Danuta returned her kiss and chuckled. ‘I think I have learnt my lesson about taking risks, Mamma Peggy, and with Solly by my side, I’m sure I’ll be perfectly safe.’ She pushed back from the table to wash her dishes. ‘Now I must go to the clinic and begin my shift. I am hoping for a quiet night, but with so many babies on the way, I don’t expect it will be.’

Barely mollified, Peggy finished her plate of food, her heart heavy at the thought of Danuta travelling through war-torn Poland. It was good that Solly would be with her, but despite his size and daunting appearance, he was no longer youthful or terribly fit, and would be unable to defend Danuta should they run into trouble. But then Danuta had gone into Europe during the war to work with the underground and had managed to escape the clutches of the SS before they’d tortured her to death. She might be small, but she had the heart and courage of a lioness.

Sarah seemed to be thinking along the same lines, although she had no knowledge of Danuta’s war exploits. She patted Peggy’s shoulder in sympathy. ‘Danuta’s a very capable girl, Aunt Peggy. Please try not to worry about her.’

Jane handed Sarah her jacket and handbag, and Sarah stood up. ‘Jane and I are going to vote, and then take a stroll along the seafront before we go to the pictures at the Drill Hall. The chap in charge has managed to get hold of Brief Encounter, and from what I’ve heard, we’re in for a jolly good cry.’

‘Bertie’s taking me to see it tomorrow afternoon,’ said Cordelia happily. ‘I do so enjoy a good cry at the pictures.’

Jane giggled. ‘Yes, we did notice, Aunt Cordelia. You manage to cry at the drop of a hat, it seems.’

‘Or the wisp of a wedding veil,’ added Sarah on a chuckle.

‘Cheeky girls,’ Cordelia said cheerfully. ‘Be off with you.’

They went down the cellar steps and quietly closed the door behind them, and Peggy cleared the table and did the last of the washing-up. There was still no sign of Martin, but hopefully his time-keeping would improve once Anne and the children came home at the weekend. Her heart did a little skip at the thought of seeing them all again, even though Bob wouldn’t be with them – but he would come eventually, and so would Jim, God willing.