‘But he’s on his way to Australia,’ cried Roz. ‘How on earth are you meant to give him his money back when he’s halfway around the world?’

He shrugged nonchalantly. ‘Not my problem. You can get your stuff and post the key back through the door.’

Roz took the key out of her pocket and handed it over. ‘I don’t have anything to get, I’m wearing everything I own.’

Roz turned to Mabel as they heard Mr Andrews close the door behind them. ‘What now?’

Mabel slipped her arm through Roz’s. ‘You’ll have to stay with us until we can get summat sorted out.’

‘There’s no room at yours,’ said Roz. ‘I can’t ask your parents …’

‘You don’t have to; I’m sayin’ you can stay, and I know they’d not turn you away, especially not under the circumstances.’

Mabel had been correct, and her parents had welcomed Roz with open arms. ‘That bloomin’ Mr Andrews is a tight-fisted beggar!’ snapped Mrs Johnson. ‘Don’t you worry your head, Roz, you can stay here as long as need be.’

Roz was grateful for their hospitality, but she knew the Johnsons were already stretched to the limit when it came to providing for their family. After several nights of being woken by a thud as one of Mabel’s siblings had been unintentionally pushed out of bed, Roz announced that she intended to find somewhere that might provide a live-in position.

Mr Johnson looked up from his morning copy of the Echo. ‘Live-in position, you say?’

Roz nodded. ‘Like a maid, or a nanny or—’

He turned the paper to face her. ‘How about a land girl?’

Roz took the paper and began to read, and Mabel, who was sitting next to her, craned her neck so that she might also read the article. It was an advert for the women’s land army, asking women to sign up and dig for victory. It promised clean air and healthy living, all whilst doing your bit for your country.

Roz looked at Mabel. ‘What do you think?’

Mabel chewed thoughtfully on her toast. ‘I don’t see why not. You love Coconut, and I bet they have a lot of horses on farms …’ Her voice faded into silence as Roz’s question hit home. She locked eyes with Roz. ‘You mean for me too?’

Roz nodded. ‘I’m not the only one who loves horses. I was quite surprised when we managed to prise you off Coconut’s back.’

Mabel looked at her father then her mother, both of whom seemed to think the idea a good one. ‘You’ve always been one for the animals,’ said her mother. ‘You’re too young to join the services, but this is different. I reckon you should go for it.’

Mabel glanced at Roz, who was nodding encouragingly. ‘I think this could be a real adventure for the two of us, and this way we’ll be doing our bit.’