Danuta sipped her tea. ‘By the way, there is something I meant to tell you yesterday, but in all the excitement it went out of my silly head.’

‘Oh yes?’

‘I think maybe it is secret, so you must promise not to say anything.’

Peggy was instantly alert. ‘What is it?’

‘I saw Frank yesterday, and he had a visitor.’

‘Go on,’ urged Peggy shifting to the edge of her chair. ‘I promise I won’t breathe a word, Danuta, but do get on with it. The suspense is killing me.’

‘It was Brenda from the pub. They were holding hands and he kissed her cheek before driving off.’

Peggy sat back. ‘Well I never,’ she breathed. ‘Good for Frank. It’s time he saw a bit of life, and Brenda’s a lovely woman – very loyal and hard-working, with a good sense of humour too. He’ll be all right with her.’

Danuta frowned. ‘When I first came to Beach View I’m sure someone told me she was married.’

Peggy nodded. ‘She was. He signed up for the navy, working in the engine room, and got killed when the Ark Royal was sunk by a U-boat off Gibraltar, back in late ’41.’

She gave a sigh. ‘He was a nice man, and it was a shame they’d had no children. It took a long time for her to get over his death, but she found it a great distraction to work at the Anchor for Rosie, and she’s almost become part of the fabric of the place.’

‘Then I hope they will be happy. But isn’t it a bit soon after Pauline left?’

‘There’s been little love between Frank and Pauline for years, and now their divorce has come through he’s free to do as he pleases. If Brenda can give him what he’s been missing all these years, then good luck to them both, I say.’

Danuta grinned. ‘You never liked Pauline very much, did you?’

Peggy grinned back. ‘Let’s just say life is far more pleasant without her, and leave it at that, shall we?’

Part Five

27

Singapore

Jim swung the car into the Raffles driveway that April afternoon and parked in the shade of the palm trees. He climbed out, adjusted his hat and took the steps in two strides. Upon reaching the entrance foyer, he quickly made his way to the bar, ordered two Singapore Slings and then carried them to Elsa Bristow’s office.

‘Tiffin time,’ he announced, kicking the door shut behind him.

‘You must have read my mind,’ said Elsa, turning from the now empty shelves with a smile. ‘My goodness, you look pleased with yourself today, Jim.’

‘That I am,’ he said, handing her the glass frosted with condensation. ‘Here’s to the Empress Aurelia and all who sail in her.’ He raised his glass and drank thirstily.

‘So, your ship has finally come in,’ she murmured. ‘I’m glad for you, Jim. When do you sail?’