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was focused on her. She flipped open her notebook, and waited, pen poised. No more was said and, as the meeting began, she was impressed. He had won that round without even raising his voice.
    From then on the meeting took her whole concentration. Her instructions were to make a note of only the relevant points, and to cut out all the unnecessary chatter and arguments. Some of the things she heard shocked her, as the full import of the perilous situation the country was in became clear. Not only had precious men been lost at Dunkirk, but a huge amount of military equipment had been left behind. There was now a desperate need to rebuild and re-equip the army, as well as building up defences against anticipated attack.
    After two hours, the chairman said, ‘That will be all for this meeting. Thank you all for your contributions. There is no doubt that we need time, but will we be giventhe necessary breathing space? That is something we don’t know, so we must act quickly.’
    Grace remained where she was while the men began to file out of the room.
    ‘Major Chester.’ The chairman stopped him. ‘You were an asset today. Your suggestions were sound, based on first-hand experience. I would like to have a copy of the notes when your … aide, has them ready.’
    ‘You shall have them, sir.’
    The chairman nodded, and then smiled. ‘By the way, it would be more appropriate if your secretary was in uniform.’
    Grace followed the major out, wondering what he would say about that last remark. But he said nothing, and the subject wasn’t mentioned for the rest of the day.

Chapter Five
    ‘How did your day go?’ Helen asked Grace when they met that evening.
    ‘It wasn’t any different from working for the lawyers. I sat in on a meeting, took notes and then typed them up. I made tea, ran errands, and looked after the major.’
    ‘What’s he like?’
    ‘I haven’t quite worked him out yet. He’s a complicated man. I don’t suppose you’ve heard anything yet, have you?’ she asked, changing the subject.
    ‘No. I’ll give them a couple of weeks. If I haven’t received a letter by then I think I’ll join up.’
    ‘Which one of the services do you fancy?’
    ‘I don’t mind. I’ll go and have a talk to the recruitment officer again. Wish we could join up together, but I suppose you’re stuck with that job.’
    Grace nodded. ‘I couldn’t walk out now, especially after all the trouble James took to get me in at the War Office.’
    ‘No, of course not.’ Helen sighed. ‘We were always so sure of the direction our lives would take, but suddenly everything has been thrown into confusion. Ah, well, thereisn’t anything we can do about it tonight. What do you want to do? Go to the pictures?’
    ‘Not really. I’ve had quite a hectic day. How about coming to my room? We can play records, chat and relax.’
    ‘Perfect.’
     
    The colonel finished reading the notes of the meeting, and then looked at Dan. ‘She’s good, isn’t she? No wonder James thought so highly of her.’
    ‘It’s more than that. I have the feeling he sent her to us to take care of. Is he in love with her?’
    ‘No, he’s been going steady with Janet for a couple of years now, but he’s been working with Grace for some time and he probably feels protective towards her. And, he wouldn’t have sent anyone to us if they weren’t efficient.’
    ‘True. She’s got a calm, quiet air about her, and isn’t easily frightened. Did you notice that she didn’t appear at all perturbed when the chairman said she couldn’t stay?’ Dan laughed softly. ‘Her expression was composed when she flipped open her notebook. Without saying a word, she had made it clear to everyone in the room that she was staying.’
    ‘I did, and so did everyone else. I believe that was why there was no further argument.’ George finished his drink and put the glass on Dan’s desk. ‘She’s still suffering from the death of her husband. It shows in her eyes in