“Eeew,” Polly said, screwing up her face. “I wouldn’t, even if they was washed.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Well, I don’t suppose there’s much we can do about it. We can hardly go around the village asking everyone if they bought ladies’ drawers from the rag and bone man.”

Polly giggled again, earning a scowl from Violet.

“I’m just glad Martin isn’t sitting here listening to all this,” Violet muttered.

“He’d probably have a flipping heart attack,” Sadie said, her grin suggesting she’d recovered from her shock.

Elizabeth glanced up at the clock on the mantelpiece. “He is awfully late, Violet. Do you suppose he’s all right?”

Violet grunted and got to her feet. “He’s probably snoring away in his bed and dreaming he’s twenty again. I’ll take him a cup of tea. The kettle should be boiling by now. Meanwhile, Sadie, sort out that washing and fold it. You can get the ironing done this afternoon.” She got up from the table and went over to the stove for the teakettle.

Sadie left the table to sort the laundry, and Polly pushed her chair back, too. “I’d better get back to the office, m’m,” she said. “I’ve got some letters to sort out.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Very well. How is your penfriend project working out these days?”

Polly and Sadie exchanged pleased glances. “We’re getting lots of letters off to the boys abroad, m’m,” Polly said proudly. “Nearly all the women in the village are writing to someone over there. Marlene says the boys are ever so pleased to get the letters.”

“I’m sure they are.” Elizabeth smiled. “You and Sadie are doing something very worthwhile for the war effort. Keep it up. How is your sister? Is she keeping well?”

Polly nodded eagerly. “Marlene says as how she might be coming home soon. They’re sending a lot of the ambulance drivers home from Italy, though she may have to go to France next. I just hope she can stay here for a while. I really miss her, and I know Ma does, too.”