Indeed, everything seemed to be settled very satisfactorily, Kate thought as she waited for the transport back to camp. For the first time in months, she dared to feel a tinge of hope. Suddenly, she felt a flutter beneath her ribs and, smiling, she put her hand over the place. Her child had moved for the first time.

She would see Ma’am first thing in the morning, she decided.

‘Well, you’re not the first and I don’t expect you’ll be the last!’ Ma’am was tight-lipped and disapproving, but had become resigned to the fact that in her position in charge of a clutch of women, this kind of interview was bound to happen. ‘But I must say, I am surprised at you, Hilton. You had a wonderful job as personal driver to the CO, one which you’ve kept despite a change at the top.’ The shrewd eyes were regarding her keenly.

Kate made no comment but kept rigidly to attention, her gaze unflinchingly on the top button on Ma’am’s jacket.

The officer sighed. ‘Very well, dismissed.’

Outside, the air cooling her hot cheeks, Kate let out a sigh. Now the only thing she had to face was the gossip spreading round the camp . . .

‘Think you can run the gauntlet of the pub tonight, Kate?’ Mavis asked cheerily. ‘Me and Isobel have actually got a night off together. Thought we’d take you out for a farewell drink . . .’ She grinned. ‘Well, in your case, orange juice.’

Kate threw her shoe at Mavis, who ducked smartly. The shoe sailed across two beds, landed on the floor and skidded under the third. Kate padded across the floor after it and, panting against her tight waistband, bent to retrieve the shoe. ‘Yes, I suppose so. Does everyone know now?’

Mavis shrugged. ‘Shouldn’t let it worry you – ‘sides, me and Isobel will be there.’

‘Oh well, then. I’ll have no trouble,’ Kate laughed.

She needn’t have worried; everyone was far more wrapped up in their own worries or bent on having a good time before tomorrow’s op than worrying if a silly little WAAF was pregnant.

Kate was sorry to say goodbye to Mavis and Isobel, but apart from that, leaving was easy. There had been no word from Philip; in one way she was disappointed and hurt, yet in another, it was a relief. Since making her decision not to tell him about the child, she had been worried what she would do if he wrote to her. But with every day that passed without a letter, her decision not only seemed right, but also easier to carry through. And with Philip gone, she really had no reason to regret leaving the WAAFs.

‘You won’t get rid of us as easy as this though, will she, Iso? We’ll come and visit you.’