Daisy’s arms tightened around Peggy’s neck, her chubby legs clamping round her waist. ‘Thanks, Lil, but it’s best I just get her home before there’s a full-blown tantrum.’ Peggy peered into the cab. ‘Sorry to waste your time and petrol ration, Fred. I do appreciate your kindness.’

Fred waved away her apology. ‘I’ll be here tomorrow same time if you need me.’

As Fred drove away Dolly opened the passenger door on her car. ‘Climb in and I’ll give you a lift home,’ she said quietly. ‘I can see Daisy needs you more than your girl tonight.’

‘I feel horribly guilty,’ Peggy admitted as she settled into the car with Daisy on her lap and still clinging to her like a limpet. ‘Poor Danuta will think I’ve abandoned her.’

‘I’m sure she won’t,’ soothed Dolly. ‘But if it will make you feel easier, I could always pop in to see her and pass on a message for you.’

‘That’s a lovely offer, Dolly, but I can’t expect you to do my visiting for me. After all, you and Danuta have never met and—’

‘Stuff and nonsense,’ said Dolly. ‘Ron has told me all I need to know about the girl. She obviously means as much to you both as a daughter – and if it was one of mine lying there, I’m sure you’d be the first to offer help.’

‘Oh, Dolly, you are kind.’

Dolly squeezed her hand and smiled. ‘It’s what friends are for,’ she said softly. ‘You run yourself ragged for everyone, now it’s time for someone to take care of you.’ She silenced Peggy’s protest by raising a finger. ‘I want you to promise that once you’ve got this little one in bed, you’ll follow suit and get a good night’s sleep.’

Peggy slumped in the seat with Daisy heavy against her chest, her cares weighing on her heart and in her mind. ‘I’ll try,’ she replied, ‘but sleep is hard to come by when there are so many things to worry about.’

Dolly eyed her sharply. ‘Have you heard from Jim lately?’

‘A few scrawled notes on bits of paper torn from a notebook. He can’t tell me much because of the censorship, but at least I know he was still alive and uninjured on the day he wrote them.’

She felt the prick of tears and hastily blinked them back. ‘As for Anne and the boys, the letters are few and far between, but I suppose they’re busy on the farm now it’s calving time and the school holidays are yet to begin.’

Peggy sat up straight and eased Daisy to a more comfortable position on her lap. ‘How are you getting on with Pauline?’