‘Because I didn’t want to worry you and I thought I could cope.’ Anne’s voice became choked, as if she was trying not to cry. ‘You know me, Mum. I’ve always been so sure that my decisions are for the best. I got it so wrong this time, and instead of helping him, I think I only made things far worse. It’s all been so difficult, Mum, and now I don’t know what’s to become of us if he doesn’t get better.’

Peggy gripped the receiver, longing to be able to embrace her daughter and soothe her as she’d calmed little Joseph. ‘Tell me what I should do to help him,’ she said softly.

‘Let him be with Roger,’ Anne said. ‘He needs to talk to someone who’s been through the same thing and understands.’

Peggy listened as Anne recounted her conversation with the headmaster. ‘Oh, my darling,’ she breathed at the end of the tragic story. ‘I can’t begin to imagine what those poor men have been through.’ She paused to light a cigarette and give herself time to absorb what she’d been told. ‘Roger isn’t coping either. He’s wandering the hills and haunting the aerodrome like a lost soul, and poor little Kitty is beside herself with worry.’

‘I can fully understand that,’ said Anne. ‘Martin’s been doing the same, only his wandering has led him to a pub, and he’s been drinking heavily.’

‘Then let’s hope their reunion will begin the process of healing for them both – and, in time, for the two of you,’ said Peggy. ‘I’ll make up a bed for him in the big front room that Rita and Ivy used to share. What time is he due in?’

‘At around six o’clock if there’s no delay and the connections go smoothly. But don’t worry if he doesn’t turn up straight away. I suspect he’ll go looking for Roger the minute he arrives.’

Peggy closed her eyes at the thought of how desperate both men must be to talk to one another and vanquish the demons that beset them. ‘I’ll keep his supper warm, and put a hot water bottle in his bed. He’ll be safe here with me,’ she soothed.

‘Thanks, Mum. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you what’s been going on, but to be honest, I was ashamed of the mess I’ve made of everything.’

‘You made your plans with the very best of intentions, my love, so please don’t feel guilty. But will you be coming home soon?’

‘I’ll be leaving straight after the count in Taunton. It would have been sooner, but I couldn’t find anyone to replace me at such short notice.’

Peggy’s heart lightened, for her prayers had been answered at last. ‘And will you be bringing Charlie?’ she dared to ask.