Kate shook her head. ‘Oh, Rosie, I’m sorry, no. This is my commanding officer. We – he’s here on official business.’

Rosie’s eyes widened fearfully. ‘Not – about Danny?’

Philip smiled, reassuring her quickly. ‘No, no. We’ve heard nothing. I’m sorry,’ he added, gently sympathetic.

Rosie’s mouth quivered, but she tried to smile bravely. ‘Oh well, I suppose no news is good news. Have you time to see the baby, Kate?’

Kate glanced up at Philip, who nodded. ‘May I come too?’

Shyly, Rosie nodded and led the way into Beth Eland’s cottage.

As she held Danny’s son, Kate felt Philip looking at her and glanced up to meet his gaze, There was a strange mixture of emotions on his face, but suddenly his jaw hardened and he turned away. ‘I’m sorry, Kate, we must go. Goodbye, Mrs Eland – Rosie,’ he said, courteous as ever although it was evident he wished to be gone from the cottage.

Swiftly, Kate placed the baby back in Rosie’s arms, kissed her and Beth and followed Philip.

He was striding ahead of her and she had to run to catch up with him. He walked fast with long, angry strides so that every so often she was obliged to take a little running step to stay by his side.

Philip neither glanced at her nor spoke to her.

Whatever is the matter, Kate thought.

He stood on the sand-dunes, his gaze scanning the coastline and out to sea, then without a word he marched back towards the Hump. They said a brief goodbye to Esther, Jonathan and her grandfather.

As always in front of others, she opened the car door for Philip to get into the back seat, but even when they were once more driving through the countryside, he made no suggestion that she should pull over so that he could sit beside her in the front.

They drove all the way back to camp in silence.

Thirty-Six

Later that evening, Kate went to Philip’s office. His strange behaviour towards her had distressed her. What had she done to make him ill-tempered? It was so unlike him. He was serious and preoccupied sometimes, but with all his responsibilities she could understand that. This afternoon had been different.

There was a strip of light showing under the door. Tentatively she knocked, and when bidden, she entered and closed the door behind her. Coming smartly to attention, she saluted.

‘Well?’ he barked.

Her courage almost failed her. ‘Sir – could we – be off duty for a moment?’

He glared at her and then suddenly groaned and dropped his face into his hands. ‘Oh, Kate, I’m sorry.’

She was round the desk and kneeling beside him. ‘Whatever was the matter? I couldn’t understand . . .’

‘Couldn’t you?’ He raised his head to look at her, a half-smile on his mouth. ‘Just good old-fashioned jealousy, my darling.’

‘Why?’