‘When is she due to arrive in Singapore?’ asked Peggy, stripping off her wrap-round apron and reaching for her jacket.

‘The same day as us,’ said Sarah. ‘We’ll meet at the docks if all goes well – if there’s a delay we’ve arranged to meet in the Palm Court at Raffles.’

Peggy glanced at the clock. ‘We’d better get going,’ she said tightly, determined not to let her emotions run away with her. ‘I’m sorry Charlie isn’t awake to see you off, and I can’t imagine where Danuta has got to.’

‘We said our goodbyes to both of them last night,’ said Jane, ‘so don’t fret, Aunt Peg.’

Peggy watched the flurry of hugs and kisses between Cordelia and her great-nieces, then, unable to bear the sight of Cordelia’s tears, hurried outside to where the car was parked in the cul-de-sac.

Cordelia came out onto the front steps to wave them off, her little face drawn and tear-streaked as the girls loaded their cases and climbed into the car. One last blown kiss, and promises to write, and Peggy drove away from Beach View, heading for the station, her sight blurred by her own tears. Poor Cordelia was obviously feeling bereft; she would have to keep a close eye on her from now on.

The town was deserted at this time of the morning but for the milkman’s dray which was being pulled by an enormous shire horse as it made its slow way up the empty streets. A glance in the rear-view mirror told Peggy that Jane was remembering the time she’d steered that lovely big horse through these streets on the milk round, and was glad she’d found time yesterday to go up to the dairy to say goodbye.

Turning the car into the station courtyard, she parked and switched off the engine. She’d known this day would come, but how had it arrived so quickly? Tamping down on her emotions, she climbed out and followed the girls onto the platform where the train was already drawing in.

She nodded to Stan and then drew the girls to her, kissing their cheeks and holding them close. ‘Good luck, my darlings,’ she murmured. ‘Have a safe journey, and please let me know when you’ve arrived. I’ll be on tenterhooks until I know you’ve got there all right.’

The girls hugged and kissed her one last time and then quickly boarded the train as Stan prepared to blow his whistle. Leaning out of the window, they reached for Peggy’s outstretched hands until the very last minute, and then waved just before the train rounded the curve and she lost sight of them.

Peggy burst into tears, and when she felt Stan’s sturdy arms around her, she sobbed against his broad chest.

‘There, there, Peggy, lass,’ he murmured. ‘They’ll soon be back, you’ll see.’

Feeling utterly ashamed at the way she’d let herself go, and knowing she must look ridiculous standing here in Stan’s arms, she eased herself from his embrace and mopped up her tears with some vigour. ‘I’m sick and tired of saying goodbye,’ she managed. ‘And I’ll have to do it all again in three days’ time when Rita and Peter leave.’