Margaret couldn’t imagine thinking that a ring was important enough to put yourself in such danger. But she wouldn’t have to consider either for some time—both the marriage part and the work in the munitions wing. For now, she was glad to work in the safety of the engraving department. One step further in her advancement and something that felt a bit more useful to the war effort than sewing. But her priority now was Dottie and the baby. So she would remain in the safety of this department for as long as possible.

She confided as much to William in their next exchange of letters.

I’m glad you’re staying safe, he wrote back.

My sisters have begun their training as nurses and are both hoping for positions overseas. Though I know they won’t see front lines, it is still dangerous work. I applaud the doors that the war is opening for women. It’s my humble opinion that they are the most capable of our species. But we are inching closer to the day that we will see battle and it does us no good to worry about the women in our lives. My sisters cause me a great deal of sleeplessness as I think of it. So it is a comfort to know that my dear friend Margaret, at least, is protected from the clutches of the worst of this.

You were right to tell me about Dottie and the baby, he continued.

Someone here should know. I’ve shared this with Tom—the boy is a vault, I promise—and we’ve already decided to spend the next few months secretly procuring a supply of cigars so that when the news of the baby’s arrival comes—at which point we assume that she will have told John—we will have a proper celebration on our end to welcome the little Beck.

Margaret would include her next reply in a box that she, Dottie, and Gladys were putting together for the boys. This time, it would include Christmas presents. Socks woven in red and green. Scarves and mittens to match. And an assortment of sugared treats she’d bought at Economy Candy in the Lower East Side.

Occasionally, Oliver dropped by with treats for them. As he was an ocean away from his own family, his mother enjoyed sending him packages full of goodies from England. Hard butterscotch candies and bins of loose Earl Grey tea were among Margaret’s favorites.