‘She might have said she was,’ said Peggy, ‘but in her heart it was the last thing she wanted to do.’

Cordelia gave a deep sigh. ‘It’s all terribly sad, isn’t it? Sarah’s holding fast to her promise to Philip despite loving another man – and poor Sybil is determined to believe he and my nephew are alive. This journey to Singapore is fraught with disaster. I can feel it in my bones.’

Peggy thought about the broken shards of china scattering across her kitchen floor, and an icy chill feathered her spine. She chose to ignore it as she poured out the tea. ‘There’s nothing we can do about any of it, Cordy,’ she said, handing her the cup. ‘Especially not with this horrid tea. I must try and remember to buy some tomorrow.’

‘You don’t fool me, Peggy Reilly,’ said Cordelia softly. ‘I know you’re worried sick about the girls, and still deeply upset by the news that Jim won’t be home any time soon. But for all your strength and determination to put on a brave face, there are times when you must talk and let all those feelings out. I’m always ready to listen, Peggy.’

Peggy took her hand. ‘I know, Cordy, and believe me I have cried and stormed and let it all out – and I’ve realised I just have to accept that I can’t solve everyone’s problems or change things.’

Cordelia smiled with deep affection. ‘Well, that’s a start, I suppose.’

Peggy came down from the bathroom the next morning with Daisy to find everyone but Martin and Danuta already at the breakfast table. She’d slept pretty well, for she was convinced a letter would come from Jim today, and was feeling quite sprightly. Sitting Daisy at the table with a bowl of cereal, she poured herself a cup of tea and put an egg on to boil.

‘Martin’s gone to see Jack about buying a good second-hand car,’ said Anne. ‘And Danuta dashed off early to get her rounds started so she could meet her Polish chap for afternoon tea.’ She smiled. ‘It seems she isn’t quite so impervious to his charms as she’s made out.’

‘It’s hardly surprising,’ replied Peggy, setting the timer for the egg. ‘He could charm the birds out of the trees, that one – and being Polish is an added bonus for Danuta, I’m sure. She must feel quite homesick at times, and I think she enjoys speaking her mother tongue again.’

‘I’m sorry we didn’t have much chance to catch up yesterday, Mum, but time just flew and once the girls were in bed, Martin and I soon followed. Both of us were worn out.’

‘I’m not surprised. You both had a very busy day. So, what sort of state is your cottage in?’

‘In pretty good shape considering we haven’t been near it for years,’ Anne replied, cutting the toast into soldiers for Rose and Emily to dip into their boiled eggs. ‘Mr and Mrs Smethurst have looked after it very well – given it a coat of paint and done repairs as and when needed, and he’s got a flourishing vegetable garden going at the back. I think they’re rather sad to be leaving.’