Mags didn’t like Betsy suggesting that these gifts were no better than items obtained on the black market, but then had to admit that maybe they weren’t. Deciding it best to ignore it, she laughed as she told Betsy: ‘Yes, and they are looking forward to seeing you, too. Both are excited at the moment – Beth because she is looking forward to finishing her schooling, and Belinda because it is the school holidays. She always hates being away from home.’

‘I can understand that. Having you here brings me proper home to me, and I feel the sadness of not being where me heart is – back in me beloved Blackburn. Anyroad, as I can’t be there, I have to say as there’s no better alternative than here in Portpatrick, and I hope as you being here, Ella, will help you to recover.’

Mags’s annoyance had passed and she wanted to take Betsy in her arms and hold her again for the welcome she gave.

Ella further cemented this as she said, ‘Thank you, Betsy. I’m sure it will. I feel lifted already. I – I . . . well, I wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I . . . I don’t mean to dampen the atmosphere, but I feel so much for you. I feel akin to your girls, as I was out in the Somme and various war-torn places for the duration of the last war. They are heroines, Betsy, and when the time comes that you can think a little beyond your grief, you will feel so much pride in them.’

‘I knaw. Ta, lass. I try to see it that they were doing their duty, as I do me son, Billy, who’s a POW. But it’s hard. Your son, as Lonia told me of – Paulo? He’s doing his bit and all, isn’t he?’

‘He is. And my husband, Arnie. I can’t talk much about what they do, but they are in danger every day.’

‘It’s a rum do, the lot of it. There we were, all going on nicely putting the last war behind us and getting on our feet, and it all starts again. Have you heard owt about Sibbie and Marjella, Mags?’

‘No and, like you all, I feel no news is good news, so I try not to worry. Are Susan and Rosie in the shop?’

‘Aye. Rosie is worrying me. She’s still on compassionate leave, but I reckon as she’d be better occupied going back. She’s needed there, and it would do her good. Besides, she stops me doing owt, and I need to be busy.’

‘Grief affects us all in different ways, Betsy.’

‘I knaw, Mags.’

‘But, having said that, I agree with you. I’ll talk to her. She may take my advice.’