Indeed, it seemed to be true, for at the sight of her, Mrs Godfrey’s wrinkled face seemed to light up. ‘Why, my lovely Kate. Come in and sit down. Make a cup of tea, Peg, there’s a dear. I can’t get about now, it’s my legs. What I’d do without our Peg, I don’t know,’ and her gaze went fondly to her daughter.

The time flew by as they chatted. Mrs Godfrey wanted to know all about the family at Fleethaven Point and Kate found herself telling the two women all about the bombs, and even, though haltingly at first, about Danny’s marriage to Rosie. As she talked she was surprised to find it became easier.

‘I’ve just been up the hill – to look at the school.’

‘Really?’ Peggy could not hide the surprise in her voice.

‘I met Miss Ogden on the station a while back, handing out cups of tea to the soldiers. She was kind to me when I was there—’ Kate gave a wry laugh. ‘She was the only one who was, mind you.’

‘Ah yes, poor Miss Ogden. She took over as Principal seven or eight years ago now.’

‘What – what happened to Miss Denham?’

‘She retired. Went to live in the country with her sister who’d also been a headmistress somewhere.’

So Miss Denham was living somewhere comfortably in retirement, whilst poor Miss Ogden was dead.

Sometimes, Kate thought bitterly, Fate really got it wrong!

‘Drive the long way round, Kate,’ Philip said as he got in beside her on his return. ‘If everything’s all right, I’m in no hurry to get back. I seem to have been away a lot longer than a week.’

‘Everything’s fine. There was an op on last night and everyone got back safely. Well – more or less,’ she grinned. ‘B-Baker’s undercarriage jammed and he had to do a belly-landing. Honestly, Jeff landed that kite as if it were a glider.’

‘He’s a great pilot.’ There was a pause and then he added softly, ‘And how about you? Are you all right?’

‘Yes, thanks, I’m fine.’

It was already dark as she drove up the hill and out on to the Wragby road. About five miles from Suddaby, in open country, Philip said, ‘Pull in over there, Kate. Let’s take a breather.’

She drew the car to a halt on the wide grass verge. Below them the ground sloped away across fields of ripening corn, almost ready for harvesting, yet in the light from the full, bright moon in a clear sky the countryside seemed different shades of grey. With a shock, Kate realized it was almost a year since she and Danny had joined up.

‘A bomber’s moon, Kate,’ Philip murmured, interrupting her thoughts. ‘I wonder where they’re headed for tonight?’

‘Who? Us – or them?’