‘In further news, last night’s Russian communiqué reported another twenty-four hours of successful defence against continued German heavy attacks north and north-west of Jassy, on the Romanian Front. Red Air Force bombers carried out a concentrated attack on the railway junction and other military objectives, and dozens of fires were burning before the raid was over. The Germans have lost forty-one tanks and thirty-nine aircraft during the past twenty-four hours.’

As Frederick Allen went through the headlines again and gave further, more detailed instructions on what the citizens of enemy-held areas should do when ordered to evacuate, everyone started talking at once.

Peggy was as excited as a schoolgirl, for it seemed her prediction was right, and that before long the Allies would be marching through the streets of Paris. She quickly finished her cooling tea, mopped Daisy’s face clean of blackberry jam and carted her off to the bedroom to get them both dressed for this most auspicious of days.

Sarah and Ivy helped Cordelia upstairs shortly afterwards, all three chattering like sparrows as they discussed the news and what it might mean – while a rather more subdued and thoughtful Rita followed slowly behind them.

Ron waited until the kitchen was clear of women and then leant back in his chair and smoked his pipe. There was no doubt about it, he thought; peace was on its way, but as Roosevelt had warned, the struggle would be long and hard, and the brave young men out there in ships, tanks and planes would be called upon yet again to make terrible sacrifices.

He placed his hand on Harvey’s head as the dog sat at his knee and rested his nose on his thigh. Ron understood the excitement the news had engendered – he’d felt it himself – but for the women’s sake, he hoped their delight in the invasion would not bring tears. Untold numbers would be killed or maimed before peace was finally won, and with Brendon and Jack Smith caught right in the middle of this invasion, and his Jim fighting in Burma, none of them could rest easily until victory was assured.

His thoughts turned to Seamus and Joseph, the two grandsons he’d already lost. Frank and Pauline must be terrified for Brendon, for although Pauline had refused to believe it, their only surviving son was out there somewhere in the Channel taking part in the invasion. He could only hope that Dolly’s presence would fortify Frank and help to keep Pauline from going over the edge – but by the sound of things, Pauline saw her mother’s arrival as an unwanted intrusion, and would no doubt vent her spleen accordingly.

‘As long as she doesn’t come round here causing trouble,’ he muttered around the stem of his pipe. ‘She’s the last thing Peggy needs right now.’