‘Besides,’ Laura said, her tone sadder now, ‘he’s been hinting that he might not be shore-based for much longer. Nothing definite, naturally. But it’s true; ever since I’ve known him he has been mostly behind a desk rather than on board a ship. I can tell he misses it, and he feels he should get back to sea and into the heart of the action. I admire him for it, of course I do, but I can’t help wanting him to be safe as well.’

‘Oh, Laura.’ Kitty gave her friend’s arm a squeeze. ‘He’ll have to go where he’s sent, won’t he? Like the rest of us. We know he’s brave, there’s no question of that.’

‘He feels he hasn’t taken his share of the risks,’ Laura said flatly. ‘We both know it was taking the risk of jumping through that window with all the shattered glass that injured him, so you can hardly accuse him of taking the easy way out with a desk job. They had to keep him from active service for ages while he built up his strength again – not that you’d get him to admit it. But he feels everyone thinks he’s taken the cushy postings, when really the opposite is true. He lives with the consequences of that injury every day; he’ll never be fully free from pain.’ She pulled a face. ‘Anyway, there we are. Nothing I can do about it. If he does take part in whatever’s coming up, maybe he’ll bump into Marjorie, to say bonjour.’

Kitty gazed up to where the tree branches almost met in an arch above their heads, the new leaves beginning to bud. ‘It feels like it’s all a long way off, doesn’t it? Standing here in this quiet bit of the park.’

For a moment it was easy to forget that they were in the middle of the biggest city in the country, millions of people going about their business to fight for everything they held dear. The spring sunlight filtered through the swaying branches with just a hint of warmth to come.

Laura smiled. ‘Yes, but it’s not, is it? So, my girl, we have to grasp every moment. And in my book that means a nice cup of tea and maybe a cake if they’ve got any. Or a crumpet at least. Come on, I’ll treat you.’

Kitty relented. Laura clearly wasn’t going to be kept from a café for much longer. ‘All right, you win,’ she said. ‘Now you know the news and I know yours. Peter’s all right otherwise, isn’t he?’

Laura gave an even bigger smile. ‘Yes, still the dashing captain.’