Anne hoped with all her heart that he’d be there, and that although it had only been a week, the time they’d spent apart would have helped him come to terms with things. But how would they rebuild what they’d had if he still couldn’t engage with her and the children? Where could they start when they’d been apart for two years and were almost strangers on his return? And then there was the future to consider. What were his plans? This had been a niggling worry ever since Martin had been released from his RAF duties, for her income as a teacher certainly couldn’t support them all, and she very much doubted if he would fly a plane again.

Anne dismissed this worry as something to deal with later and looked across the carriage at Charlie and her two young daughters. Rose and Emily were quietly playing with their dolls, but her younger brother was ignoring everyone as he sat with his arms tightly folded across his broad chest, his dark expression warding off any approach. He’d refused point blank to wear his school uniform for the journey, and was dressed in his brother’s old corduroy trousers and a jumper that had definitely seen better days.

Anne let him simmer, suspecting he couldn’t keep it up for the entire length of the long journey, but it had been a tremendous struggle to force him to get on the train in the first place, for at fourteen, Charlie was big and brawny, and far too strong for her to be able to force him to do anything. Bob had eventually taken charge by hauling him aside to give him a stern ticking off before clipping him none-too-gently around the ear. Whatever he’d said had had the desired effect, but it was clear the boy resented every single mile of the journey.

Anne had been grateful for Bob’s help, for Charlie was behaving extremely badly for a boy his age. She regarded her brother’s sullen expression and gave an inward sigh. She could only hope he would buck up, and at least show his better side when he arrived in Cliffehaven – and he did possess such a thing, for he had a smile to lighten your heart and an enthusiasm for life which knew no bounds. And yet today, none of that was in evidence and Anne began to fret over what their mother would make of it if he didn’t pull himself together and at least try to look pleased to be home.