‘He’s got an American pal based at the Cliffe estate who was going to mend it. But he got new orders and had to leave, so Peter took it on.’ Rita put down the empty mug and eyed Peggy calmly. ‘He’s nice and friendly and a good mechanic. We both love bikes and enjoy dirt-track racing, but that’s as far as it goes, Aunty Peg – so don’t go getting romantic ideas into your head.’

‘It never crossed my mind,’ retorted Peggy, going a bit pink. ‘I’m just worried that all that charm and easy-going attitude will be hard to resist.’

‘He’s not Matt and never will be,’ said Rita firmly. ‘Pete and I have shared interests, and get along well – but that’s all it is.’

Peggy gave her a hug and a kiss and sent her off to bed, still not totally convinced that friendships between the sexes could remain platonic, for the initial attraction that had drawn them to one another could so easily be a precursor to something deeper – especially during wartime when the future was so uncertain. Rita was vulnerable; he was a charming, battle-weary hero far from home who shared her passion for motorbikes and was far too likeable. It was a situation Peggy was determined to keep a very close eye on in case Rita got hurt.

Ron woke early the next morning to find a slip of paper had been slotted through the cat-flap. It was from Bertie.

Our friend has arrived, but had to be rushed into theatre. I wouldn’t tell anyone just yet in case she doesn’t pull through, but I’ll leave it to you to decide what to do about visiting.

Ron crushed the note in his fist and sent up a silent prayer to whichever God was listening that Danuta would prove resilient enough to overcome whatever horrors the Gestapo had inflicted upon her. He had no fears that the doctors at the Memorial might not be skilled enough to repair her, for he’d seen the miracles they’d performed on patients not expected to survive – but there was still this sickening guilt and fear that he’d been instrumental in her plight, and if she didn’t pull through, he’d have the burden of that guilt haunting him for the rest of his life.