So, he promised her it would be today, and here in the orchard with the birds warbling and the air sweet with the scent of sun-warmed apples, the time seemed ripe. He waited until the wooden crates at their feet were full and, against a hovering wasp’s ominous drone, he pitched his request. But he was careful not to convey the full truth in his heart – it rendered him too vulnerable. But now, in the face of the farmer’s refusal, he realises a full confession is his only hope.

‘I love her, Jim.’ Gwen’s father mutters in disbelief, but Jack continues undaunted. ‘From that first day, I knew. I knew how I felt and, in truth, that’s what’s kept me here. It wasn’t the offer of work or the money. There was something … something about her … something which struck me that day – I don’t know what you’d call it, a sixth sense maybe – and I knew I couldn’t leave, I couldn’t walk away from her. My feelings haven’t altered since that day, Jim … they’ve only grown.’

‘Well, that’s as may be, but it’s all too sudden for my liking. It’s not you, lad, I like you, don’t get me wrong, and I’d be more than happy to welcome you into the family, I really would. But all I’m asking is that you wait a bit longer, until you’re sure …

‘I am sure, Jim. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my whole life and neither has Gwen. Ask her, she’ll tell you herself.’

‘If you feel that strongly about each other I don’t see what the rush is. A few more months, is all I’m asking – let all the giddiness of young love settle down a bit before you make such a commitment.’

‘There’s going to be a war, Jim. It’s inevitable, I think we all know that, and I’ll have to go and do my bit. If we get married now, well, if anything happens to me Gwen will be looked after.’

‘No.’ Jim holds up his hand. ‘No … this war is more reason to wait, not less. I’ll not have my Gwen made a widow before she’s twenty. I’ll not have her go through that. You go and you do your bit for King and Country, lad, I wish you all the best with it, and I hope to God you do survive whatever’s coming. And if, when it’s all done, the two of you still feel the same way, well, I will happily give you my blessing. But I won’t have my Gwen rushing up the aisle like this, I just won’t …’

‘Jim, please.’