Her head was spinning with it all, and as the newscaster began to talk about the huge Japanese losses in Burma and going through the long list of the different regiments that were fighting alongside the Chindits, she switched the wireless off. Jim and the Burma campaign was the straw that would break her resolve, and she needed to stay strong to continue her own battle here.

Brenda had taken the night off, so Ron was only half-listening to the wireless as he served the clamouring customers, mulled over Rosie’s letter, and kept an eye on Sarah. It was unusual for the girl to come in here alone, and as she sat deep in thought on a stool at the end of the bar, he could tell that something was worrying her.

He waited for a lull then took his pint of beer with him and leant on the bar to talk to her quietly beneath the surrounding chatter. ‘This isn’t really the place for confidences,’ he said, ‘but I’m here to listen if you’d like to tell me what’s troubling you.’

She looked at him, her blue eyes bright with unshed tears. ‘I know you mean well, Ron, and usually I would have come to you for advice. But this time it’s too difficult – too personal – and I must deal with it on my own.’

Ron had a sudden and rather alarming thought, but wasn’t sure how to express it without causing offence. ‘Is this to do with your man, Delaney?’ he asked.

‘He’s part of it,’ she admitted. ‘But things have happened and …’ She tailed off, her expression forlorn.

‘To be sure, I’m sorry to be asking, wee girl, but would you be in a similar situation as young April found herself in?’

She looked at him like a startled fawn and then reddened before shaking her head. ‘I rather wish it was as easy as that,’ she replied. Then she took a breath, finished the drink she’d made last for the past hour, and lit a cigarette.

Ron frowned as he watched her. She was clearly on edge, but thankfully not pregnant, so whatever it was plaguing her couldn’t be that serious. ‘I’ve always found that a problem shared is easier to deal with. If you won’t confide in me, then go to Peggy. She doesn’t judge or tell you what to do, but talking it over with her will help you decide how to fix whatever’s on your mind.’

Sarah nodded. ‘I know, but I don’t like to bother her. She already has enough on her plate without taking on my problems.’ She squared her shoulders and did her best to appear in charge of the situation. ‘Don’t worry, Ron. I’ll sort everything out myself in time, you’ll see.’