9. I’m in Love with Him and I Don’t Care a Scrap

Chapter 9: Between Two Fires, uses Jim’s letters and Norah’s diaries to explore Norah’s new acquaintance with Danny, Jim’s airman brother. As Danny starts to send letters and photographs to Norah, Jim’s anxiety mounts and a battle for her affections soon ensues. Jim declares Norah his ‘dream girl’ and urges her to affirm that their relationship is special. His letters now come thick and fast – but he then makes an odd request for a secret meeting, which leaves Norah puzzled and offended. The chapter ends with Danny’s visit to Norah’s home in September 1941 and her smitten diary response after their kiss on Derby Station. I include Danny’s sole surviving letter, written to her parents. Norah, madly in love, sends her new photograph to Danny and not to Jim.