‘Because you’ve gone all pink, your shoulders are up by your ears and you’ve bunched your fists,’ said Cordelia with a twinkle in her eyes. ‘I know she winds you up like a clock, but really, Peggy, you shouldn’t let her.’

‘That’s easier said than done,’ she replied, realising Cordelia was right as she uncurled her fists and eased the tension in her shoulders. ‘It seems Pauline has deserted the WVS, and it’s all my fault,’ she sighed.

‘I couldn’t stand that woman bossing me about a minute longer,’ said Pauline, stepping through the scullery door and into the kitchen. She sniffed the air. ‘Can I smell roast lamb?’

Everyone shook their heads and tried not to look guilty.

‘It’s just a lamb bone I’ve been cooking down,’ said Peggy, crossing her fingers beneath the table at the fib. She got up from the table and hugged her sister-in-law. ‘It’s lovely to see you, Pauline. Come in and have a cup of tea.’

‘I could certainly do with a cuppa after that walk. Frank’s mending nets and sorting out the engine on his fishing boat, so I thought I’d come over to ask your advice.’

Peggy’s spirits wavered as she poured out the tea. ‘Is it about what to do now you’ve stopped volunteering with the WVS?’ she asked hopefully.

Pauline took a sip of tea, and watched over the rim of her cup as the girls and Cordelia quietly left the kitchen with Daisy. ‘I’ve already signed on to volunteer for the Red Cross,’ she said. ‘I was impressed by how organised they were, and how pleasant the people in charge are. I’ve had it with Doris and her snooty cronies ordering me about like a skivvy.’

‘Well done you,’ breathed Peggy, now understanding why her sister had been so cross. ‘So what advice were you looking for, Pauline? You and Frank are all right, aren’t you?’

‘We muddle along very nicely now we talk more and discuss what’s bothering us. We still mourn our darling boys, but we do it together, and of course Brendon is never far from our thoughts.’ Her voice wavered, and the cup rattled in the saucer as she put it down.

Peggy had a horrible feeling she knew where this conversation was leading, but said nothing as Pauline lit a cigarette and made a visible effort to control her emotions.