"Are you sure you two won't join us?" asked Trixie.

Delia looked to Patsy who shook her head with a smirk; "can't I'm afraid, we promised Delia's mother we would meet her for dinner."

Delia stifled a snigger, "yes, I'm afraid a night with Gregory Peck is no match for a roast dinner with a side of discomfort."

Barbara placed a hand on Delia's arm sympathetically, "is your mother still having a hard time with you working in London?"

Delia sighed, "why would I want the smog of London when I could have the green hills of home?"

Trixie gazed at her friends through the mirror, then applied lipstick and kissed her reflection. "I for one am thankful to be in this vibrant city; the dancing, the men, the..." Trixie frowned, "well at least I would be if any of my friends would join me!"

Trixie pointedly stared at Delia and Barbara, pausing in turn. Finally her gaze rested on Patsy, the red-head laughed and exclaimed "Honestly Trix, it's like living in a nunnery!"

Delia and Barbara were highly amused. Trixie narrowed her eyes like a gunman in a shoot-out.

Barbara, realising that Trixie did not quite see the humour, shifted nervously. "Sorry Trixie, it's just not really my thing."

Trixie laughed, a little too late, thought Barbara.

"Really?" asked Trixie, "does Tom know?" She roared joyously, joined Barbara's arm with hers and sauntered out of the room, oblivious to the blushing faces of Patsy and Delia.

"Have fun girls!" Trixie called from the stairs.

Delia and Patsy stared at each other, suppressing a laugh. Then, from the bottom of the stairs an inquisitive Barbara asked "does Tom know what?"

Delia and Barbara fell into each other's arms, laughing like children. "Oh poor Barbara, so innocent" remarked Patsy.

"Or incredibly intelligent?" asked Delia, "resisting the temptation of dancing and men and dancing with men on the grounds of naivety and religion?"

Patsy raised an eyebrow, "it's a nun's life for us then Deils." Delia placed her arm around the taller woman and nuzzled into her chest.

"Oh please Patience Mount, the only habit you have is one for cute Welsh girls."

Patsy kissed the top of Delia's head, "a filthy habit but one I'm resigned to."

Delia tried to suppress a laugh, "cheeky" she said, and met Patsy's lips with her own.