Dolly nodded, then looked at her slender wristwatch and got to her feet. ‘I have to see the estate agent and then rescue Carol from what I suspect will be an unpleasant scene between Frank and Pauline.’ She took Peggy’s hands and kissed her cheek. ‘We’ll be leaving this evening, so would it be all right if we call in later to say our goodbyes to everyone?’

Peggy hugged her fiercely. ‘Of course it would. You and Carol are welcome any time.’

Peggy realised that she would now have very little time to go to Briar Cottage, so she telephoned Kitty to apologise for changing her plans and to tell her that Martin was on his way home. The poor girl had been quite tearful with relief that, at last, someone was coming who might help raise Roger’s spirits and see him through this awful time.

Peggy was feeling quite emotional too as she disconnected the call, and went to see where Daisy had got to. She found her with Cordelia, chattering away nineteen to the dozen. The child had clearly dressed herself this morning, for she wore her favourite dungarees over a back-to-front jumper, with pink socks and her shoes on the wrong feet.

‘Come on, Daisy, let me sort you out so you can have breakfast. You must be very hungry by now, and there’s a lovely brown egg waiting for you downstairs.’ Peggy managed to change the shoes over as her daughter fidgeted impatiently.

‘Wanna ride with Gan-gan,’ she protested when Peggy tried to lead her out of the room.

Peggy glanced at Cordelia who nodded. ‘I’ll see to her, Peggy, dear. It sounds as if you’ve had quite enough to contend with this morning as it is.’

‘That would be a help,’ said Peggy. She explained what had been happening with Pauline and Dolly.

Cordelia tutted and shook her head. ‘That woman’s got bats in the belfry, if you ask me,’ she muttered. ‘I’m not surprised poor Frank’s had enough.’

Peggy left Cordelia to it and went upstairs to Brendon and Betty’s room. Hearing the murmur of voices, she tapped on the door and went in. They were sitting in the chairs on either side of the gas fire, looking thoroughly miserable, so Peggy told them the news about the flat – but didn’t want to depress them further by telling them about Frank’s threat to leave Pauline and move in with them.

‘That’s very clever of Grandma Dolly,’ said Brendon, looking far more cheerful. ‘Though how she’s managed it, I can’t imagine. Those flats are like gold dust.’

‘Dolly has always had a way of getting what she wants,’ said Peggy, giving them a fond smile. ‘She and Carol are coming over later to say their goodbyes before they leave for America.’ She looked at her watch. ‘Now, I must get on and prepare the room downstairs for Martin.’