Esther shook her head. ‘No, I dun’t bother with it, though I reckon Matthew sees it at the pub on a weekend. He’s sometimes mentioned bits of news – like a lifeboat rescue he was involved in, that sort of thing.’ A smile flickered briefly on her mouth, but died when there was no answering response from Will.

He spread the paper out and began to read slowly but unfalteringly. ‘ “War declared. Note rejected by Germany. The following statement was issued from the Foreign Office at twelve fifteen this morning: ‘Owing to the summary rejection by the German Government of the request made by His Majesty’s Government for assurances that neutrality of Belgium will be respected, His Majesty’s Ambassador at Berlin has received his passports and His Majesty’s Government have declared to the German Government that a state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany as from eleven p.m. on August the Fourth.’ ” ’

Esther gasped. ‘But – but the fourth – that was Tuesday.’

Will nodded.

‘But on Monday, we – we were on the pier with – with all the holiday-makers. We – we had a lovely day . . .’

Will nodded again. ‘Ah know, lass, and so did a lot more all over the country, never thinking that the very next day we’d all be at war. Oh there’s been talk and rumour for a bit now, but Ah dun’t think anyone – well, not the likes of us, anyway – took it serious. But the town . . .’ He jerked his head in the direction of Lynthorpe, through which he had just passed. ‘It’s fair buzzing with rumour and gossip. They reckon there’s boats patrolling along the coast. They say Lynthorpe Territorials left by the eight o’clock train this morning and that boy scouts over thirteen are being required for running despatches and such.’

‘What will it mean? It – it won’t make any difference to us, will it? Not here at the Point?’

‘Ah dun’t know what it’ll mean, lass.’ He shook his head sadly. ‘It might all be over very quickly, but – ’ he sighed heavily – ‘on the other hand . . .’

‘What?’ Esther prompted, her tone sharp with anxiety.

He looked at her with sorrowful eyes and added gravely, ‘It could change all our lives.’

They were still standing together, poring over the newspaper and the snippets of news about the war, when Matthew came into the yard a hedge knife in his hand. He had been working in the fields, trimming hedges. His forehead glistened with sweat and there were dark wet stains on his shirt under his arms.

‘Ah’ve just heard. Is it true, Will?’ There was an air of excitement about him.