In the Meantime, Darling

Due to wartime housing shortages, Lieutenant Danny Ferguson and Maggie Preston delay their wedding. They prioritize waiting for suitable accommodations at the Craig Hotel, where Army officers and wives live during the war. The couple is eager to start their married life despite the difficult circumstances.

When their accommodations are available, Maggie arrives at the hotel accompanied by her wealthy parents, Henry and Vera. Her parents are unhappy with the modest living conditions their daughter is expected to endure. Maggie, initially happy, begins to feel the weight of her new environment.

As Maggie spends her days alone while Danny is at the base, she becomes increasingly disillusioned with her surroundings. Her privileged background makes her unaccustomed to the basic conditions, leading to feelings of frustration and disappointment. She starts to realize her new life as an army wife is more challenging than expected.

Maggie quickly becomes an outcast among the other women due to her lack of domestic skills and unfamiliarity with military wife responsibilities. Her inability to contribute to the daily routines causes her to feel isolated, and she lashes out at hotel manager Mrs. Jerry Armstrong, which further alienates her.

Maggie’s mood softens when she learns of Mrs. Armstrong's personal loss—her husband was killed in battle overseas. Maggie begins to empathize with her, which helps her forge a connection with some of the other wives, especially Shirley, and she starts to adapt to her new social environment.

Danny discovers that Maggie has asked her father to influence her assignment, aiming to keep him stateside instead of being shipped overseas. Feeling betrayed and upset about her interference, Danny angrily storms out of their room, highlighting growing tension between them.

Following her husband's anger, Maggie prepares to leave and return to her parents in Philadelphia, feeling uncertain about her marriage and her role as an army wife amidst the ongoing war. This decision marks a difficult turning point in her emotional journey.

Danny returns with Philip, discovering a book on infant care Maggie bought, which leads to the assumption that she is pregnant. This misunderstanding causes him to rush to the train station, begging her to come back, showcasing their fragile communication and hopes for the future.

Danny and Red are called to ship overseas, leaving Maggie behind. Their departure is bittersweet, with Danny expressing disappointment about not becoming a father, but Maggie reassuring him that she looks forward to starting their family upon his return.

After Danny and Red leave, Maggie and Shirley resolve to find jobs in the defense industry. Their decision reflects their desire to contribute to the war effort and support their husbands and the troops, embodying resilience and patriotism during wartime.