Do you have to do that?’ Clara winced as Irene nudged her sharply in the ribs.

‘Sorry,’ Irene hissed. ‘But look at them! Shameless.’

Clara peered out over the crowded canteen. People were passing to and fro with trays of food. She could just about see her colleague Lucille on the other side of the room as she sat down beside Billy the porter.

Clara observed the pair. They were laughing, obviously sharing some kind of joke. Then Billy leant in and whispered something in Lucille’s ear, and she punched him playfully on the arm.

‘See!’ said Irene, waving her dessertspoon like a judge’s gavel.

Clara shrugged. ‘It’s not exactly a scene from a Rudolph Valentino movie,’ she sighed, taking another mouthful of apple pie and custard.

Irene huffed and rolled her eyes. ‘Well, it’s as clear as day to me. Canoodling at lunchtime. If Mr Mountford catches them…’

Clara turned to her friend. ‘I really don’t think Billy is Lucille’s type.’

‘Why not?’ Irene replied. ‘They’re both single. It’s a match made in heaven. She’s so pretty and he’s simply dreamy.’

Clara was used to Irene’s flights of fancy

Clara once again looked across the room. Billy was indeed handsome. Lots of the sales girls in Denton’s department store looked forward to seeing his sparkling blue eyes and beaming smile every morning. He was the proverbial ‘cheeky chappy’ – always ready with a compliment… ‘Nice