The children were sitting at the kitchen table with a colouring book each and some crayons that Sunday had bought for them and Cook frowned as she popped a meat and potato pie into the oven.

‘Looks like someone’s upset him good an’ proper,’ she commented to Edith.

‘Hm, he were a bit preoccupied, weren’t he?’ She went on peeling the potatoes for supper.

In the hallway Giles paused, then drawing himself up to his full height, he straightened his back and made for his grandfather’s office. He was usually to be found in there at that time of day.

‘Hello, lad,’ John greeted him when he entered. ‘Fancy a glass of port before dinner?’

Giles shook his head. ‘No thanks, Grandpa. I have something to tell you.’

‘Oh yes? And what would that be to make you look so serious?’ But already John had a good idea and he was praying that he was wrong.

‘The reason I went into town today was to sign up,’ Giles told him. ‘I’ve put my name down to join the RAF. Tomorrow I have to go to London to do some exams and if I pass those and get accepted, I’ll be leaving to start my training very soon after.’

‘I see.’ John carefully placed his glass down. His hand was shaking so much he was afraid he would spill his drink if he didn’t. ‘Then all I can do is wish you good luck. I’m not going to lie to you, you’ll be sorely missed, and I shall worry every second that you’re gone, but I’m very proud of you.’

‘Thanks, Grandpa.’ There were tears in their eyes as John strode over to hug him but then John stepped back from him and asked, ‘What made you want to join the RAF?’

Giles shrugged. ‘Well, you know I’ve always been fascinated with planes.’

‘And where will you be doing your training?’

‘Somewhere in Wiltshire, I believe. That’s if I pass my exams, of course. It’s a three-month course and then when I’ve passed the tests, I’ll be sent to one of the airbases.’

‘Then there’s nothing to be said,’ John said with a catch in his voice as he slapped his grandson on the shoulder. ‘May God go with you, my boy!’

Later that evening as Giles settled the horses, Livvy strolled in and made for the stall where her horse was stabled.

‘Evening,’ Giles said shortly, and she glanced at him, surprised. Normally he went out of his way trying to engage her in conversation but this evening he had been as short with her as she normally was with him.