‘Yes, I can understand that – he’s half German.’

‘I know, but is that so bad?’

‘I spent five years fighting Germans. If we had met I would have tried to kill you.’

‘And I you.’ Rudi breathed deeply and nodded towards the boys playing cricket in the sunshine. ‘I want Freddie to have a good life here in England.’

Tom shook his head. ‘So why are you going? Why run away from your responsibilities?’

‘I ran away from them because I could not give my son what he needs most of all.’

‘And what is that?’

‘A stable home, security and a loving family.’

‘Perhaps you ought to try.’

‘It’s too late.’ Rudi stared up at the sky. ‘Tom, she loves you – and if you have any sense you will see that.’

Tom’s shoulders slumped. He felt beaten. ‘I don’t even know your name.’

Rudi looked around. ‘Can we go somewhere else, somewhere more private?’

Tom hesitated, then nodded towards the woods to the east of the village. ‘There’s a path,’ he said, and they set off together.

Back in the school office, Vera had completed the end-of-year attendance registers and John was writing the total in the school logbook. Through the open window Vera could see children playing on the school field and Lily and Anne Watson walking in the sunshine. The office was quiet and Vera decided to seize the opportunity.

‘I was just saying to Miss Watson that there’s a teaching post coming up at Ragley in January.’

‘Yes,’ said John, ‘I’m sure she would be an asset to any school.’

‘Most certainly. Her teaching practice was excellent and, of course, she is now familiar with our children.’

‘She would need to apply through the official channels,’ said John with a note of caution.

I’ve already mentioned that to her, thought Vera. ‘Of course, Mr Pruett.’

‘The school governors would have their say,’ added John.

‘Naturally,’ said Vera, in the knowledge that her brother, Joseph, as chair of governors, would do as she told him.

‘Thanks, Vera,’ said John, ‘that’s very helpful,’ and he closed the logbook, locked it in the bottom drawer of his desk and set off for the Ragley cricket field to umpire one of the games.

Vera watched him go and smiled, pleased with her tactical acumen and with the thought that, like all good school secretaries, she could manipulate the headteacher to her way of thinking.

Rudi and Tom walked in silence through the woods until they reached a stile that led to one of Stan Coe’s fields, and they sat down. Wild honeysuckle grew among the brambles, filling the air with its heavy scent. Rudi took a crumpled cigarette packet from the top pocket of his shirt. ‘Cigarette?’

‘Thanks, no – I don’t.’

Rudi leaned back against the fence and lit his cigarette.

Tom looked at him curiously. ‘So, tell me about you.’