Peggy very much disagreed with her sister, but knew better than to say so. The younger generation of women were no longer satisfied with sitting at home and depending on their husband for every last penny. The war had opened many doors previously closed to them, and those with ambition had leapt at the chance to use their talents, earn their own money and cut through the restrictions that had kept their mothers tied to the kitchen sink. And it seemed men like Anthony and Fran’s Robert fully encouraged it. Her Jim, of course, was an entirely different kettle of fish, and there would probably be ructions when he finally made it home.

She smoked the cigarette and watched as her sister helped Daisy with her jigsaw puzzle. Daisy certainly hadn’t been harmed by being in the crèche every weekday; in fact she was much more advanced than her other children had been at that age – and she’d been at home all the time with them.

Daisy would be four at the end of the year, and because of Nanny Pringle’s excellent programme, could already count to ten, recite nursery rhymes, and recognise certain letters of the alphabet. The child was sociable, had learnt to share her toys, be polite to adults and sit quietly when being read to – and although there were temper tantrums, they were becoming fewer, as she’d realised that big eyes and a bigger smile got her much further than a scowl.

Doris broke into her thoughts. ‘I know you go to work and leave Daisy in that crèche, so I hope you don’t think I was criticising you. After all, you’re much older than Susan, and Daisy has been brought up amongst strangers, so she’s bound to be more worldly-wise. But it’s different with Susan, and Teddy is that much younger.’

Peggy just smiled and offered her a second cup of tea.

Doris checked her watch and then stubbed out her cigarette. ‘I’m meeting John and Michael at the Officers’ Club for lunch, so I won’t, thank you.’ She gathered up her handbag and gloves. ‘Please keep me posted on Ivy, and if there’s anything I can do, then don’t hesitate to ask.’

They embraced and Peggy went with her to the front door to see her off. She smiled as Doris waved and disappeared around the corner, for her sister still refused to use the back way like everyone else. It seemed some old habits died hard, but then that was Doris.