Marjie chose a rust-brown costume that also had braiding around the collar and box jacket in a chocolate-brown. The skirt flared very slightly, her blouse was a rich cream colour and her hat was a jaunty affair, with a slanting brim decorated with a rose fashioned out of the same felt as the hat.

Their best find, though, was that the lady owner of the shop offered them some silk stockings – a rarity these days. The stockings didn’t only look glamorous, with the lovely sheen they had, but were warming, too. When it came to their shoes, they had to compromise as there were very few available, but they did find some brogues that didn’t look too schoolmarmish and settled for those.

‘Well, that’s us ready for the ball, Cinders.’

‘You look lovely, Sibbie. But, well . . . I’m not sure about me—’

‘You look beautiful, darling Marjie. Stunning. That colour really suits you; it brings out the lovely Mediterranean glow that your skin has – slightly tanned and creamy. I do envy you. And Wills is going to be bowled over.’

‘Do you really think so? He’s so handsome, Sibbie. I felt really funny when he looked at me, as if he was drawing me into his soul.’

‘It’s called falling in love, and anyone could see that it was happening to him, too. I’m so happy for you, Marjie; but sad, too. I don’t think it will be long before we are sent on a mission and you’ll have so little time to woo your man.’

‘I know, but if it is meant to be, it will stand the test of time. Nothing is going to stop me helping my country.’

‘Well, let’s forget all of that for one evening and have a good time. Though I wish it was Paulo taking me to dinner.’

‘It will be, one day. And you’re right. Let’s paint the town red with two handsome men by our side. I’m so looking forward to this evening.’

‘I’m looking forward to a decent meal, more than anything.’

Marjie laughed at this, and the sound warmed Sibbie. ‘You and your food, and yet you don’t put on an ounce of weight. I can gain weight easily, and I have to be careful. Now, just check the seams on my stockings are straight, Sibbie.’

‘Yes, they’re perfectly straight,’ Sibbie said as she stood behind Marjie. ‘And I envy you your legs – they’re perfect.’

‘And so are yours, Sibbie. Look at how slim your ankles are, and very elegant. Turn round and let me check your seams.’ Marjie had to make a little adjustment to straighten Sibbie’s stockings, but was very gentle, so as not to snag the delicate fabric. ‘Voila! We shall go to the ball.’ Giggling like two girls let out of the school gate, they ran down the stairs to the waiting taxi.