The Last Night in London by Karen White (reading list .TXT) 📕

David writes often. As I’m sure you’re aware, he’s been assigned to administrative duties, owing to another failed medical evaluation. He’s bound and determined to try again, but in the meantime he brings me news of Sophia. He is proud to report that “our girls,” as he calls you, Sophia, and Precious, are quite active in the war effort and working with the Women’s Voluntary Service. I can’t imagine how the führer expects to win Britain with the strength of our women stacked against him. He also mentions how Alexander Grof has been kind enough to fill in as escort in our absence. I will be sure to thank him when I see him next.

I only have a few minutes until I have to report, so I have to cut this short, but I’m writing to let you know that I expect to have leave around Christmas. Because of the uncertainty of our special mission and which volunteers will be selected, everything is unclear at the moment. I won’t be able to let you know anything more specific, but that will make it a lovely surprise, won’t it?

Just know that you are my last thought before I fall asleep, and the first one when I awaken. I sometimes dream I hear the crash of waves against the shore, and I imagine that’s our future I’m dreaming of, and it makes my sleep restful.

I love you, darling.

Yours always,

Graham

Eva looked at the date on the letter—it had been written over a month ago, which meant they might be together any day now. She read the letter again, then hugged it to her chest, worry over the special mission warring with her excitement at seeing Graham again. She was reading it for the third time when Precious knocked on her door.

“Is it from Graham?” she asked, joining Eva on the edge of the bed. “He’s coming home, isn’t he? You see—I told you if you didn’t watch him leave, he’d come back.”

Eva nodded. “He’s coming home at Christmas. He wasn’t able to tell me when, so I suppose I’ll just have to say no to every invitation.” She picked up the bottle of Vol de Nuit and applied it generously to her neck. “I want to be ready,” she said, smiling at her friend in the mirror.

Precious turned a guileless gaze on Eva. “Did you ever tell Graham about the perfume?”

Eva considered lying but said simply, “No. And it’s not like Graham isn’t the one who is allowed to enjoy it the most.”

Precious smiled. “Looks like you figured out how to have your cake and eat it, too. I’m glad, since I love the perfume. Being able to wear it makes me as happy as a hog in a waller.”

The relief at not being judged for her decision to keep the perfume loosened the knot Eva had been carrying in the pit of her stomach. She smiled back at her roommate. “I have no idea what that is, but I’m glad it makes you happy.”

They both started laughing, from relief more than anything else. They were still howling with laughter, the tears running from their eyes, when the front door buzzer sounded, sobering them both quickly. Eva stood, smoothing her hair in the mirror. “It could be Graham.”

Precious pushed her gently. “Hurry. I’ll stay here so you two can have some privacy.”

Eva’s heart raced as she ran to the front door and threw it open.

Alexander stood on the threshold in elegant evening attire, his hat in his hand. “A kind gentleman let me inside so I didn’t have to ring up. I do apologize for the late notice, but I would like you to accompany me to dinner at the Savoy this evening.”

“No,” Eva said, not caring if she sounded rude. “I’m not going out tonight.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is there a reason? Something I should know? I hope you’re not keeping anything from me.”

She swallowed the nervous lump in her throat, hoping he didn’t notice. “No. I’m tired and want to stay in.” She began to close the door, but he put out his arm, stopping it.

“That would be a mistake on your part, my dear. I have news of your parents that I think you should hear. Or if you’re not interested, I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. St. John would be.”

Cold fear slipped through her veins as she let go of the door and allowed him to step inside. “You’re very smart, Eva,” he said. “It’s why I like you. Now, do run and make yourself presentable. I have a job for you this evening, and you need to look your most beautiful self.”

“What about my parents?”

He gave her a look of admonishment. “Didn’t you learn as a child that you don’t get a treat until you’ve done your work?”

She wanted to tell him that she’d never gotten treats as a child, but knew it wouldn’t matter to him. Without a word, she retreated to her bedroom, where Precious waited.

“It’s not Graham?”

Eva shook her head. “No. It’s Alex. He’s quite insistent that I join him for dinner this evening.”

“Didn’t you tell him no?”

“He’s not the sort to take no for an answer. I’m afraid I don’t have a choice.”

“Of course you do,” Precious said. “Just tell him no.”

“I don’t have a choice,” Eva said again in a tone she hoped brooked no argument.

“If you say so,” Precious said. She stood. “You take your time. I’ll go keep Alex company. I think I’ll tell him the story of how my little sister brought a skunk into the house as a pet. That should entertain him for a while.” She winked before heading out of the room, her quick footsteps receding down the hallway.

Eva read Graham’s letter again, then folded it into her bag to keep it close, to read again later, making herself a promise that she would not share this one with Alex.

—

Alex made Eva leave her cashmere coat in the flat before they descended in the lift. Despite gas