Grace Bennett and her friend Viv move from Drayton, Norfolk in England to London. They always dreamed about living in the big city, but now their move has become a necessity. After Grace’s mother died, it was discovered that her uncle owned their house in Drayton, and he kicked Grace out. Her mother’s friend, Mrs. Weatherford, has offered Grace an apartment in London with discounted rent. As the two young women travel through the London tube, Grace notes the posters advertising for men to join the army; they all know war with Germany is an impending certainty. When they arrive at Mrs. Weatherford’s house, Mrs. Weatherford is happy to see them and very welcoming, as is her son Colin, who is around Viv and Grace’s age and often brings home rescued animals.

Mrs. Weatherford talks to Viv and Grace about finding a shopkeeping job in London. Major department stores need a letter of recommendation, which Viv has but Grace doesn’t, despite having run her uncle’s shop for years. Mrs. Weatherford arranges an interview for Grace with Mr. Evans, who owns a bookshop. Though Grace doesn’t know anything about books, she takes the interview because Mr.