feet down on the pedals. ‘Just let me try that again.’
The lieutenant sighed once more. It was going to be another long afternoon. ‘Let’s take a break,’ he said. He turned to address Flora and Mairi. ‘You two can go and report to the office. You’ve passed.’ He signed his name on the bottom of a couple of forms and handed them over. ‘Give these to the officer at the desk. He’ll let you know which detail you’ll be assigned to. Now,’ he said, bracing a hand against the dashboard and turning back to Bridie, ‘let’s give it another go . . .’
It was dark inside the tin hut, where a makeshift desk had been set up next to a small window that allowed a square of winter light to enter. It took a moment or two for Flora and Mairi’s eyes to adjust. They stepped forward and proffered the forms to the orderly sitting at the desk. He took them without a word and began writing the girls’ details on to cards for filing. Once he’d finished, he looked up at them. ‘Miss Gordon. Miss Macleod. Report to Hut Eight. They’ll sort you out with your uniforms. You’ll be assigned for general driving duties on a day-to-day basis and ambulances when needed. Welcome to the Wrens.’
Blinking as they stepped back out into the open air, Mairi grinned at Flora. ‘We did it!’ They watched for a moment as out on the parade ground, Bridie appeared to be making headway with her driving, too, negotiating the oil drums without sending them rolling in all directions now. ‘Looks like she might be joining us soon. And there’s Hut Eight.’ She pointed to the row of newly constructed buildings at one side of the small bay.
The toot of a horn made them look round. A car had pulled into the camp, and a uniformed figure waved to attract their attention.
‘It’s Alec!’ Flora exclaimed, joy brightening her face like sunlight on water.
He strode towards them, arms outstretched. ‘Flora, Mairi, have you joined up? That’s wonderful news! I’m glad I’ve run into you because I have something to tell you, too. I’m being assigned to duties here, helping to commission the port. We’re needing a good signalman and I’ve suggested Ruaridh, since he knows the lie of the land and every inch of the loch like the back of his hand. It’s not definite yet, but I’m hoping he’ll be transferred.’
The surge of hope in her heart was so powerful that Flora couldn’t speak.
Alec smiled down at her. ‘Wouldn’t that be something? All of us back here together, just like old times? He might even be home in time for Christmas.’
‘That would be the very best news possible,’ Flora replied, finding her voice again. ‘Having Ruaridh back. And you, too, Alec. Thank goodness you weren’t one of those hurt when the Nelson was blown up.’
Against the grey of the sky and the waters beneath it, her face and hair glowed, lit by her smile. Alec glanced down at the toes of his boots, apparently self-conscious all of a sudden, his usual easy confidence deserting him. But then he raised his eyes to hers again and plucked up the courage to say, ‘There’s to be a dance at the hall on Hogmanay. Will the two of you be going? I could come and pick you up, if you like.’
Flora hesitated. ‘Will Diana be coming up for it?’ she asked, keeping her voice light.
Alec’s eyes went back to his boots and his face flushed slightly. He shook his head. ‘I’m afraid to say Miss Kingsley-Scott has broken off our engagement. She’s met someone else in London, someone rather more important than a mere sub-lieutenant assigned to the sticks.’
Flora tucked a stray strand of hair back into her braid. ‘Well, I’m sorry to hear that.’ Her words belied the rush of relief she felt. She was a little surprised at the strength of that feeling, but told herself it was just that Alec surely deserved someone with a bit more warmth about her. She and Mairi exchanged a glance, and Mairi nodded. ‘The dance would be grand. Thank you. And Alec—’ Flora broke off, trying to find the words, overcome with emotion once again. Had to make do with a simple, ‘Thank you for recommending Ruaridh, too. It’ll be good to have the pair of you safely back on dry land.’
He saluted them smartly, then turned on his heel and marched off to report to his commanding