That was when she had just lost Jeremy, taken from her life by the horror of war. She stared around her shop and felt a keen sense of loneliness. Through the window she saw Ruby Smith walk by pushing a pram and she thought of what might have been.

Ruby was looking well again. Her cheeks were rosy and her chestnut hair fell in waves around her pretty face. She was proud of her baby, and villagers stopped and cooed in appreciation and felt the little girl’s soft skin and tiny fingers. ‘Jus’ perfec’,’ was the regular opinion.

Ruby enjoyed this time of year. The final wisps of mist had disappeared in the early-morning sunlight. The first warmth of spring had brought new life to the quiet land. It was as if the trees and fields had emerged from a deep sleep. The cuckoo, the messenger of spring, had arrived along with new grass and primroses. On days such as this there was a lightness to her spirit and a spring in her step. She thought it was a pity that Ronnie was still in bed and not sharing this beautiful morning.

In Doris Clutterbuck’s Tea Rooms the first customers were enjoying their morning cup of tea and a toasted teacake. On the radio Lita Roza was singing her hit record ‘How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?’ and everyone was humming along to the catchy tune.

Doris was behind the counter reading an article in her Woman & Home magazine entitled ‘Can a woman run a home and a business?’ It featured a lady who ran a hat shop in York. She seemed to have the perfect life and said she owed it all to her nightcap of Cadbury’s Bournvita. Doris usually had a cup of tea and a digestive biscuit at bedtime but was now seriously considering changing the habit of a lifetime.

It was late afternoon when Lily cycled from the church hall to school. In the basket attached to her handlebars was a large teddy bear. The Bring and Buy Sale had been a success thanks to the military organization of Vera and her willing team of helpers.

A Land Rover was parked outside The Royal Oak and as she cycled past a coarse voice shouted, ‘Who’s y’furry boyfriend, sweet’eart?’

It was Stan Coe and, as always, Lily ignored him.

Happily he was inside the pub by the time she had put the teddy bear in the school’s store cupboard and set off down the High Street. She decided to call in to the General Stores to buy some sweets for Freddie. However, when she spoke to Prudence it was clear to Lily that there was something amiss.

‘You’re just in time,’ said the petite shopkeeper. ‘I was about to close up.’

Lily bought a bag of mint imperials. ‘Is everything all right, Prudence? You look a little sad.’