“Of course, you may, dear,” the older woman said. “Mind that you do at least three layers or it won’t block out a bit of light. I’m sure he’s very appreciative of your efforts.” She filled the kettle with water from the tap. “Even if he doesn’t say as much.”

Colin came into the kitchen with Tabby following at his heels, mewing insistently. “Hullo, Grace.” His cheeks colored with a slight blush, as always happened when he entered a room Viv or Grace were in. “We received a baby cheetah this morning. There’s almost nothing to him, just a bit of fluff and a fierce personality.” He made the shape of a ball with his fingers to indicate the animal’s size.

“I imagine he must be darling.”

“You’ll have to come by and see him next time you’re at Harrods.” He glanced to his mother. “Can you hand me a tin of tuna, Mum?”

Mrs. Weatherford’s mouth pinched, but she handed him the tin regardless. “I think Tabby is large enough to find a home. Soon we’ll be sore pressed to feed ourselves, let alone a cat.”

Colin took the can with a rueful smile.

“You both think I’m mad, but I tell you, everything will be rationed.” Mrs. Weatherford folded the now empty totes and put the full kettle on the stove while Colin peeled the top off the tin with a can opener.

A pungent fish odor filled the small space and sent Tabby in a frenzy of emphatic cries. Mrs. Weatherford waved at the air. “Save yourself, Grace. Put the wireless on while I fetch our tea.”

Grace didn’t need a second offer and quickly fled the odiferous room. However, when she snapped on the set, the news greeting her was far worse than the smell of fish.

Lionel Marson’s rich voice emanated from the speakers. “Germany has invaded Poland and bombed many towns...”

Grace stood stock-still, her hand hovering over the metal knob. On he went, detailing how Poland had been attacked that morning, how major Polish cities had been bombed and France was mobilizing. With the Agreement of Mutual Assistance being signed with Poland only days before, there would be nothing for it: Great Britain and France would have to intervene.

The rest of the afternoon and evening were spent in the parlor as each new bulletin aired, everyone perched in a desperate bid for more information. Much of what was said they already knew, but listened intently regardless.

Through it all, Grace made curtains for the shop with Viv’s help once her friend came home from a successful first day at Harrods. With nerves on high alert, they picked at Mrs. Weatherford’s pork pie and prepared for the blackout before the sun had fully set.