Rita took her hand. ‘There’s nothing for you to feel guilty about. We’re all struggling, Sarah,’ she said softly. ‘And when there’s a chance to grab a little happiness, we have to take it. I’d have done the same, believe me.’

Sarah returned the pressure of her fingers in silent empathy as the car slid to a halt outside Beach View.

Peggy and the others must have been looking out for them, for as Ron and the driver got out of the car the door was flung open and a stream of light glittered in the fog. Peggy rushed down the steps with Ivy and Fran, and swamped the two girls with kisses and hugs as Harvey danced around them, and Cordelia watched from the doorway with Andy and John.

The driver scooped Sarah up in strong arms as Ron lifted out Rita, and they were carried up the steps into the hall and through to the kitchen. Everyone was talking at once, asking what had happened and how bad their injuries were, while Peggy bustled about insisting the American driver had something to eat and drink before he made the long, perilous drive back to the camp.

Sarah hobbled straight to her great-aunt and awkwardly embraced her. ‘I’m so glad to be home,’ she breathed close to the soft cheek. ‘And I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am that you’ve been so worried.’

Cordelia stroked back her fair hair and gazed into her eyes. ‘At least you’re home safe now. I couldn’t bear the thought that you both might have been alone out there on such an awful night.’ She frowned. ‘What I can’t understand is why you were there in the first place. I thought you were meeting a friend?’

‘I was – in a manner of speaking,’ Sarah confessed. ‘But I’ll explain everything later when it’s quieter.’

Cordelia raised an eyebrow but said nothing more as the American finished the cup of tea, wished them luck and hurried off with one of Peggy’s paste sandwiches to keep him going on the long drive back to base.

The talk went on round the table as Ron and Rita tucked into the stew and Harvey sat patiently waiting for a morsel to come his way. Sarah had little appetite, but she forced down as much as she could and left the rest for the clever dog who deserved it far more than she did. She was aware of the questioning look in Peggy’s eyes every time they exchanged glances, and knew it wouldn’t be long before she had to reveal where she’d been today – and who with.