With tea served, their chatter quietened, as each knew it was time to talk of their future. Rosie started the conversation by asking, ‘So, do you knaw where it is that you’re going?’

‘We do.’ Daisy’s voice was muffled as she juggled the mouthful of scone she’d bitten off. ‘Singapore. We’ve been told to be at St Pancras station at ten in the morning, ten days from today. Anyroad, we’ll tell you all about it when we’re on the train. You’re sure that the one we’re catching will get us into London in time to catch the overnight to Glasgow, aren’t you, Rosie?’

‘Aye, I am. By, it’s going to be grand to spend this time with you. Though sad, as it will be goodbye when it’s over.’

‘I’m hoping not. Can you get some time off, to see us on our way? Only we’ve written to Sibbie, and she telephoned me at the hospital and said that she and Marjella have a few days’ leave then and can make it to London to meet up with us and wave us goodbye. It’d be grand if you could come too, Rosie.’

‘I don’t see a problem. You see, I swap my regular rest days with the local girls, as I ain’t got much to do down here. Then they do me the same favour, so that I can take a few days together and can travel to see Ma. I’m still owed plenty, so I’ll sort it as soon as I get back. Eeh, I envy you both. I sometimes think I’ll be stuck here for the duration. Not that it’s a bad posting, I’m happy enough, but it’d be good to see a bit of the world.’

‘Aye, it will. I’m that excited.’

‘Me too, Florrie. I can’t wait. I joined the Queen Alexandra’s to get a bit of excitement, and now it seems we are going to. And it’ll be good to be together an’ all.’

Rosie experienced a feeling of being left out of something. Her mood fell, but it lifted again as she watched the POWs being marched past and saw Albrecht look through the window of the cafe. He winked at Rosie, sending a tingling sensation through her. No, I can’t feel this way – I can’t.

At this thought, Rosie tried to dispel Albie from her mind. Oh God, don’t let this happen. Our Daisy’s right – me ma would skin me alive. I can’t fall in love with an enemy of our country, I can’t. But Rosie didn’t know if she could stop herself, even though she knew it was a forbidden love.