That afternoon, after John had returned, Lily used her box of drawing pins to mount a series of pictures of various birds for the children in her class. She was impressed that these country children recognized every one. They identified a house sparrow, starling, greenfinch, chaffinch, blue tit, great tit, blackbird and a robin in quick succession, before choosing one to draw.

It was a successful lesson, but Lily’s mind kept wandering to the after-school event that was fast approaching – a meeting with Rudolph Krüger.

Rudi’s car pulled up outside Laurel Cottage and he stepped out and looked at the garden gate and the neat flowerbeds beyond. He paused as if he wished to capture the memory. Lily was waiting at the window and he waved. She opened the front door and looked left and right before beckoning Rudi inside.

‘You came,’ she said. She stepped back and suddenly they were face to face in the hallway.

‘I wanted to come,’ he said quietly.

‘I think I knew that one day I would see you again.’ Her voice was quiet and her eyes were filled with sadness. She looked up into the handsome face of the tall, blond German. ‘You look well, Rudi.’

He nodded briefly. ‘How are you, Lily?’

‘I’m fine.’

‘You look beautiful. You always did,’ and he gave that smile she remembered so well.

There were memories that were tender to the touch and Rudi was caressing them fingertip softly. It was easy to see why her younger self had fallen in love with this quiet and soulful man. There had been gravitas in his words and she had listened to them eagerly.

Rudi looked towards the kitchen. ‘Florence is away?’

‘Yes, she left yesterday.’

‘So we can talk.’

‘For a short while.’ Her voice was neutral and calm. Once he had consumed her life, but now he was a stranger. It had been a love of fire and ice. Finally, in the cool light of her new life, she knew it was over between them and had been for many years.

‘May I see Freddie?’

‘He’s playing in the back garden. Come and see.’

Freddie was hitting a tennis ball against the wall with his cricket bat. He was engrossed and showed great skill. Tall for his age and athletic, he had the makings of a fine sportsman.

He stopped when Lily walked out with the tall stranger.

‘Freddie, this is the friend I told you about. He’s come to say hello.’

Freddie stared up, full of curiosity. ‘Can you play cricket?’ he asked.

‘Cricket? I have never played.’

Freddie was puzzled. ‘I thought everyone played cricket.’

‘Not in my village,’ said Rudi. ‘But perhaps you can teach me.’

Freddie passed him the ball and stepped back to the chalked set of cricket stumps on the wall. ‘You bowl, I’ll bat.’

Rudi threw the ball gently and Freddie hit it back to him.

‘What’s your name?’ asked Freddie.