Page 111 of The Blitz Secret

‘Isn’t that whereshe’s from?’

Charlotte did the honours, pouring milk into the tea.

‘I think so,’ she said, trying and failing to be off-hand about it.

‘Quite a charisma, I thought,’ Mrs Pearson said. ‘I hope you’re not going to get tangled up in anything.’ She didn’t look at her daughter but she could practically feel her blushing. Charlotte had always been susceptible to a strong character. Perhaps it was growing up as an only child, missing out on an older brother or sister.

The custard was ready. Mrs Pearson poured it over two bowls of crumble and brought them to the table. Her daughter blew on hers, in a hurry to eat it before a skin set. Always in a hurry.

‘I suppose they’ll want you to kill her at some point,’ Mrs Pearson said, taking a delicate bite. The apple was sour. Not enough sugar to balance it. She wondered how much longer they’d have to put up with it all, before Hitler arrived and set everything back to normal. It couldn’t go on for much longer. The rationing. The blackouts. Girls being sent out to work. Made you wonder what you were fighting for if this was all they had to look forward to.

‘I suppose so,’ Charlotte said. ‘But in the meantime, I think we’re going to be the best of friends.’