‘That’s marvellous news,’ breathed Ron. ‘To be sure I feared for that brave wee girl, and many a time I deeply regretted sending her to Dolly.’

‘It was what she wanted,’ said Bertie, ‘and she’s proved to be extremely useful to us as well as resourceful.’ He stamped out the butt of his cheroot beneath his brogue. ‘But I’m sorry to say she suffered during the Gestapo’s interrogation, and it’s touch and go as to whether she’ll survive the Channel crossing.’

Ron felt the blood drain from his face as his imagination ran wild.

Bertie squeezed his shoulder in consolation. ‘She’s a born survivor, Ron. If anyone can pull through it, she will. Arrangements have been made to pick her up quite close to Cliffehaven so she can be taken straight to the Memorial Hospital.’

Ron took a deep breath to steady his racing heart. ‘When is she expected?’

‘Before dawn tomorrow. I’ll tip you the wink when I hear she’s arrived, but it might be a while before she’s well enough for visitors.’

Ron’s heart clenched at the thought of that young, vulnerable girl being in the hands of those Gestapo brutes. ‘The others have no idea of what she’s been doing,’ he murmured. ‘But if I don’t tell Peggy she’s at the Memorial and she finds out, there’ll be hell to pay.’

‘I’m sure you’ll think of some explanation to satisfy her,’ said Bertie comfortably. ‘Sorry to dump this on you so early in the day, but Dolly was adamant you should be told. I suspect she might put in an appearance as well – the girl has come to mean a lot to her – but of course she’ll cover that by visiting Pauline.’

Ron sighed. ‘It’s a tangled web, all this secrecy, isn’t it, Bertie?’

‘It certainly is, although the worst-kept secret is this invasion. Everyone is discussing it in quite fine detail – right down to the fact that gliders will be used – although where they get the information is a mystery.’

‘There’s loose talk amongst the troops, and with the influx of servicemen pouring into the south, it’s quite evident that something’s afoot. People aren’t stupid.’ Ron narrowed his eyes against the glare of the sun on the sea. ‘I just wish they’d get on with it now the weather’s cleared. I don’t suppose you know when it will happen?’

Bertie grimaced. ‘Sorry, old chap. Those on high are keeping it very close to their chests.’

Ron nodded and shook his hand. ‘Thanks, Bertie. Will we see you later?’