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Looking in the larder to see what she had to make a meal of later was slightly worrying.

Since Rose died and Myles left, she’d lost interest in cooking and even eating much, so the larder was bare.

But there was still a tin of the ham Myles brought, and there were some potatoes, so she could make chips to go with it.

The doorbell rang and she raced to open it, squealing with joy to see Harry even more handsome in his uniform than in the picture in her head. She jumped into his arms, legs winding round him, and he dropped his kit bag and carried her in while kissing her.

‘Well, that was a lovely welcome,’ he said as he finally put her down. ‘You did know it was me? You didn’t think you were greeting the postman?’

Beth giggled. ‘No mistake. He’s old and fat.’

They couldn’t stop kissing; it went on and on, getting more and more heated. It was Harry who broke away first. ‘A cup of tea is called for, unless you want me to die of thirst?’

‘Now that’s a romantic thought!’

‘I have got a much more romantic one up my sleeve,’ he said, tweaking her cheek. ‘But first things first. I am so sorry about Rose. She was an extraordinary lady and I liked her so much. I know how fond you were of her, I just wish I could’ve been here to support you.’

‘It’s OK, Harry, I’ve come to terms with it now, and at least Myles was here for her final days. But don’t let’s talk about sad things today. What’s the romantic thing you’ve got up your sleeve?’

‘Getting our special marriage licence. If we go there today, we could get married tomorrow.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes, really. I have to go back the day after, so it’s now or whenever I get leave again.’

Beth felt dizzy at just the size of get married tomorrow. What was she going to wear? Where would the wedding be? Who would they invite?

‘What papers do we need?’ was the first question.

‘Birth certificate. Your identity card. Maybe proof of address.’

At that her face clouded over.

‘What’s wrong?’ Harry asked.

‘The birth certificate. Is this going to catch me out?’

‘How can it? You’ve got everything in that name, ration book, letters. You are officially Elizabeth Manning, full stop! Now, let’s go, the sooner we get the licence the sooner we can plan tomorrow. Like asking my parents, and whoever else you’d like to be there.’

It was four in the afternoon when they got home, both alight with excitement.

They had the precious licence, plus they’d bought a wedding ring at a jeweller’s in town.

They’d also contacted Reverend Humphrey at Christ Church to ask if he would marry them the next day. He said he would be glad to, at midday.

Harry sent his parents a telegram: marrying beth tomorrow. christ church, clifton. 12 pm. please come. harry.

‘That’s a bit terse,’ Beth giggled.

‘Telegrams always are. But Mum knows that. There’s a bus which will take them right there, and besides if I was to go over there to ask them, Mum would insist I spend the night at home, as the groom isn’t supposed to see the bride until the wedding.’

Beth put her hands on her hips and made an expression of outrage. ‘You aren’t thinking of staying with me?’

‘I am. I thought we needed to practise before our wedding night.’

Beth dissolved into giggles. ‘In that case I’d better make up Rose’s bed if it’s to be the start of our honeymoon.’

As Beth put clean sheets on the bed she had the oddest feeling Rose was watching her and smiling. It was a good feeling.

As she cooked the chips, Harry went off to buy some wine, and all at once she suddenly felt real delight that this was now her house, and tomorrow she would be Beth Irwin. At the age of thirty-one she wasn’t an imposter anymore.

Harry picked her up in his arms to take her up to bed soon after eight. They’d drunk a bottle of wine and Beth was happily tiddly.

He dropped her on the bed, and in one swift movement pulled her dress over her head, leaving her in a silky white petticoat. Then he lay down beside her to kiss her.

‘If at any time you want me to stop, just say the word,’ he whispered, nuzzling into her neck. ‘We don’t have to do anything tonight. I just want to hold you and love you.’

‘And I want to feel your skin against mine,’ she murmured as she unbuttoned his shirt.

It seemed as if their clothes drifted off like magic, and all at once blissful sensations washed over her as Harry stroked and explored her.

He was so gentle, but at the same time sensuous, and she felt herself pressing herself ever closer to him.

He kissed her from her shoulders, breasts and abdomen, right down to her sex, and she could hardly believe that he was dipping his tongue into her, and taking her to a place she had never imagined, never thought would exist.

The end of it was like the finale of a firework display, strange but wonderful sensations that made her cry out. She pulled his head up to hers, kissing his mouth that tasted of her, and taking hold of his penis, she guided it into her.

‘That was incredible,’ she whispered later, as they lay soaked in sweat and both their faces wet with tears. ‘I had no idea!’

‘I love you, Beth,’ he said, pushing her hair back from her face and kissing her eyes and nose. ‘I’m so happy we can spend the rest of our lives together. I thought this kind of happiness was for other people, but not for me.’

‘Me too,’ she admitted.

‘Has Rose’s son said when you’ve got to leave here?’ he asked. ‘Because once we’re married I can apply for an army house.’

‘I don’t have to leave,’ she said. ‘Rose has left the house to me.’

‘Really? But—’

Beth put her finger on his lips. ‘I’ll tell you more tomorrow, about this and Ireland. But this house is ours now, so let’s go to sleep so we are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the morning, and ready to start our new life together.’