‘The greatest Empire in the history of mankind, some Empire indeed,’ Patrick announced, sarcasm ringing. ‘Well, my friends, I am going to enjoy the beef stew,’ he went on, pushing his anger about the government of his country to one side.

‘Moira, what would you like to order? Do you know yet?’ Patrick asked, his voice kind. ‘It’s all on me and Jack, no need to worry.’

The girl blushed. ‘Yes, I think I’ll have the pie. It’s ages since I’ve eaten that.’

Blackie said, ‘It’s fish and chips for me.’ He turned to Finn. Knowing he was a bit shy, and never wanted to look greedy, he said, ‘I know ye like meat, so why don’t ye have the liver and onions. I know ye’ll enjoy it.’

Finn grinned. ‘Awright, and I’ll start with the Yorkshire pudding. I hope it’s as good as your aunt’s, with lots of gravy.’

‘It is, yes, ye’ll soon see,’ Blackie reassured him, and looked across the table at Jack. ‘What tempts ye, Jack? Meat or fish? Liver? Steak-and-kidney pie?’

‘You’ve got it, Blackie! Steak-and-kidney pie. Definitely. Goodness, I haven’t fancied it for years, not since Beth died, in fact. It’ll be a nice change.’

Gladys arrived at the table again, carrying a tray of cups and saucers, which she put down and then arranged around the table. After rushing off, she returned within seconds with two large brown teapots on a tray, as well as a bowl of sugar and a jug of milk, plus teaspoons.

‘Shall I pour?’ she asked, looking at Patrick.

‘No, I’ll do it. We’re all a bit famished, Gladys. Would you please take the orders from the others? I’ll have the beef stew with dumplings, please. Thank you.’

Gladys had already taken her pencil out and was writing his order on her pad. Then she moved on, going to Moira next. Once she had their orders, she hurried off without one of her usual funny comments.

The girl had stunned her into silence. She was almost in awe of her, that incredible beauty was perfection. Who was she? She looks like a real lady, Gladys thought. An aristocrat. And her clothes were good. Really fine. Hand-me-downs, mebbe. The mystery girl, she decided. Who is she? And that Jack! Well, he was already stuck on her; that was a fact. But then he was a widower, after all. And he had been for a long time.

It was Finn who started the conversation with Moira, asking her about her trip over from Ireland, and wondering aloud if she had come alone. She said she had travelled with someone she knew. Suddenly everyone was chatting with her, obviously taken by the young woman and wanting to know her better.

Only Blackie remained silent, sipping his cup of tea. An observer by nature, he knew that shortly he would have to become the inquisitor.