‘We also operated a sound locator unit that could identify enemy aircraft, which meant we could guide the searchlights and anti-aircraft guns. However, the result was we were exposed to the full force of German bombing. Scary times,’ she mused, ‘but somehow we survived.’

Lily recalled Tommy Piercy saying to her, ‘Brave lady, that Milly Merryweather. No bigger than two penn’orth o’ copper, but she gave them Germans what for.’

Secretly, Milly had found the war to be liberating and she had achieved tasks that in the past were only in the domain of men. During those times, her husband, Roger, had listened in awe when he returned on leave. However, he knew not to dissuade his feisty and confident wife from her sense of duty.

‘So what was the war like for you, Lily?’ Millicent asked her as they chatted after the Coronation party.

‘Not as exciting as yours, I’m afraid. I was in the Land Army and simply worked the land.’

Millicent smiled. ‘I was courting a farmer once – long before Roger, of course. He was quite a catch. In fact, he asked me to marry him, but I didn’t fancy being a farmer’s wife.’

Lily smiled and said nothing.

‘So, Lily, were there any men in your life?’

‘Now there’s a question!’

‘Well?’

Lily sighed. ‘There was a man once … but that’s another story.’

Millicent, although intrigued, recognized the closure of that line of conversation and moved on to a lighter topic. ‘Has anyone ever told you just how much you look like Vivien Leigh? She is one of my favourite actresses.’

‘It’s been mentioned,’ said Lily, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Millicent looked at Lily and came to a decision. ‘Why don’t you go and meet up with your young policeman. I’m sure he would love to see you. I’ll clear up here.’

Lily accepted her offer gratefully, said goodbye to Florence and gave Freddie a big hug before she left.

She arrived back in Ragley as the brass band was playing ‘God Save the Queen’ and everyone stood to attention while they sang. Tom Feather beamed when he saw her and she went to stand next to him to join in the National Anthem. When the band moved on to a medley of popular dance tunes, couples were soon on their feet dancing in the street.

‘Would you like to dance, Miss Briggs?’ asked Tom with a wry grin and a formal bow.

‘Yes I would, kind sir,’ replied Lily with a mock curtsey.

As they waltzed the moist air caused her hair to fall in damp tendrils over her high cheekbones and she flicked them back over her ears with a swift movement. Tom held her closer. He admired her profile and the smooth skin of her neck, wanting to kiss it gently … but not here … perhaps later.