Tell everyone to write to the new address. We’re never in the same place for very long, but the mail is delivered with our supply drops and comes regularly unless there’s a typhoon or some such weather to hold up the planes.

I hope you’re keeping well and that Brendon and the others have made it through. Frank has written often, telling me about Pauline’s job and the freedom it has given him to get the boats seaworthy and prepared to go fishing again. I’m glad he’s got his compensation from the government, so on my return I’m expecting to see a new fleet anchored under the Cliffehaven cliffs, just as they were when Dad and Grandad were in charge.

The last photograph you sent shows you looking as young and pretty as you were on our wedding day, and I can’t believe how much our baby Daisy has grown. It makes me smile every time I look at that snap, for she reminds me of myself at that age. Get Dad to show you the family album, and you’ll see what I mean.

I’m physically fitter than I’ve ever been, and if it wasn’t for a hacking cough and nasty cold brought on by being constantly wet, I’d feel even better. But at least I haven’t gone down with dysentery or malaria for a while which has to be some sort of blessing.

I love you, Peggy, and think about you every day. I wish with all my heart that I could be with you and our precious family.

Jim xx

Peggy folded the letters and, after dampening down the fire for the night, carried them into her bedroom where she placed them in the latest shoe box for safekeeping. The number of boxes that had accumulated over the years since Jim had been sent away were a sad and painful reminder of how long they’d been apart, and as she closed the wardrobe door on them, the longing for him made her quite tearful.

Daisy snuffled in her sleep, and Peggy picked up the framed photograph of Jim and kissed it. ‘I love you too, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth about Anne and the boys,’ she whispered. ‘But I’ll write tomorrow, I promise. Goodnight, my darling man. Stay safe and come home to us so we can show you just how very much we’ve missed you.’

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