He gave a short, exasperated sigh. ‘You know what she’s like, Aunt Peg. She takes umbrage at the slightest thing, and has decided we got married behind her back in revenge for her complaining about me going to Devon on that last leave instead of coming home. Which, of course, is ridiculous.’

‘Have you tried reasoning with her?’ Peggy asked.

‘She refuses to listen to a word I say, and I’m very much afraid she’s working herself up to having a go at my poor Betty next, and will blame her for turning me against her.’

‘Oh lawks, what a horrid and hurtful situation you’ve both found yourselves in,’ Peggy sympathised.

‘It’s certainly unpleasant,’ said Betty, ‘made more so by the fact that she’s incandescent about her sister Carol and their mother, Dolly, being Joseph’s godparents, and witnesses at our wedding. When Brendon let it slip about Dolly she just clammed up completely and hasn’t spoken to us since.’

‘Some might say that was a blessing,’ muttered a furious Peggy.

‘Some might,’ agreed Brendon, ‘but it makes for a poisonous atmosphere. We would have booked into a hotel if it wasn’t for Dad. He’s delighted to have us home and has completely fallen in love with Joseph, so it didn’t seem fair to abandon him while Mum’s in that foul mood.’

‘Probably best you stay there for as long as you can stand it,’ said Peggy. ‘The poor man will probably be in the doghouse with Pauline, and he’ll need all the support he can get.’ She took a deep breath and let it out on a sigh. ‘I always knew Pauline was tricky and saw a personal slight in everything people said or did, and her relationship with Dolly was never an easy one, but never in a million years did I think she’d turn on you like that.’

She clasped their hands. ‘Oh, my dears, I’m so sorry this homecoming has been such an ordeal. If you ever need to escape, you know where I am, and you’ll be welcome at any time. If I’m out, just go in and make yourselves right at home. There’s only Cordelia and four girls there now – and one of them is leaving next weekend – so if you need some space to yourselves, the big top room is free.’

Brendon got out of the deckchair and hugged her. ‘Thanks, Aunt Peg,’ he said softly. ‘And if things get too bad at home, would it be all right if we moved in up there until we find our own place?’

‘But of course,’ she exclaimed, instantly dismissing the thought of how much trouble that might cause with Pauline. ‘So, does that mean you’ll stay in Cliffehaven despite your mum?’