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across Dan’s face. ‘I thought she might also like to have a go at the assault course with me.’
    ‘Don’t you dare! Teaching her to drive is good, but you leave it at that!’
    ‘You know that’s the wrong thing to say to me, Uncle.’
    ‘The sooner you get back to your regiment, the better, Dan. You’re a menace with time on your hands.’ George stood up. ‘Come on. You can buy me a drink.’
     
    Major Chester was already in the office when Grace arrived at eight o’clock the next day.
    ‘Ah, good, you’re early.’ He glanced down at her shoes. ‘Can you walk over rough ground in those?’
    ‘Yes, sir. They’ve only got a low heel, and are very comfortable.’
    ‘Come on, then. We’re going out for the day. Bring your pad. We will need a record.’
    The car was waiting outside, and she got into the passenger door Dan was holding open. He slipped into the driver’s seat, and Grace was surprised. Considering he had an injury to his leg she had expected him to have an official driver. He hadn’t said where they were going, and she didn’t ask. The major would tell her when he was ready.
    She relaxed and watched the passing scenery. They were heading out of London, but as the signposts had been removed in case of invasion, she had no idea where they were heading.
    They had been driving for over an hour before he spoke.
    ‘We’ll soon be at Dover. I’ll tell you when I want something recorded.’
    ‘Yes, sir.’
    He glanced sideways at her. ‘It will be a long and busy day. When we get back to the office, I will need the notes typed up today.’
    ‘Understood, sir. My parents know this isn’t a nine-to-five job. Oh, there’s the sea!’ she exclaimed.
    He stopped the car so she could have a look at the view. She tried to image it crowded with landing craft. ‘German losses will be enormous if they try to cross the Channel.’
    Dan nodded. ‘That’s why I believe they will have to knock out our air force and defences first. But we’ve got to be prepared for anything. If they had invaded soon after Dunkirk, they would have had a better chance. For some reason Hitler didn’t do that. He’s given us time to rally ourselves after our losses, and that was a big mistake on his part. Now, we must get on. Do you see that castle over there?’
    Grace nodded.
    ‘That’s where we are going.’
     
    Over the next week, Grace was busy until late in the evenings. By the time she arrived home it was too late to see Helen, and all she wanted to do was have a bath and fall into bed. Major Chester attacked the inspection tour he was on as if he was going into battle. He was a power house; never flagging, even though his limp was more pronounced by the end of the day.
    Grace took to wearing skirts with plenty of room in them, and flat shoes. She was determined to stay with him, no matter what the conditions were – and some were pretty rugged. Henever had to wait for her as he strode around. She made sure she was always just a step behind him on his right-hand side. After the first two days he didn’t even bother to look round, but gave his instructions, knowing she was there.
    After a week she was fitter than she had ever been, and loved every minute of it. They would arrive back at the office around seven every evening, dusty, often dirty, and ravenous. The major would order food, and while eating, Grace would type the notes for the day. These were then distributed to the required people. Only then was the day finished.
    The last day of the assignment the major was to act as advisor and observer for the Local Defence Volunteers manoeuvres. Before setting out he had made her change into ATS slacks and jacket. It turned out to be a wise move. They had tramped through fields, muddy from overnight rain, hid in barns, and even jumped into a ditch to keep out of sight. It was the most fun she had ever had.
    They were given strange looks when they arrived back at the War Office that evening.
    ‘Good Lord!’