She takes a last look at herself in the mirror, wrinkling her nose at the bulkiness that she’s added; it’s spoiling the line of the coat. Then she shrugs, checks her wristwatch, and makes her way from this section of the department store towards the impressively gilded doors that will lead her to the street. She glides through them, safe in the knowledge that no one will stop her while she’s dressed like this. She doesn’t look like a thief.

Just beyond the doorway, another woman is waiting for her on the pavement. She nods to Ruby and tucks an arm through hers, squeezing her, and starts to walk immediately.

‘Nice coat, Ruby.’

Ruby smirks. ‘Thought I needed a new one.’

‘Why not?’ the woman says. ‘A girl deserves a treat now and again, don’t she?’

They merge with the crowds on the pavement, walking briskly east, towards Knightsbridge, but not so fast as to attract attention.

‘What else you get? You didn’t just pull the coat, did you?’

‘Course not. The pockets are enormous. I’ve got silk scarves, stockings, brooches – paste, but good. A fur stole. And there’s this.’ She lifts the sable muff.

‘Quality.’

‘Handy, too. I’ve got three pairs of gloves shoved in here. How about you, Maggs?’ Ruby tips back her head, to get a better view from under the rim of her hat. Maggs pulls her along, almost imperceptibly increasing the pace, staring only ahead, eyes fixed on the street and the direction they are heading.

‘Blouses. Silk underthings. They’re in my skirts. And there’s more than one hatpin holding down this hat. It’s like a pincushion right now.’

Maggs always does this: keeps her face rigid while trying to make Ruby laugh.

‘Shame it’s not windy at all, then,’ Ruby says.

‘I could do with a pin in my bloody knickers,’ Maggs grunts. ‘One of the blouses is slipping. Might have to stop and hitch it up before we reach the river.’

‘Are we doing anywhere else? It’s not afternoon yet.’

Maggs shakes her head. ‘Not today. We’ve done well enough between us, but word’ll soon be out that we’re in town and there’s no point risking getting caught. We’ll get these goods over to the warehouse for Grace to sort. And then I think we might deserve a trip to the pictures.’

‘Smashing.’ Ruby loves the picture house. She knows all the film stars. ‘Passion’s Playground is showing. Norman Kerry and Rudolph Valentino! And Katherine MacDonald – she was so good in Turning Point…’

Maggs lets her prattle on but ignores her. Ruby’s a dreamer, and someone has to stay alert. They turn the corner and she slackens her walk, her arm still linked through Ruby’s. Buckingham Palace is not far now.