They strolled slowly down the Morton road towards the village green under a vast red sky in which the stars, like celestial fireflies, held steadfast in the firmament. They didn’t hold hands as they used to do, and Lily realized that a life of unfulfilled promises was complicated.

When they reached the village green the orange lights of The Royal Oak shone brightly, and they stopped and breathed in the balmy night air.

‘So, the end of your first year, Lily. You’ve certainly made your mark.’

‘I’ve grown into the job, I suppose – and I’ve loved teaching these children. So, yes, there’s a sense of satisfaction. Ragley School is a special place and the village has become my new home.’

She looked down the High Street where the lights of the shops gave out a reassuring glow: the General Stores & Newsagent, Piercy’s butcher’s shop, the village Pharmacy, Pratt’s Hardware Emporium, Doris Clutterbuck’s Tea Rooms, the Hair Salon and the Post Office – all silent now.

Tom gestured towards the old bench beneath the graceful canopy of the weeping willow tree. ‘Do you mind if we sit down? There’s something I want to say.’

Lily sensed he was searching for the right words. In the distance the familiar sounds of the night could be heard – a hooting owl, the rustlings of small creatures in the grass and the distant bark of a farm dog. She allowed him to take her hand as they walked across the green and the gentle twig-combing breeze was soft in her hair.

When they sat down there was silence between them as they leaned back and took in the shapes of the pantiled roofs, the school bell tower and the moonstone hills beyond. It was a view painted in heaven.

Lily began to relax. Suddenly in this cocoon of private space she felt secure.

‘What did you want to say, Tom?’

He took a deep breath. ‘You’re a wonderful woman and I love you … and I believe you love me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.’

‘But I can’t.’

‘You can. I met Rudi.’

‘Rudi – you spoke to Rudi?’

‘Yes, two days ago, after the cricket. I learned a lot.’

‘Oh, Tom!’

‘And I know about Freddie.’

‘Freddie – my Freddie?’

‘Yes, so I know that is what has stopped you saying yes.’

‘But Tom …’

‘No – let me finish. The past is in the past. That was wartime.’

Suddenly Lily’s shoulders shook and tears ran down her cheeks.

‘How can you accept me?’

He stroked her cheek gently. ‘Sshhh,’ he whispered. And he put his arm around her shoulders. ‘You don’t need to say any more.’

There was a strained silence until, like the bursting of a dam, they both began to speak at once.

‘Sorry – you first,’ said Tom.