"Well, I'm off!" Mavis announced, waving to Annie before closing the door and hopping down the front stoop. The crisp air tickled her face as she wrapped her jacket tighter around her. It also honestly reminded Mavis of the day she sent the first letter to Andrew.

As if right on que, Mrs Jones' favorite window opened as Mavis walked by the adjoining flat. The friendly woman herself popped out of the window with her favorite watering can for the new box of flowers she recently installed. "Mavis dearie! Almost didn't see ya there. Off ta run errands this afternoon?" She questioned, watering her thirsty little seedlings.

Mavis nodded, returning the older woman's smile. "I am, I'm to get the post." A knowing look flashed in Mrs Jones' dark brown eyes. "Are we expectin' a letter or two from a certain someone today, luv?" She prompted, her smile scars appearing around her eyes.

Mavis turned a light pink and giggled, nodding. "I am, I usually get Pete's letters a week after I write 'im. Andrew 'as started doin' the same." She answered, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. Mrs Jones smiled gently, "Well don't let me keep ya dearie" Mavis returned the smile and said her goodbyes, continuing on her way.

The sound of clanking and laughing announced the Dalston siblings had finished their afternoon tea. A metal hoop from an old barrel led the little lad and his younger sister who both had wooden sticks in hand. "Mornin' Miz New-Kirk!" Little Jonathan greeted as he rushed past. His tiny sister Polly wasn't far behind. Mavis chuckled and waved, "Hi Johnny! Tell yore Mummy I said hi!" She said back.

Mavis wrapped her peacoat tighter around her frame when a particularly chilly wind tousled her hair and scarf. "Cor.. Am I ever thankful for you, lil' china. 'Eaven bless Annie for takin' the time ta teach me to knit." She murmured, nuzzling into the warm wool fabric.

The rest of the stroll to the post was peaceful and quiet. Mavis, if she was being completely honest, enjoyed the short time she had alone with her thoughts. Mavis relished the warmth that hit her face when she opened the post office door. The smell of aged paper and the Postmaster's fresh tea also gently greeted her nose. A little shopkeeper's bell announced Mavis' arrival when she closed the door behind her.

The Postmaster, a friendly man with a portly belly and frizzy, white mutton chops appeared from under the counter. "Miss Newkirk! I was wonderin' when you would arrive. I got yore letters right 'ere, luv." He greeted cheerfully, reaching up for the mail slot labeled 'Newkirk' Along with a letter with Peter's familiar hand Mavis recognized Andrew's writing with a sudden thrill.

She must've shown that excitement on her face. Or maybe Mavis blushed, because the postmaster peaked at Andrew's letter to see who it was from. He handed both letters over and cheekily winked. "Got a new beau, Miss Newkirk?" He asked, causing Mavis to turn a cherry red. She eventually recovered and waved the tease off with a chuckle.

One of the other workers, a young girl close to Mavis' age, peaked out from behind one of the cupboards. "Go on 'ome, China. Don't let 'im keep ya." she said with a laugh. Mavis sighed in relief. "Yore a right Treasure, you are." She said with a grateful smile. The young woman just waved it off with a chuckle, "It's nuffin' dearie."

Mavis bid them both goodbye and went out the door. She had almost stepped off the front stoop when she almost ran into a thin young man with unruly black hair. Mavis recognized him and avoided disaster when she called his name. "'Enery! 'Enery Bowling!" Henry nearly jumped out of his shoes at her shout.

"Mavis! Cor blimey, 'souse me luv! I didn' see ya there." Henry exclaimed with a slight blush. Mavis chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. "No worries, mate. What brings you 'ere?" Henry dusted himself off and stood up straight. "Ah well, same as you really. Checking the post."

Mavis nodded, even though Henry sounded like he was hiding something. "Well, don't let me keep ya. " She said with a grin. Henry mimed tipping a hat in her direction, "Do 'ave a good day, Miss Newkirk. Tell yore siblings I says 'ello, eh?" Mavis nodded and waved him goodbye before continuing on her way back to the flat.

Now that she had the letters in hand, Mavis wrapped her scarf tight around her neck and took off into a jog. She made sure beforehand both Peter and Andrew's letters were safely tucked away in her breast pocket. The crisp air from earlier was turning into a right chill that didn't allow dallying anyway. Mavis hoped Annie had prepared a nice, warm cuppa for her back at home.

Just as she was turning the corner onto Albert street and home, Mavis saw Anne standing at their front stoop. She too was wrapped up in her own peacoat. Anne looked up the cobblestone street and waved when she saw her sister. "Oi.. there ya are. 'Urry on inside luv. I got the kettle on." Annie fussed, herding Mavis through the door. Mavis didn't even complain, she was just glad for a hot mug of tea.

Soon enough, Mavis was settled on the couch in the common area with her mug. Annie had even pampered her with a plate of biscuits. "Any letters today?" Annie inquired, sitting on the cushion on the right of her sister. Mavis nodded, resting her mug and plate on the armrest and pulled out the two letters.

"You can read Pete's letter. It's addressed to all of us. The others will be able to read it when they get 'ome from school." Mavis said, opening Andrew's letter to read herself. She looked over and saw the curious twinkle in her sister's eyes. "Annalise. No ya can't read Andrew's letter." She said sharply, unfolding said letter from its envelope.

Dear Mavis

There's something you might need to know… I think Peter's gonna kill me. Of course you told him I'm writing to you. I explained that you wrote first.

He asked if I had a will planned out a few days ago. That's why I think my days are numbered. I do have a will now and I hope you don't mind caring for little Felix, my little mouse pal. I'm sure the Colonel wouldn't mind dropping him off at your place if- well, just in case.

Andrew

"Cor blimey." Mavis exclaimed, shooting off the couch and scaring Annie half to death. On top of nearly knocking over her own tea and biscuits on the armrest. Annie composed herself as Mavis paced and mumbled to herself, shaking her head.

Annie eventually recovered and shot up to stop her fretting sister from pacing. She held Mavis' shoulders in a gentle yet firm grasp and waited until she finally calmed down. When she finally stopped mumbling, Annie quietly asked: "Mavis darlin' what on earth 'as you in such a state!? It's alright!"

Mavis eventually regained her composure and took a deep breath. "It's Peter. And about Andrew as well." She finally said. Annie nodded, urging her sister to continue. "Anne. Pete's gonna bloody kill 'im! 'E said in 'is letter that Peter asked if 'e 'ad a will planned out. I knew it was a Cadbury ta tell 'im."

Mavis shook Annie off and started to pace again. "Cor Blimey I knew I shouldn't 'ave told Peter or sent that letter. Because Peter would of course bloody overreact and bloody kill someone. What on Earth-" in the middle of her rambling, Mavis was interrupted by rapid knocking at the door.

Before Annie could even blink, Mavis was off once again and rushed over to answer it. She opened the door and was slightly taken aback. Because standing there looking quite winded, was Henry Bowling. He was bent over with his hands on knees.

"'Enery!?" Mavis exclaimed, "what're ya doin't 'ere?" Henry held up hand as he eventually started to recover. He stood up and dusted himself off. "Mavis.. ya 'ave two other letters that arrived. Apparently they're urgent."

Henry reached into his coat pocket and handed over two hastily addressed letters. Mavis took them both, relieved to see one was from Peter and the other Andrew. "I've been 'opin' for a letter or two. Thank you." She said graciously. Henry tipped his hat to her with a grin. "Ah 'tis no problem Miss Mavis. Just doin' me job." He said his farewells to both sisters and went on his way back to the post office.

Mavis quickly closed the door and opened Peter's letter first.

Dearest Sister

It was only a few hours ago that I learned a certain yank got the idea in his blasted head I wanted to do him in because he was writing to you. Well, my darling kid sister, I very nearly did that. But not before said yank reminded me you're not the little sixteen year old I saw before I left anymore. And he was quick to remind me you wrote first.

Cor… He also sent a letter your way saying I was gonna do him in. Which is why I wrote this letter. I'm not gonna do him in for fancyin' you, Mavis. I just wanted to make sure you're taken care of if something does happen.

Anyway.. Either Romeo's letter or mine should reach you soon. I can tell he fancies you and you the same. Do take care until then.

With love,

Peter

Mavis sighed in relief and opened Andrew's letter. And promptly burst into a bout of unusually feminine giggles. "Oh dear, bless them both." She murmured. "What is it? What'd 'e say?" Annie questioned, walking up to peer over Mavis' shoulder. "Andrew said 'e was overreactin' about sommat Peter said." Mavis chuckled. "And Pete says 'e can tell we both fancy each other."

Annie laughed and ruffled her sister's hair. A habit the entire Newkirk family picked up from Peter, Annie especially. Mavis playfully batted at her sister's hand with an exasperated "Oi!" Annie laughed and pulled Mavis into a hug, causing both of them to burst into a fit of giggles. "I think Andrew will fit right in, eh?" Annie enquired when they returned to the couch.

Mavis nodded and reached for a biscuit that she promptly stuffed into her mouth. After a swig of tea, she replied: "Yeah, I believe 'e'll be in fine company 'ere."