‘I wouldn’t have it any other way,’ said Cordelia stoutly. ‘But even he is inclined to go off unexpectedly at times, and can be very evasive about what he’s been up to.’ She gave a little sigh. ‘Men are strange creatures, Peggy, and despite being almost eighty, I’ve never been able to understand what goes on in their heads.’

‘Well, there’s no doubt Rosie has got Ron properly worried this time. I wonder what’s caused her sudden disappearance, and whether it’s all to do with Major Radwell. I seem to remember he was due to be released from the hospital this week – and if anyone could get a travel permit, he surely would.’

‘I wouldn’t jump to conclusions, Peggy. Rosie has a good head on her shoulders, and charming as Radwell is, her heart, rather foolishly, still belongs to Ron.’

‘I hope you’re right,’ Peggy murmured, aching for the pain her beloved father-in-law must be suffering. If only Rosie had left a message of some sort – even if it was to tell him it was over – then at least he’d know where he stood. But it was the uncertainty that was weighing him down.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on the front door. ‘Who on earth can that be?’ Peggy muttered, twisting round.

‘I’ll go,’ shouted Ivy from the kitchen window.

Peggy and Cordelia shared a glance and smiled. ‘It must be Andy,’ said Peggy, settling back into her deckchair. ‘Though he usually comes in the back way. I do hope there’s nothing wrong.’

She strained to hear the voices now drifting through the open kitchen window, but couldn’t make head or tail of what was being said, which was most frustrating. And yet that didn’t sound like Andy’s voice, and it certainly wasn’t the plummy tones of Fran’s Robert. With a frown, she eased herself out of the chair and went into the scullery just as Ivy and Rita appeared in the kitchen doorway.

‘It’s all right, Aunty Peg,’ said Ivy. ‘That was someone from Cliffe bringing Rita’s bike back.’

‘That was quick,’ breathed Peggy. ‘But I thought the Yanks had left Cliffe?’

Rita gingerly made her way down the concrete steps on her crutches, her face alight with excitement. ‘It isn’t a Yank,’ she said, ‘but he says it’s as good as new. I told him to bring it round the back so I could have a proper look at it.’ She reached the bottom of the steps and grinned. ‘And here’s me thinking it was abandoned and I’d never see it again.’

‘Oh, darling, that is good news,’ said Peggy, giving her a hug. ‘Now mind that step, and don’t trip on the loose paving slab outside.’