Peggy stood on the pavement long after everyone else had gone back inside to carry on with the party. Another chick was on her way, and soon it would be Rita’s turn to leave – and then if the war with Japan ever came to an end, she would have to say goodbye to Sarah and Jane. Her shoulders slumped and her heart felt heavy. It was like losing her own children all over again, and in that moment she wished with all her heart that Anne would come home.

23

Somerset

It was early Sunday morning and Anne was roused from a heavy sleep by the sound of drawers being opened and shut with great vigour and little thought. She opened her eyes and winced at the shaft of light coming through the gap in the bedroom curtains. ‘Martin? What on earth are you doing?’ she asked thickly.

‘I’m packing,’ he replied tersely.

Anne sat up, her head pounding from the effects of the parsnip wine she’d consumed the previous evening. ‘Packing? Whatever for?’

‘I’m going back to Cliffehaven with Sally.’

‘But you can’t,’ she protested. ‘Sally will have enough on her plate with Harry and Ernie without …’ She bit her lip, realising what she’d almost said.

He regarded her sourly. ‘Without having to deal with me, you mean,’ he said flatly. ‘Look, Anne, I know you don’t think much of me, and I can’t blame you, but I want to go home – and I’m mature enough to make the journey without causing Sally any trouble.’ He began ripping things off coat hangers and stuffing them into a case.

Anne hauled herself out of bed, staggering a little as she went giddy, and then grabbed his arm. ‘Martin, please don’t do this. I know you want to go home – and we will – but at the end of the week, not today.’

‘I want to go today,’ he said stubbornly, shrugging off her restraining hand. ‘Besides, I’d have thought you’d be only too delighted to see the back of me.’

It was like a slap in the face. ‘Oh, Martin,’ she breathed. ‘Do you really think I’d wish that?’ She blinked away her tears, determined not to break down. ‘I’m sorry if that’s the impression you’ve got, but I’m worried sick about you – need you to talk to me – need some sort of acknowledgement from you that you still love me and the girls.’