‘Eeh, it’s grand to be together.’ Rosie huddled in between her sisters as they walked along the promenade, against the might of the strong wind lashing the south-east coast of Herne Bay.

‘Aye, it is. But, by, it’s cold. Is there a tea shop nearby, Rosie?’

‘That’s where I’m taking you, our Florrie.’

A gang of POWs were working on the sea wall and, as the girls passed, one called out, ‘Guten Morgen, Rosie.’

Daisy gasped. ‘You knaw a German, Rosie!’

‘Aye, lots of them. They’re all right, nice lads – naw different from our own.’

‘You’re blushing, Rosie. You’re not . . . Eeh, Ma would scalp you. Tell me you’re not fraternizing.’

‘By, Daisy – “fraternizing”? That’s a strong word for being friendly, ain’t it? British, Polish, German: we treat them all the same. That bloke I spoke to is called Albie – well, Albrecht is his real name. His plane came down in the sea.’

‘Eeh, I’ve never heard the like. Treating him’s one thing, but being friendly with him is quite another.’

‘Aw, don’t be so stuffy, our Daisy. He’s just another human being I nursed. That’s all.’

The girls were quiet for a few steps, then Daisy, the eldest, asked, ‘You ain’t falling for him, are you, Rosie? Ma would have a blue fit – she calls the Germans sommat rotten.’

Rosie didn’t answer.

‘Rosie?’

‘Aw, Daisy, let’s drop it, shall we? This is meant to be the first day of a grand week together. God knaws we get very little time together.’

‘Oh, Rosie. Come here.’ Rosie found herself encased in Florrie’s arms. ‘Whoever you fall for, it’s all right by me. We can’t help who we fall in love with.’

‘Naw, that’s true. I suppose as Florrie’s right. I hope you don’t fall for a German, though, Rosie; it would be awkward and would change things. But then I’d still be envious of you. It’d be good to meet a man I could fall for, but I don’t see it happening somehow.’

‘You will, Daisy. You’re only twenty-six and a beauty. You’ve the best figure of us all – you’re not so busty as me and Rosie. I don’t knaw about you, Rosie, but I get leered at more than admired.’

‘Aye, I knaw what you mean.’

‘Look, Rosie, I didn’t mean owt. I’m just worried about you. You allus fell head over heels for anyone as showed you some attention.’

‘That’s not true, our Daisy. Aw, come on, don’t let’s fight. I wanted this time together to be the best ever.’

‘Me too. Let her go, Florrie, and give me a turn. I want a hug an’ all, Rosie.’

‘Eeh, Daisy, I’ve missed you.’

‘Missed sparring with me, no doubt.’