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‘Sorry, Miss, I don’t think you’re like the rest of us. You live on The Mount, for a start.’

Alex instantly felt like an outcast.

‘Everyone’s most impressed you’re here,’ Nel gushed. ‘Must say, I couldn’t imagine it when the manager told us yesterday to expect you.’

‘It’s only for a day, before I move to filing, essentially,’ Alex said, playing down her role. ‘But I love being here alongside you. I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.’

Her new friend looked as though she didn’t believe her.

‘I was compelled to do something meaningful for the war effort,’ she tried again. ‘I’ve been accepted to help out in the Friends Hospital for a few hours in the afternoons but what I really wanted was to be part of this special chocolate tin delivery going to the Front. I think it’s a wonderful gesture from Rowntree’s for the troops.’ She decided not to mention that she also looked forward to a career in chocolate. ‘And then I’m going to learn how to give guided tours of the factory.’

Nel’s attractive sprinkling of freckles appeared to shift in a wider arc across her nose as she grinned. ‘I must admit I’ve been here six years, Miss, and doing this particular job makes me feel especially happy, because my sweetheart’s over there, so I know what you mean. I was involved with the last tin too, from the Princess. We were all so proud to work on that one.’

‘I can imagine. Is your beau across the Channel?’

Nel looked at her, momentarily perplexed.

‘Um, your sweetheart, he’s in France, is he?’

‘Flanders. I think they call it Wipers,’ she pronounced and Alex corrected it silently in her mind to be Ypres in Belgium, West Flanders. ‘His name’s Stan, er, Stanley Bloom. We’re going to be married as soon as he gets home on leave.’ She fingered the narrow ring with the tiniest of ruby gems in its centre. ‘He bought me this the day before he left and promised he’d take me to Blackpool for our honeymoon.’

‘That’s wonderful, Nel. Congratulations. I hope he’s home soon for you.’ Alex wanted to share her own engagement news but it still didn’t feel right, and bragging about her forthcoming nuptials felt downright foreign. She’d need to write and share the news with the men who believed themselves suitable husbands for her first, plus she had to choose a ring. She looked down; she hadn’t realised she’d been absently rubbing the third finger on her left hand. Matthew insisted he must take her to a jeweller in London to choose the piece she wanted to wear for the rest of her life. They were travelling south this coming weekend to visit Skinner & Co in Mayfair, jewellers to Queen Victoria in the previous century. Matthew said this was where his mother, thrilled at the news of their engagement, insisted he take his bride-to-be. It was another reason to be impressed by Matthew; most other men she was sure would either use a family heirloom or buy a ring ahead of the proposal. She loved that she would have the opportunity to choose something perfect that they both admired. It seemed so much more pragmatic; it made them equals. More than anything, the ring would be a visible sign to all who noticed that they no longer questioned her suitability for marriage, her eligibility for marriage or her availability for marriage. The ring would constantly announce and reinforce that she was spoken for and could get on with her life.

‘When do we begin?’ Alex wondered, snapping her attention back, and now followed Nel’s gaze towards the big clock that hung in this special packing room.

‘In less than two minutes,’ Nel said. ‘I’ll be right here alongside you but we have to do hand inspection first.’

‘Pardon?’

Nel giggled. ‘You’ll see. Here she comes.’

A large woman, tall as a man, hoved into view and a bell was rung sounding that it was 8 a.m. and the packing room’s team fell silent.

‘Thank you, ladies. Hands out.’

Alex followed suit in holding out her hands for inspection. She watched the woman touch their hands and murmur to each; every now and then one of the girls would swap places with another. By the time she reached the girl closest to Nel, Alex could finally hear what was being said.

‘Too warm today, Nancy. Find a swap,’ the strapping supervisor said.

It was Nel’s turn. ‘Good, Nel. You’ll be fine here. Ah, good morning. You must be Miss Frobisher?’

‘Alex, please,’ she emphasised.

‘Mr Rowntree told me to expect you. Most of the women here will be working until five this evening but I gather you are to work a morning shift to midday, is that right?’

‘Yes, that’s what was agreed, thank you.’ She wished now that she’d pushed to work all day but she didn’t believe her parents would tolerate it.

‘That’s wonderful. However, while you are a special new member of our team I’m afraid when it comes to chocolate, it takes no prisoners where hot hands are concerned.’

Alex gave a small gust of laughter. ‘I understand.’ She offered up her hands even higher and gladly for inspection.

‘Excellent, Miss Frobisher. Nice and cool. You can handle the chocolate bars if required.’

‘That would be wonderful,’ she replied, finding it hard to contain her delight and realising the woman was unlikely to call her Alex.

‘I’m Peggy, your overlooker, by the way. It’s simple but exacting work and requires speed. I presume Nel gave you instructions?’

‘She did.’