‘Will you spend Christmas with me, Marjie? I mean, really with me? You will have orders tomorrow, accompanied by train tickets to Manchester for your parachute training. But that should finish before Christmas. I can pick up you and Sibbie and take you to my father’s apartment in Mayfair. I can arrange for it to be decorated before then, and for a Christmas dinner to be ready for us – well, of sorts, depending upon what Cook can source, which is usually surprisingly good fare. Please say “yes”, darling.’

‘Yes. Yes, I will. I’ll look forward to it, and it will get me through what is the most frightening training of all to me.’

‘Don’t be afraid – parachuting is easy, I promise. I am afraid of heights, and I got through it. I closed my eyes and jumped . . . Oh, my dear, you’re shivering. You really are afraid.’

‘Afraid, yes, but it won’t stop me. I too will close my eyes and jump.’ To demonstrate she jumped off the step. ‘Just like that.’

Wills laughed out loud. A window opened above. ‘Who’s there? Clear off! First night’s sleep in a long while, and I get a couple of idiots on me doorstep. Clear off or you’ll get me piddle-pot all over yer.’

Marjie giggled. Wills caught hold of her hand and ran with her. By the time they reached her hotel they were out of breath, but still laughing – until Wills caught hold of her again and pulled her to him once more. His lips met hers and she was lost. Coming out of the kiss, Wills said, ‘I’ve fallen in love – me, a confirmed bachelor! Ha! And it feels wonderful. Oh, Marjie, I can’t believe that you feel the same way for me.’

Marjie laughed with him, a happy laughter that showed her joy. ‘I do. I felt it the moment you looked into my eyes when we met. I can’t explain it, but . . .’

‘Don’t even try, my darling. Just let it happen.’

He called me his darling. Can this really be true? Can love happen to us as suddenly as this?

Melting into his kiss, Marjie knew that it could, and had. She loved Wills with all that she was. Another thought entered her head. Why now? Why did we find each other when we have to part and go on to face such danger that we may never see each other again? I can’t bear it – I can’t.

‘We have such a short time together, Marjie. I can’t wait until Christmas. I want you by my side forever, from right now.’