Maybe the old man understood, at least in part, for he covered her hand with his wrinkled one. ‘I know, lass, I know. But mebbe ya’ve the chance now to meet other fellers. It’s time you were married and settled down and having bairns.’

‘Yes, Grandad,’ she said dutifully, and forced a smile on to her mouth. She knew her grandfather meant well, but she could not imagine meeting anyone who could take Danny’s place in her heart. Not ever.

‘ACW Hilton. Ah yes, you’re the new driver for the CO, aren’t you?’

Kate gasped in surprise. The officer looked up. ‘Well? Doesn’t that suit?’ There was sarcasm in the woman’s tone that told Kate immediately that whatever she felt, it would have to suit.

‘Oh yes, Ma’am. It – it was just a surprise, that’s all. I hadn’t been told. I mean—’ She floundered, feeling herself going red. ‘I mean, I knew I’d be in Motor Transport but I didn’t know exactly what I’d be doing.’

‘You’ll still be in the MT Section and will have to carry out other duties when the CO doesn’t need you. The officer in charge of the MT Section is Flying Officer Cooper, but you’ll take your day-to-day orders from Flight Sergeant Martin. It seems, however,’ the officer added drily, ‘that our new Commanding Officer has asked especially for your services.’

‘Oh!’ This was an even bigger surprise. She could not imagine why.

The officer was looking at her keenly. ‘It’s a very good posting, particularly for a new recruit. Just mind you are up to it.’

Kate saluted smartly, some of her confidence returning. ‘I’ll do my best, Ma’am.’

She was dismissed.

As she left the orderly room, Kate stood for a moment to get her bearings. The airfield was in fact divided by the main road; on one side were all the quarters for the officers and airmen – and the WAAFs – and the administration offices were also sited there. On the opposite side, spread out before her, flat and windswept, was the operational site; the runways, the hangars and control tower and all sorts of buildings whose use Kate had yet to learn.