The Whalebone Theatre

October 1939

Britain is now at war with Germany, and Rosalind hosts what is likely to be her last party. Cristabel and Flossie both look uncomfortable and wear ill-fitting dresses. Flossie hopes to meet a husband at the party but is self-conscious about her weight and general appearance, while Cristabel resents the idea of waiting to be chosen by a man.

Although Willoughby applied for war service, he was rejected, so he intends to use Perry’s influence at the War Office to secure 18-year-old Digby a high-ranking position in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Maudie asserts that Digby is not built for warfare, but Willoughby insists that his son will “do what he must” (227). Meanwhile, Digby tells Cristabel of his plans to enlist as a private in the army. He does not want preferential treatment over other men. During the party, Flossie eavesdrops on the men, who are mostly confident that the Nazis can be beaten quickly. However, Perry warns that the war is likely to be brutal.

In a letter to Cristabel, Digby reveals that he is training as a private in the army. He describes making friends with another soldier named Groves. Groves is from Yorkshire and comes from a family of miners.