Love and the LAND GIRL

THE STORY SO FAR: It’s 1941 when Sarah, a secretary from Tyneside, joins the Women’s Land Army, in part to escape her parents, who have grown distant and seem unhappy. Sarah is assigned to a training farm in Northumberland and, while her father has agreed to her going, her mother angrily declares that Sarah will be back in a week. Uncle Charles, a family friend, sees her off at the station, admitting her parents are going through a sticky patch but blames it on the war, and tells her not to worry. On the train, Sarah’s able to relax and looks forward to exciting times, but trouble on the line causes a lengthy delay, and she arrives exhausted and hours late. She’s met by another Land Girl, Morag, who has no time to listen to explanations and appears too angry to be civil.

There now,’ a jolly-looking lady opened the door and introduced herself as Norma Tweddle. ‘Here at last. You poor thing. What a journey! Come in. And Morag, don’t you worry – we’ve left you some food.’

Morag swept off her hat, revealing masses of curls that she shook like a puppy. She kicked off her boots. ‘Where’s Heather?’

‘Seeing to the animals. Mr Hall’s gone with her so you can stay and get comfy, lass.’

Morag seemed to brighten at hearing this.

The kitchen was warm, cosy and inviting, with a stove, a bubbling stew pot and a singing kettle. Sarah felt herself melt, exhaustion