Of course, he is still quite frail in some ways, but I truly believe that with love and patience, he will soon be quite back to his old self.

Love and patience. How often had she repeated those words to herself in the three months they had been married?

I must say, I am surprised that Liesel felt the need to write to you and complain that I never see her. Unfortunately, it just so happens that the last couple of times she has tried to arrange to visit, it has not been convenient for us. But if I went to visit her in Essex I would hardly expect her to abandon her work to see me, so why is she so upset? We are both busy, and it’s nonsense for her to say I am avoiding her. I’m only sorry she had to trouble you with her silliness. Please take no notice – you know Liesel is only happy when she’s making a fuss about something!

For a moment she heard Edward’s voice in her ear. ‘Why does she have to come? I prefer it when it’s just the two of us, don’t you?’ And then: ‘Sometimes I think you care more about her feelings than you do about mine.’

Anyway, I must end this letter as I want to catch the last post. Please give Papa my love and tell him that I wish he could visit the bakery in Bethnal Green again, and see that we are carrying on his good work. I miss you both very much, and long for the day we can all be together again.

Dashing away a tear, Anna signed the letter and sealed it in an envelope quickly, before she could change her mind.

It had taken her a long time to write the letter. She had started it many times, but it hurt her too much to lie to her parents. In the end she had managed to craft something that wasn’t quite a lie, but wasn’t quite the truth, either.

Edward appeared in the doorway to the bakery kitchen as Anna was slipping on her coat in the hall.

‘Where are you sneaking off to?’ There was a smile on his face, but his eyes told a different story.

‘I’m going to post a letter.’

‘Who to?’

‘My parents.’ Their eyes met for a moment. Then, without a word, Anna handed over the envelope.

Edward flicked a quick glance over the address and handed it to her, his smile back in place.

‘I hope you gave them my love?’ he said.

‘Of course.’

She stiffened automatically as he came towards her, only to relax again as his arms went around her.

‘Don’t be too long,’ he whispered. ‘I love you.’

‘I – love you too.’

He kissed her tenderly, and Anna tried to blank out the memory of the previous night, when he had come home from the pub in the early hours and drunkenly forced himself on her.