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Beth was apprehensive about going into another Tube station after what happened at Trafalgar Square, but she liked that he was talking long-term, and that took her mind off being scared.

She knew of course that it was far too soon to hope they would fall in love and stay that way, regardless of the war and the distance between them.

But there were good signs; he talked so easily about being a soldier, life down in Cornwall, his childhood and anything else she asked him about. She just wished she could be so open.

She had imagined when she read Elizabeth’s diaries and letters that she had gleaned enough about her life to be her.

She might look as well dressed as Elizabeth, but in fact she was like one of those cardboard dolls little girls fitted paper outfits onto.

Inside she was still Mary Price, whose total experience of life was a miserable childhood, and being a lowly servant.

How long would it be before Jack realized she was no more than a facade, with nothing behind it?

The raid appeared to be a fairly distant one, and the all-clear came only an hour after entering the Tube station. It was good to walk out into fresh air, and to see the Holborn area just as it was earlier.

‘I came here on a shout just before I left England,’ Jack said, pointing out two buildings undergoing extensive repairs.

‘But that café,’ he added, indicating a café called Mick’s across the street, ‘they had their windows blown out, and they’d put a sign outside saying “More Open Than Usual”.

That’s the spirit of Londoners, Beth. Refusing to be cowed with fear. And he’s got new windows fitted now.’

Beth laughed. ‘I think it’s wonderful people can find something to laugh about. Who would have thought it?’

‘I know,’ Jack said. ‘I don’t think I could.’

‘I often wonder how people learn to cook for so many people,’ Beth said thoughtfully. ‘I know I couldn’t do it.’

‘Can you cook Beth? And do you like it?’

‘Yes I can. I learned a lot from a neighbour I called Auntie Ruth. She taught me to knit and sew too.’

Beth found it odd that she felt compelled to talk about Ruth. But then the time spent with her was the best part of her childhood. ‘My first job was in service, and I learned still more from Cook when I was helping her.’

Jack looked a bit stunned. ‘To be honest I never imagined you working at anything. Too well brought up and stuff.’

It was her chance to dispel a few myths and make a story for herself.

She took a deep breath. ‘People often think that about me, but with my mother widowed we certainly weren’t rich.

I had to help out financially. But I’m not sorry I went in for service rather than working in an office.

I learned lots of useful skills. It was through meeting someone when I was with the Bradleys that I ended up running their dress shop in Richmond.

I loved that, but when war broke out they decided to shut it down.

About that time I inherited the cottage in Ireland. ’

‘So the shop is why you’ve got such lovely clothes?’ he said.

‘Yes, one of the perks of the job,’ she said with a smile. She felt she’d told him just enough now, and she felt better in herself that she’d admitted being in service, so she’d never get tripped up by forgetting herself.

They decided to go to Hyde Park then, and caught a bus in that direction.

It was lovely in the park, so warm and sunny, they bought ice creams from a kiosk and went down to the Serpentine to watch people in the small boats. Jack said there wasn’t enough time to hire one, but perhaps they could do it tomorrow or the next day.

Jack bought a bunch of flowers for Margery at Green Park station, and they went up Bond Street then to make their way back to the guest house.

Then Jack asked Beth about her mother.

She gulped. She hadn’t expected that question so soon and was unprepared. ‘Sadly she died just before war was declared. A massive stroke!’

That was the worst thing. She might have no love for her mother; but to claim she was dead seemed like the ultimate betrayal.

‘I’m so sorry, Beth,’ he said, putting his arm around her. ‘Gosh, I must stop interrogating you.’

‘I don’t see it as interrogation, only interest. I’m just glad she went quickly,’ Beth replied, anxious to move on to an easier subject. ‘After clearing out our old house, and having no one to stay for, it seemed a good idea to move to Ireland.’

‘And now?’ He raised his eyebrow questioningly. ‘Is it what you expected? Have you made friends there?’

‘Not really. There are women I talk to, but not real friends. I do get a bit lonely and bored, as I’ve got nothing much to do,’ she admitted.

‘I knit, read, go out on my bike. I need a job, really, my savings won’t last for ever.

I’m told it’s a good place to have paying guests.

I might do that next spring. Or I could let it out permanently too, and come back to England. ’

‘I keep thinking about what I’ll do after the war,’ Jack said thoughtfully.

‘I’m a carpenter by trade, and I’d like to make bespoke furniture, but I’m not certain I’d get any business in Cornwall.

One of my army pals comes from Kensington.

He said that’s the area I should focus on as there’s plenty of wealthy people living there.

Or Pimlico, Hampstead, Highgate, any of those would be good. ’

It was tempting to tell him about the interesting small shops in Hampstead and that that was where she worked in service, but she was loath to encourage him in that direction for fear of revealing more.

‘I think that’s a wonderful idea, but you could start out somewhere like Bath or Cheltenham, which would be cheaper, and there’s plenty of rich people there too. You’d need a workshop with it, wouldn’t you? Perhaps with rooms above where you could live.’

He looked surprised. ‘Good idea,’ he said. ‘You aren’t just a pretty face. Would you like to marry me and live in the rooms above with me?’

She knew that wasn’t a proposal, more of a joke. ‘Ask that question again when the war is over,’ she laughed and then went quiet.

‘Penny for them?’ he said. ‘You’ve gone very quiet.’

‘I was thinking what a lovely day this has been, but then I wondered how long it will be before I can see you again.’

Jack drew her into his arms, backing her into a shop doorway, and kissed her.

Like all his previous kisses it made her feel like being given one chocolate and wanting more.

Cupping her face in his two hands and looking right into her eyes, he gave a deep sigh.

‘I wish I could promise you that it will be in a few months’ time, but the truth, Beth, is that the fighting is very fierce over there and it looks like it’s going to get much worse. ’

That sounded to her as if he thought he might be killed there. ‘How can you be so brave?’ she asked. ‘If it were me I’d want to run away to safety.’

‘That isn’t an option,’ he said, caressing her cheek. ‘I joined up to fight for my country and I will go on doing that whatever the cost.’

‘Just stay safe for me,’ she said in a small, tremulous voice.

‘Enough now, we need to get back and have that dinner Margery promised. Don’t spoil the time we have together by worrying about stuff we can’t alter or ignore.’