That afternoon was unbearably hot and even when darkness cloaked the landscape there was no escape from the humidity. There was not so much as a hint of breeze, and Sunday’s wide-open bedroom window did nothing to ease the heat. The house was quiet as she lay on her bed thinking on her mother’s words. She was very aware that Tom was only yards away along the landing, but it felt as if they were miles apart, and now at last she allowed herself to admit how much she had missed his nearness. Soon she would miss him even more. He would be gone, possibly for ever, and the thought was unbearable.

She tossed and turned for some time, eventually clambering from the bed and going to the window to look out across the moon-washed grounds. Beyond the copse she could see the lake glistening like liquid silver and somewhere an owl was hooting. Everything looked so peaceful that it was hard even now to believe that they were at war. And then finally she knew what she must do and she prayed earnestly that she hadn’t left it too late. On bare feet, she left her room and tiptoed along the landing to the room where Tom now slept. Then mustering every ounce of courage she had, she gently tried the door. It was unlocked so she slipped into the room, closing the door softly behind her. She had expected to find Tom in bed but was surprised to see his silhouette in the window. He was quite naked and as he turned to stare at her questioningly, she suddenly started to cry.

‘Oh, Tom, I’ve been such a fool,’ she said with a catch in her voice. ‘I’ve punished you for having a relationship with someone you knew before we were even together, and I’ve punished Ben too. Do you think he will ever be able to forgive me? Can you forgive me? I’m so, so sorry …’

There was a prolonged pause and she was so terrified that her husband had gone from her for ever and her eyes were so blinded by tears that when his arms came about her, she started in shock.

‘You silly little goose,’ he whispered into her hair. ‘Of course I forgive you. You must know by now that you are the only girl I’ve ever loved.’

‘But – but you’ll be gone soon.’ Her voice held a note of panic.

‘Aye, I will, pet. But now I’ll have someone to come home to again, so you can be sure I’ll be careful.’

And then his lips tenderly found hers and as he lifted her and carried her to the bed she forgot all about the war; all about everything but the man she adored.

Chapter Forty

‘I’m afraid the fact that we’re now at war is going to affect Kitty’s bookings badly,’ Max told Ruby as he sat poring over the newspaper in her drawing room.