Jane’s expression became thoughtful. ‘I think that beneath her determination to remain positive, she’s actually fully aware of how things really are,’ she said quietly. ‘Mother was always protective of us – especially with me after I had that accident with the horse – and has merely been trying to bolster our spirits with all her wild schemes for their homecoming.’

Jane regarded Sarah solemnly and put her arm about her waist. ‘I know her wedding plans for you and Philip have caused you huge distress, and I certainly have no wish to go and settle in Australia now there’s a chance of me and Jeremy working in America. But as much as I try to deny it, there is a tiny spark in me which keeps hope alive that they’ll come through.’

‘I feel it too,’ Sarah admitted. ‘Although I’m dreading the moment when I have to face Philip knowing I’ve broken my promise to him and betrayed his trust.’

Jane took a deep breath and let it out on a sigh. ‘That, of course, is something I can’t help you with. But you know my feelings on the matter, and my advice has always been to let him down as gently as possible, and then go and find Delaney before it’s too late.’

She squeezed Sarah’s fingers. ‘If nothing else, Sarah, this war has taught me that life is too short and precarious to waste it in chaining yourself to someone you no longer love out of a misguided sense of loyalty.’

‘That’s easy for you to say,’ reproached Sarah. ‘Your love life is uncomplicated with Jeremy, whereas mine is a complete shambles.’

‘I’m sorry, Sarah. I didn’t mean to preach.’

Sarah could see Jane’s regret was genuine, but she was desperate now to get away from all talk of her marrying Philip. ‘You seem very certain we’ll find the information we need in Singapore. Why is that?’

Jane seemed relieved at the change of subject, perhaps realising she’d gone too far in offering her unwanted advice. She stood and ran a comb through her drying fair hair, teasing the natural waves into place. ‘Now the British Military Administration is in charge over there, it’s almost certain Singapore will become the central hub for the British POWs coming out of Malaya, Burma, Indonesia and Thailand.’

‘But they could have been sent to one of the Japanese islands, or even to the mainland,’ protested Sarah, ‘and could be repatriated in Australia. Remember, Jane, Mother has pestered the authorities over the years with letters demanding they be sent straight to Cairns on their release.’

‘If that is the case – which I doubt as they’re not Australian – then we’ll catch another flying boat to Darwin, hire a car and drive across to Cairns.’ Jane squeezed Sarah’s hand again. ‘We’ll find them, Sarah, I promise.’

Sarah regarded her sister with some awe. Jane had been kicked in the head by a horse when she was young, leaving her childlike and vulnerable, which meant she’d been molly coddled by their parents and carefully guarded against anything that might upset her. Sarah had always suspected she was much more aware of things than she’d been given credit for, and had used the accident as a ploy to gain attention and be spoilt.