And then there was Anne’s husband Martin, Kitty’s Roger and brother Freddy along with Cissy’s young pilot, Randolph Stevens. At least they were safely in the POW camp Stalag III, and not up there supporting the invading troops in their fighter planes. They’d been on the point of exhaustion when they’d been shot down and captured, but he knew that if they caught wind of today’s news, each and every one would be champing at the bit in frustration that they could play no part in it.

But what of his younger son, Jim, caught up in the fierce fighting in the Far East? The Japs were on the run from India and pouring into Burma and Siam, but despite the few victories by the Americans in the Pacific, there was no hint that the arrogant emperor was about to surrender. Ron didn’t know much about the Japanese, but he’d learnt enough to realise that surrender would mean loss of face – a heinous shame that could only be atoned by ritual suicide.

Ron grunted and tapped the dottle from his pipe into the ashtray on the table. When you were up against people like that, it would take a miracle to defeat them.

He said none of this to Peggy as she came bustling into the kitchen, closely followed by Sarah and Ivy. ‘I’ll be off to see Frank and Pauline before I go to the hospital,’ he announced, fetching his coat and cap. ‘Dolly will pick you up again tonight, and Lil will bring Daisy back after her tea.’

Peggy kissed his cheek. ‘Thanks, Ron,’ she said, still breathless with excitement. ‘Give Pauline my love, and try to be nice to her. She can’t help the way she is.’

Ron grimaced, dragging on his coat and ramming his cap on his head. ‘I’ll be back late tonight. The Anchor will be busy after all the excitement of the invasion, and without Rosie to lighten my life, it’ll be hard going.’

Ron had reached the top of the track leading down into Tamarisk Bay with Harvey when he saw Dolly striding towards him in tailored slacks, light sweater and jacket, clearly out of sorts. ‘Are you off to see Danuta?’ she asked.

‘Aye, but I was going to see Frank and Pauline first.’ He regarded her quizzically. ‘What’s up with you on this very fine day, Dolly? I’ve never seen your feathers so ruffled.’

‘I’d advise you to steer clear of Pauline for now,’ she said darkly. ‘If I stay with her much longer, I shall commit murder.’

Ron chuckled as he took in the flush on her cheeks and the brittle brightness in her lovely eyes. ‘Perhaps I’ll give Tamarisk Bay a miss today, then, and walk with you.’