‘It’s our duty. Talking of which, don’t you think you should pull down the blackout?’

‘I want to see the moon. It’s a waning moon, Jay. Do you know what that means?’

He sighed. ‘It’s practically a Bomber’s Moon. And you know what that means.’

She made no move to block out the light. Joseph climbed of bed, marched to the window and yanked the blind down.

‘Oh Jay, always spoiling my fun,’ she murmured.

He got back into bed, snapped off his lamp and turned his back on her. Oblivion, that’s what he wanted. Not those awful dreams. No more of those, please God.

As he drifted off to sleep, an image flashed through his mind and for once, it was something good. A heart-shaped face, brown, intelligent eyes, a steady smile. He’d seen her this morning for the first time in almost thirty years.

Gwen.

Chapter 11

Snowden Hall

Snowden

Gloucestershire

Dear Vi

Got the P.C. saying where you’ve ended up and you’ll never guess – I’m not that far away!

The place I’m working has moved us all to the countryside! You could say, we’re vackies too and I’ve even brought the cat! Yes, Tabby’s a country bumpkin now. So, you needn’t worry about her. She’s quite safe, here with me.

Course, Dad wasn’t best pleased at first, at the thought of being all on his tod but when we found out you were in Gloucestershire, he gave me his blessing to go.

We only arrived yesterday and we’ve been hard at it this morning, sorting out all the boxes and papers and getting everything in the office shipshape.

I’m on my tea break now, so I’ve snatched five minutes to drop you a line and give you my address. Do write back quick as you can, Vi, and tell me everything. What’s it like on the farm (when I saw they’d sent you to a farm I knew you’d be over the moon!), what kind of animals do they have and what is the family like that you’re boarding with? Don’t forget to mind your Ps and Qs and say please and thank you, will you?

I’m sure it won’t be long before we hear from Mutti, Mum, so don’t worry.

Can’t promise anything because I haven’t worked out how far away you are but, with a bit of luck, I’ll be able to come and visit.

In any case, I thought it might cheer you up to know I’m nearer than you thought.

Better go! I can hear the clink of cups, which means tea break’s over!

Can’t wait to hear from you, Vi, so don’t dilly-dally!

Toodle pip

Lots of love,

Maggie

XXX