Peggy was already in her dressing gown and filling her hot-water bottle in the kitchen. She didn’t really need it, but its warmth was comforting.‘You look done in, the pair of you,’ Mary said. ‘Now, I really think you should go to work tomorrow, Rose, and Myrtle, you should start getting yourself organized for going to university.’‘Mam, I wouldn’t be able to concentrate. I’d be a danger to my passengers.’‘Nor could I,’ Myrtle said firmly. ‘I can’t even begin to think about that.’ She avoided meeting her mother’s candid gaze. ‘Please – don’t make me.’ The girl’s voice broke and she pressed her hand to her mouth.‘Very well then,’ Mary said with a sigh. ‘Now off you go upstairs and—’A loud knocking on the front door made them all jump. Rose was the first to rush out of the room, flinging open the door, oblivious to the blackout precautions. Mary and Myrtle were close behind her and Grace had struggled out of her chair to follow them. Peggy stood in the doorway to the kitchen, hugging her hot-water bottle close to her chest.‘Mr Bower?
