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each, saying sagely, ‘I dare say this is somethin’ else we’ll have to get used to doin’ wi’out soon. My Fred loves his sweet cuppa, but the ration we’ll be allowed won’t last a day, let alone a week. Still, on a more cheerful note I heard from our Freddy today. Now that he’s done his trainin’ he’s been sent to Preston an’ he thinks they’ll be shippin’ ’em over to France any day.’
    Seeing the deep concern on the older woman’s face, Lucy’s heart went out to her. She knew how much she worried about Freddy, but then most women with sons the same age were in the same position. Each of them dreaded seeing the telegraph boy cycling towards their house and prayed that he would pass them by. Freddy was actually a very nice young man and had made it more than clear that he liked Lucy, but the girl wasn’t interested in having a boyfriend, much to Mrs P’s disappointment. Her boy could have done a lot worse than take up with young Lucy as far as she was concerned, but then who knew what might happen when the war was over? She could live in hope.
    ‘I’m sure he’ll be fine,’ Lucy said as she patted Mrs P’s hand. The words sounded so inadequate even to her own ears, but what else could she say? Rising from her seat, she began to gather Mary’s things together now, and once they were ready to leave, she gave Mrs P an affectionate hug.
    ‘Thanks so much for having Mary and I’ll see you tomorrow, shall I?’
    ‘You will that, luvvie.’ The woman forced a smile as she saw Lucy out, then moving back to the table she took up Freddy’s letter again and reread every word, wondering if the whole damn world had gone mad. The war won’t last for long – it can’t do, not after the last lot, she told herself, and helped herself to a Garibaldi biscuit to dunk in what remained of her tea.

Chapter Four
     
    ‘Right then, young ladies,’ Mrs Broadstairs said the following Monday morning as she eyed the new recruits critically. ‘A few rules before I show you to the departments where you will be working. First of all, you must remember that the customer is always right! You must never, and I repeat never, argue with a customer even if you feel their choice is unwise. Customers are hard to come by in these difficult times. And Miss Smythe, I have to say those shoes are most unsuitable. You were told to wear flats, not high heels. I have no doubt you will wish you had by the end of the day when your feet are aching.’
    Annabelle stared back at her haughtily. ‘I don’t own any flat shoes, nor do I wish to.’
    Mrs Broadstairs positively bristled. She could see that she might have problems with this one. Miss Smythe was a right little madam if she wasn’t very much mistaken, but then no doubt she wouldn’t be quite so cocky after a long day on her feet. The other girl, Miss Ford, looked all right though. Her clothes were plain but smart and her auburn hair was tied neatly back into a ribbon at the nape of her neck. She didn’t appear to have a cocky attitude like the other girl either, which was something to be thankful for.
    ‘You two will have your morning break at eleven a.m. The staff dining room is located on the top floor but you will be back in your departments at eleven fifteen promptly. Your lunch break is from one to one thirty, and afternoon break three thirty until three forty-five. Is that quite clear?’
    When both girls nodded, Annabelle somewhat resentfully, Mrs Broadstairs went on, ‘Neither of you will have access to the tills until you have more experience – you are junior sales personnel. And you will both do exactly as the shop-floor manager tells you, be it dusting or stock-taking.’ She got a little thrill of satisfaction when she saw the look of horror that flitted across the blonde’s face. She obviously wasn’t used to such lowly tasks if her clothes were anything to go by, especially the white ruffled blouse she was wearing, which looked suspiciously like pure