George smirked "what exactly do you need to steal from the Lord for?"

Alice couldn't speak. It took several moments of intense staring before she managed to stammer "I...I need it to help my grandmother, she's ill."

"I know. Strange how you never received a letter to tell you this?"

"I did. I just didn't tell you or Mrs Evans because I knew you'd worry about me."

"So when were you planning to tell us? Tomorrow or not at all?"

"Tomorrow."

"You could have asked me or Mrs Evans for some money. We would have lended you some."

"I'll put it back then."

"It's too late for that now. It's dishonest to even try and steal. I'll inform his lordship in the morning."

"George, don't. Please."

"I'm sorry Alice."

With that George turned and left. Alice replaced the two shillings and went upstairs. She cried herself to sleep.

The next morning Alice was asked to visit Lord Thornby. She knocked on the door to his study."

"Enter," his voice boomed from within.

Alice went in. The Lord turned around to face her "ah, Alice George informed me of last night's events. He was insistent that I was not too hard on you."

"Sir, I can explain."

"That is exactly what I would like. An explanation."

"Well, yesterday I received a letter informing me that my grandmother is ill. I wanted to go and visit her but she needs to see a doctor. I don't have the money to pay for a doctor."

"So you tried to steal the money instead?"

"Yes sir."

"And where does your grandmother live?"

"Coventry, sir."

"Very well. I shall pay for a ticket to Coventry. You may stay for as long as you wish. However I will only pay for a one way ticket as you will not need to return."

Alice was silent as the Lord continued "you are relieved of your duties."

"Sir, please."

"No, Alice, my mind is made up. Only for George you would be leaving with nothing."

The Lord reached into his pocket and pulled out some money "there, that should be enough for a ticket to Coventry."

Alice stepped forward and took the money "thank you sir. What about a reference?"

"I have written one for you. I have explained that you stole the money for a reason but it was necessary to say that you were let go because of it."

"Thank you sir" Alice said, taking the paper. She curtseyed and left.

Alice went downstairs and said her goodbyes to Mrs Evans and George. She thanked them both for everything.

"Goodbye my darling," Mrs Evans said, giving her a hug "make sure you write to me once you've got yourself settled."

"I will" Alice replied.

She turned to George. She held out a hand to offer a handshake but George ignored it and embraced her. "Actually Alice," he said, still hugging her "I...uh...wanted to ask you if you'd like to go with me to the pictures someday. I...actually really like you."

Alice stepped back "oh George I'm sorry. I'd love to go to the pictures with you, as friends, but I don't see you in that way."

George was upset but tried not to show it "oh, very well. Write to us when you get to Coventry."

"I will, I promise" Alice replied and left through the back door.

"Alice you'll have to use the front door sweetie" Mrs Evans called.

"I left a few of my things in the shed" Alice lied.

"Oh ok," Mrs Evans replied as a bell rang from inside the house "we'll have to go. Visit us though Alice."

"I will," Alice called back, as George and Mrs Evans went upstairs.

Alice continued towards the shed. Sure enough Alexander was still there. "I'm ready to go" she said.

"Oh. You have everything we need?"

"Yes," Alice replied "but please be quick."

She grabbed Alexander's hand and pulled him into the house.When they got to the front door Alice quickly retrieved her bags and coat.

When she returned she unlocked the front door and they were away.

Alice had no idea how exactly to get to Coventry. She'd never been on a train. She hoped Alexander knew.

When they had run for a few minutes they slowed to a walking pace. "So," Alice asked "how exactly does one get to Coventry?"

"Well you get on a train of course" Alexander replied.

"I know that," Alice snapped "but where from?"

"A train station perhaps?"

"There's no need to be insolent."

"Sorry," Alexander replied "but I need a new jacket first."

"Why?"

Once again Alexander had forgotten that Alice didn't know he was a deserter. "Oh , well when a soldier returns from the war they always wear a different jacket. Otherwise people think you're a deserter."

"Oh, well we don't want that," Alice replied "ok let's get you a new jacket."

"How about you go and I'll meet you at Kings Cross station?"

"Ok. But why don't you want to come?"

"Someone in the shop might suspect I've deserted the army."

"Oh of course, silly me. I'll meet you at Kings Cross. Shall we say 1 o clock?"

"Alright. I'll see you there. We'll meet at platform 10."

"Ok see you there" Alice replied and ran off down the street.

Alice didn't know where to go. She'd never shopped for a man before. She knew that Lord Thornby often shopped at Selfridges but she was sure they were very expensive. She decided to ask a passer by.

She stopped a man and asked him "excuse me I am looking to purchase a jacket as a present for my father. Where might I find one?"

"You could try the market in Portobello Road."

"How might I get there?"

"You can take the omnibus from up the road. Second building on the left. Just there." The man turned and pointed.

"Thank you ever so much," Alice replied "and would you happen to know the time?"

"It's 10:30 miss."

"Thank you" Alice replied and hurried away up the street.

After a rather long journey Alice made it to Portobello Road. The air stunk of fish and other strange things. Alice walked past hundreds of stalls selling everything from bread and oil to fish and crackers. People were shouting and bumping into her. All around were voices shouting about their special offers

"FRESHLY BAKED BREAD. GET YOUR FRESH BAKED BREAD HERE."

"GET YOUR FISH HERE. I'VE GOT SALMON, COD AND HADDOCK."

Alice even passed a stall selling cakes. One man offered her a chelsea bun and as much as she wished for one she had to refuse.

At last she came upon a vintage clothing stall. Selling every item of clothing imaginable. She strolled around and quickly found a jacket that would be perfect. She grabbed the label to see the price.

5s 6d

She stopped the seller, "Excuse me, is this the correct price?"

"Indeed it is miss, you won't find it cheaper. 5 shillings and sixpence."

Alice knew that there would most likely not be enough money for them both to get on the train. Oh well. She thought to herself. I'm sure we'll manage. She didn't want to risk getting her friend into trouble.

"Alright I'll take it" Alice informed the man.

"Excellent choice miss. Would you like a bag?"

"No thank you," Alice replied, taking the jacket and handing over the money. "Thank you."

She waved goodbye to the man and set off for Kings Cross. She knew she would most likely be too early but she hoped Alexander may be early too.

Alexander was hiding in a bush. He was certain a police officer had given him a strange look. He was staring straight at him and moving towards him. He began running down an alleyway and now he was hiding behind a bush. With a penny which he had pickpocketed off of someone on his way.

He walked down the street and found a man selling apples for only a penny. He purchased one and the man seemed eternally grateful. "Thank you sir. And thank you for your service to our country."

"Uh...you're welcome" Alexander replied.

He continued down the street until he reached another small park. Once again he hid behind a bush while he ate the apple. Above him he could hear a clock tower. He listened for how many times the bell sounded and counted. One, two, three...it continued until it had struck 12 times. Alexander began quickly running for Kings Cross Station. Luckily he had not strayed too far from it. Just a short way away. He just hoped that Alice hadn't realised who he was. His name was bound to be in the papers that day. He just hoped they were in Coventry before Alice found out the truth.