Betsy paled. For a moment she didn’t speak. Rosie rushed over to her. ‘Oh, Ma, they’ll be all right. I also saw where the evacuation of all medical staff was planned. I bet that has been done, and Daisy and Florrie are on their way home as we speak.’

‘And Billy? What of Billy?’

‘Naw news is good news – you knaw that, Ma. If owt has happened to Billy, you’d knaw about it.’

‘Aye, that’s what they say. That brown envelope is delivered quicker than owt, and families are informed within a very short time. I’ll hang on to that then, lass. It’s the only hope – that Daisy and Florrie are sailing the seas to us as we speak, and that Billy is still alive and not injured. But all the same, I’m taking that wireless down to Barry Macleod this afternoon when we go to see Susan. He’ll soon fix it. I’ve said as we should, but Angus keeps making excuses. Well, he ain’t expected home till late, so he won’t be able to stop me.’

‘Good idea – it’s not good not hearing the news. We live on it, at the hospital. Every news bulletin is listened to and talked about. It keeps us all going at times, stuck on those wards as we are, because half of us want to be doing more.’

‘Don’t even think about it, Rosie lass. Please, don’t. I can’t take any more.’

‘Aw, Ma, let me brew the tea and we’ll talk of other things, eh?’

As Rosie poured the boiling water onto the tea leaves, the rich aroma surprised her. ‘By, this is good stuff, Ma. Are you dealing on the black market then?’

‘Naw. Angus gets it. Fishermen have allus bartered for stuff. Don’t ask me where from, but a box of fish can buy any number of items that you can’t get hold of.’

‘Black market, like I say. Well, you be careful: they’re clamping down heavily on those caught buying and selling stuff that’s scarce and on ration, and swapping could come into that.’

‘Just enjoy it and say nowt. And, Rosie, on the top shelf there’s a baby-milk tin. Get that down and let’s have a bit of sugar in our drink. I’ve had a bit of a shock today.’

Rosie did as she was bid, not even bothering to point out that hoarding sugar was an offence.

The tea tasted the best she’d had in a long time. A contentment entered her that overrode all the emotions and fears that had attacked her lately. The fire crackled a welcome from the hearth, and the feel, smell and familiarity of her home began to envelop her in love.

‘Right, Rosie, we’ve talked about the others, but what about you? All troubles are halved when shared, I’ve allus taught you that.’