Dolly was very tempted to just ask her questions and then go, but she realised she’d get more from Doris by being friendly. ‘That sounds like a marvellous idea,’ she said, stepping into the hallway.

Doris led the way into her magnificent drawing room, and then closed the door on the lively chatter coming from upstairs. ‘You’ll have to excuse the noise,’ she said. ‘Those ghastly girls have yet to learn to keep their voices at a respectable level – and today’s excitement seems to have made them worse than usual.’

She waved grandly to the expensively upholstered couch. ‘Do sit down, Dolly, and I’ll pour the drinks.’

While Doris was busy with decanters and glasses, Dolly took her time to admire the panoramic view of the Channel through the large bay window that dominated one wall. She eased the fur from her shoulders and perched elegantly on the overstuffed couch, understanding now why Peggy was always so terrified of creasing it or denting the military row of cushions lined up along the back. She glanced around the room and decided it looked like the furniture department in Harrods – all style and very little comfort.

Doris handed her an exquisite crystal glass full of sherry and sat down at the other end of the couch. ‘I think a toast is in order, don’t you?’

‘Certainly.’ Dolly raised her glass. ‘Here’s to peace.’ The sherry was very good, which probably meant it was black market – as were the cigarettes Doris was offering her from a gold case. Sobranies were as rare as hens’ teeth these days, and couldn’t even be found in Mayfair. It seemed Doris had useful contacts – or was that Ted? She set the thought aside. Delving into Doris’s shady dealings wasn’t the reason for her visit.

‘Well, this is all very pleasant,’ said Doris once the cigarettes were lit and Dolly’s outfit and mink had been zealously given the once-over. ‘You’re looking very well, Dolly. Is that a Norman Hartnell suit?

‘From his latest collection.’

Doris nodded her approval but couldn’t quite hide her envy. ‘I heard you were in Cliffehaven and wondered if you might find time to call.’ She sipped her sherry delicately. ‘I suppose you’re staying with Margaret as usual?’

Doris’s fake plummy voice was already getting on Dolly’s nerves – as was the woman’s refusal to call her sister Peggy – but she managed to smile pleasantly. ‘Actually, I’m with Pauline and Frank,’ she said. ‘Peggy has enough to do without me cluttering up the place, and with Brendon away at sea, I wanted to be on hand for Pauline, should she need me.’