A curl of steam rose up in front of Viv as she lowered her cup. “I understand, Grace. Besides, imagine having our room to yourself so you can keep the light on to read at night, instead of having to constantly purchase new torches.”

Grace had to laugh at that. No. 8 size batteries were nearly impossible to locate anymore. It was far easier to purchase a new torch than find the batteries to put in it. After Viv’s confession to being hopelessly bored, Grace had dedicated her afternoons and evenings to her friend. There had been teas, cafés, cinemas and shopping during the day and the programs on the wireless in the evening.

But even as she listened to the broadcasts, Grace’s mind always crept back to whatever story she was in the middle of reading. It made for late nights buried under her covers with her newest book.

Mr. Evans had been correct. Grace had loved Jane Austen and was currently making her way through the author’s entire collection.

“It won’t be the same here without you,” Grace said to her friend.

Viv reached across the table and took Grace’s hand. “I’ll come back here every time I’m on leave.”

“What of your parents?”

“They’ll disapprove, I’m sure.” Viv rolled her eyes and drew her hand back to her teacup. “They’ve already told me I don’t need to bother returning home, and I won’t. I’d much prefer to come here to see you rather than find myself trapped in an eternal lecture on my disappointments.”

“The ATS will be all the better for having you.” Grace sat back in her chair and regarded her friend in a new, proud light. “You’ve always been so brave.”

Viv scoffed humbly at the praise and took a sip of her tea. “I’m only sorry we won’t get to work at Harrods together. I’ll ensure I put in a good word for you before I leave. How delightful would it be if they gave you my position?”

Grace simply nodded and offered what she hoped was a convincing smile. She didn’t want to work at Harrods. Especially not without Viv.

More than ever, Grace knew without a doubt that she would prefer to continue her employment at the bookshop. Now she need only convince Mr. Evans.

When Grace entered Primrose Hill Books the next morning, she found a large box sitting on the counter. Mr. Evans greeted her as he lifted a stack of books from its depths and set them aside in a neat pile.

In the time it took Grace to deposit her belongings in the back room and return to the front, he’d nearly unpacked the entire container.

“Is that the new shipment from Simpkin’s?” She kept her tone mild, but her nerves made her feel as though she was rattling inside.