Ron grunted, unwilling to point out that there would be many more battles and lives lost before anyone could expect real peace, and although the Superfortresses had begun to bomb industrial targets in Japan, the war in the Far East was far from over.

‘Da?’ Frank’s voice broke into his thoughts. ‘Da, do you think it would be all right if I asked you and Peggy over for a cup of tea tomorrow? Only Pauline’s regretting what she said to Peggy last week and wants to make things up with her – and although she’d kill me for saying this, she’s too embarrassed to make the first move.’

‘I’m glad she wants to smooth things over, but tomorrow isn’t a good day. We have the delightful Doris coming for afternoon tea.’

Frank grimaced. ‘That wouldn’t do at all. Pauline and Doris fell out, and Pauline can’t stand the sight of her.’

‘She’s not the only one,’ said Ron, tapping the dottle from his pipe and getting to his feet. ‘I plan to make myself scarce while she’s there, and spend the afternoon getting the Anchor all shipshape for when Rosie gets back.’

He shoved the pipe in his pocket. ‘But I’ve got a better idea. Peggy’s planning a picnic in the recreation ground this afternoon as long as this weather holds, so you could meet us there after Pauline’s been to the hairdresser.’

‘That sounds a splendid idea,’ said Frank, looking much relieved. ‘I’ll get some bottles of beer and have a rummage through the cupboards to see what else I can bring.’

Ron embraced his son, revelling in the size and strength of him, and wishing wholeheartedly that he could hold his Jim like this. ‘To be sure I’m sorry I can’t stay longer. But I promised to drop in to see Stan before I open up the pub.’

‘I’ll see you later then.’ Frank almost squeezed the life out of his father in a bear hug and gave Harvey a hefty pat then went off with a cheery whistle down the track to Tamarisk Bay.

Peggy didn’t know how to feel when Ron told her Pauline and Frank were coming to the picnic, but as long as Pauline behaved herself, she supposed it was better to patch things up rather than leave them as they were.

She’d done an hour at the Red Cross earlier this morning and was feeling quite excited by the idea of a picnic, but kept looking out at the sky, praying the weather wouldn’t change as she and Cordelia spread margarine on bread and sliced corned beef and Spam as thinly as possible to put in sandwiches.

‘The forecast said it would be fine today,’ said Cordelia, ‘so there’s no need to keep looking out there.’ She was now slicing tomatoes, the sharp knife getting dangerously close to her fingers.