‘You’re right, of course. But who knows what tomorrow may bring, eh? Let’s just hope as our good luck holds out.’ And arm in arm the two old friends went back into the house.

Later that night, as Sunday and John sat enjoying a little quiet time before retiring, a thought suddenly occurred to Sunday, and glancing towards him she frowned.

‘I’ve only just realised that I could now afford to buy my own place rather than put on you any longer,’ she said quietly.

‘You are not, as you put it, putting on me,’ John snorted as he helped himself to a small brandy and poured one for her. ‘If you must know I’m glad of your company. It will be hard enough to get used to not having Kathy and the twins about without you deserting me as well. We get along fine, don’t we?’

‘Oh yes, yes, of course we do,’ Sunday assured him quickly. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt his feelings. But on the other hand, she didn’t want him to think that she was taking advantage of his good nature either.

Sensing her unease, he sat forward in his seat and confided, ‘To be honest, having you and the family here has been a lifesaver for me, especially since Giles went missing. I think I would have gone mad had I been on my own, so in actual fact you’ll be doing me a huge favour if you’ll only stay. One day, God willing, this house will pass to Giles and it occurred to me the other day that should Giles and Livvy get together, she’ll be the mistress here. We’d be sort of keeping the place in the family between us and I like that idea. Our grandchildren would grow up here and Giles and Livvy will be able to tell them stories about what an odd old couple we were.’

Sunday chuckled, feeling vastly relieved. She had no wish to move house at her age. In fact, the thought of leaving Treetops filled her with dread and now that she knew John didn’t feel she was imposing on him her mind was at rest. She also liked the thought of her grandchildren growing up there and tried to picture them. But that was still just a pipe dream. First, they must wait to find out if Giles had survived and if he had they would have to stand back and let nature take its course.

Chapter Fifty-Five

The following morning yet another telegram was delivered and this time they all eyed it with dread. Would it tell them that Giles had not survived his incarceration in Belsen? Or would it be good news?

‘Oh, give it to me, I’ll read it,’ Sunday said nervously when John stood staring at it as if it might bite him.