Nancy beamed. She knew she’d just committed herself to a life of hard work. It might not be the glamorous existence she used to dream about with Gloria, or the fantasy of moving to America as a GI bride. However, it would give her little family security. That was the most important thing now.

Kitty watched the children devouring the last of the cake and smiled. As usual it had taken far longer to make than to be eaten, but that was how it should be. It was good to be out of uniform for once, in a full skirt, teamed with a pretty gingham blouse with puff sleeves and broderie-anglaise collar, topped with the rash purchase of a new cardigan. She’d decided that morning she deserved it as she’d scarcely touched her clothing coupons for ages – she was usually in uniform, after all. Laura had teased her about that often enough.

The thought of Laura reminded her of the letter she’d received a few days ago. It was from Marjorie. She was now recuperating at her parents’ house, conveniently close to where Freddy was currently being treated. Evidently their romance, begun in the most testing of circumstances, had survived and was flourishing in the quieter surroundings of Sussex. While Marjorie still couldn’t say exactly what she’d been doing, reading between the lines Kitty could tell that their guess had been right. The quiet, bookish former teacher had been working with a cell of the Resistance, going undercover at great danger to herself. Somehow she had come through it, unlike many other equally brave young women on similar missions. Kitty hoped to visit her soon. Perhaps she could co-ordinate it with Laura, if Marjorie was strong enough to take two visitors at once.

Then Frank brought her out of her reverie. ‘Shall we tell them? Make it official?’

Kitty turned to face him, her expression full of love. ‘Yes, why not, let’s do it while everyone’s here together. It’s not as if you have to ask Jack’s permission or anything. Unless you’re afraid one of us will change our mind?’

Frank laughed and kissed her quickly. ‘I don’t think so. I’ve never felt more certain about anything in my life.’

‘Neither have I.’

Frank reached down to the table and picked up a metal spoon, which he tapped against his half-full beer bottle until everyone looked towards them.

‘We’re here to celebrate the wonderful news that our country is at peace at last,’ he began, ‘but if I may have a moment of your time, I’d like to bring you some extra happy news … we’re getting married!’