbidden, into her mind came a picture of her studious young sister, poring over her school books.

When they heard their postings, she and Mavis were still together.

‘Oh, isn’t that wonderful? By the way, where is Suddaby? I’ve never heard of it, have you?’

Kate nodded. ‘It’s where me grandad used to live before he came to live with us.’

‘Really? Evidently it’s a new station – an operational bomber station – just being built. Oh, I can’t wait! We’ll be there from the beginning.’ Mavis rubbed her hands together, her face wreathed in smiles. ‘Oh, isn’t it exciting? Where’s the nearest hot spot for night life there, then?’

Kate grinned. ‘Suddaby is out in the wilds, miles from anywhere with only birds and the cattle in the fields for company.’

Her friend’s face was a picture until she spotted Kate’s mischievous smile. ‘Oh, you, you’re teasing me.’

‘Well, a bit maybe. There are one or two market towns within easy reach, but it isn’t near a big city.’

‘Is it near where you live?’

‘Yes, it’s about thirteen miles inland from the sea.’

‘Oh goody, I’ve never seen the sea.’

Now it was Kate’s turn for her face to register surprise. ‘Never seen the sea! You’re joking.’

‘Nope. I was born, brought up and lived all my life in Leicester. We never had holidays when I was a kid.’ Her merry face brightened. ‘Why do you think I joined the WAAFs? Thought I’d see the world.’

Kate smiled ruefully on her friend’s behalf. ‘And the nearest you get is Lincolnshire!’

Mavis shrugged philosophically. ‘I don’t mind. I’m loving every minute.’ She paused, then asked again, ‘Well, where is the nearest big city, then?’

‘Lincoln,’ Kate said quietly and saw Mavis looking at her quizzically.

‘You don’t look very pleased,’ Mavis said, linking her arm through Kate’s and pulling her away from the excited chatter of the other girls comparing their postings. ‘I’d have thought you’d have been pleased if it’s nearer your home.’

Kate made an effort to smile. There were so many memories attached to that city, Kate thought; her childhood and then later, when she and Danny . . . Her mind shied away from that dreadful time. ‘Just – a few ghosts, Mave,’ she murmured.

‘Oh, we’ll lay those to rest good and proper, Kate, when we get whooping it up in the town. Poor old Lincoln won’t know what’s hit it when we get there! You mark my words.’

‘See you in Suddaby in a week’s time, then,’ Mavis was shouting, leaning precariously out of the train as it began to move. A cloud of smoke enveloped her and she was obliged to draw her head into the carriage.