In your last letter, you invited me to London as soon as possible. Do you mean that? Or are you just being kind to a silly old man? I will come, if you want me. Could you help me with the fare? I hate to ask but I am a little short of money right now.

If I come to London, we must discuss our future. I proposed so long ago to you. Do you still want me?

My fondest love,

George

Marion sighed. No matter how much she reassured him, she knew he couldn’t shake himself out of a mood until he was ready.

She went to her small desk and took out notepaper and pen, working out how she would apologize and tell him how much he meant to her. She knew they had been waiting a long time to marry. Had it really been ten years since they first became engaged? The war had felt like such an unreal time that it seemed impossible it had been so long. They loved each other – they both knew that – but circumstances were so against them.

There was a knock at the door.

‘Come in.’

‘Crawfie, do you have a moment?’ Lilibet closed the door behind her and grinned. She was twenty-one now, the picture of a proper young woman. ‘I have something to tell you.’

Crawfie gave her full attention. ‘Come on then.’

‘It’s a secret.’

Crawfie grinned. ‘Out with it.’

Lilibet held out her left hand, wiggling the fourth finger. ‘Philip and I are engaged to be married.’

‘Oh my goodness!’ Crawfie stood up and hugged her. ‘How wonderful. Congratulations!’

‘Thank you. The public announcement is tomorrow.’

‘Tomorrow! Let me see that ring.’

‘Philip designed it. The stones are a gift from his mother, Princess Alice.’

‘It’s beautiful.’ Crawfie squeezed Lilibet’s hand with love. ‘I’m so happy for you.’

Lilibet took a seat. ‘Now that I’m twenty-one, Papa has finally given his consent.’

‘Of course he has. You and Philip will be very happy together.’ Crawfie smiled. She looked thoughtfully at Lilibet. The Princess had been just a little girl when Marion and George first met, but she was so grown up these days. Now that she was getting married, now that Margaret was nearing seventeen, perhaps it was finally time for Crawfie to make a change within her own life. ‘Actually, I have a secret too,’ she said.

Lilibet looked at her curiously. ‘Well, do tell me.’

‘I am engaged to be married too!’

Lilibet clapped her hands. ‘How exciting! But you are not wearing a ring?’

‘No.’

‘I didn’t know you had a beau? Who is he?’

‘Major George Buthlay.’

‘A soldier! Tell me about him.’

‘He is a little older than me and he is a bank manager with Drummonds Bank.’

‘A catch! When is the big day?’

‘Well …’ Marion hesitated. ‘It has been a long engagement, but I think perhaps the wedding will be soon. I must ask the Queen first.’