London, 1939

Major Jack Skelton checked his tie one last time in the mirror of Frank and Violet Bentley’s drab spare bedroom, then grabbed his bag and, as Frank sounded the motor’s horn outside, ran lightly down the stairs.

Violet stood at their foot, her pretty face uncertain. “I hope you enjoy your stay in England, Major,” she said as Skelton stopped before her.

He raised an eyebrow. “I’ve come to prepare for war, Mrs Bentley. It’s not an enjoyable business.”

She flushed, her hands twisting a little within her floral apron. Skelton knew she couldn’t wait to be rid of him.

Outside, Frank sounded the horn once again, but Skelton didn’t move, nor shift his eyes from Violet’s face. “I’d move from London, if I was you,” he said. “Hell lies just around the corner, and if you don’t have the taste for that kind of thing—” now his eyes travelled slowly about the garish, cheap furnishings of the hall “—I suggest you find yourself a quiet corner somewhere far from London.”

“Major,” Violet whispered, her eyes now huge, “Frank’s waiting. You’ve got to go.”

Skelton’s mouth twitched. He lifted his hand, and Violet shook it too quickly, her grip clammy and soft.

Skelton touched his cap, and then he was gone.

Frank Bentley had the motor of his small car turning over and he gestured impatiently out the window when he saw Skelton emerge from the front door. “Come on, old chap! We’re late as it is!”

Skelton paused halfway down the path, looking at the house next door. The curtains in the bay window parted, and for a moment Skelton had a view of the two women within: Mrs Ecub and Mrs Matilda Flanders, watching.

Again he touched his hat, but this time his eyes twinkled, and a small smile lifted his mouth.

“Major!” Frank yelled.

I’m off to war, Skelton said to the two women.

We know, Matilda replied. We’ll hold a Circle. Be well.

For an instant Skelton’s mind was overwhelmed with memories of the Circles he’d held with these two women, with the intimacy, both sexual and emotional, and his eyes softened.

Then he was gone, running down the path towards Frank and his motor.