‘I’ve just got the girls into bed after a real tussle in the bathroom,’ she replied. ‘They’re both overtired, and Martin didn’t really help by making bath time a game, but they were asleep by the time I’d put them in their cots.’

She fetched cups and saucers from the shelves and milk from the marble shelf in the larder before she perched on a kitchen chair. ‘I have no idea where everyone else has gone, but I checked on Cordelia before I came down,’ she said with an affectionate smile. ‘She was exhausted too, and is now snoring away very happily. I took her glasses off and turned out her light.’

‘Where’s Martin?’ Peggy asked, pouring the boiling water into the large brown teapot and giving the leaves a good stir.

‘He’s gone for a walk, but promised not to stay out too late.’

‘How are things between you?’

Anne offered her cigarette packet and box of matches to Peggy. ‘Not perfect,’ she admitted, blowing smoke, ‘but certainly a little less fraught than before. It’s going to take time for both of us to get used to each other again, and I think being with Roger has helped him tremendously.’

Peggy poured the tea and came to sit with her at the table. ‘I expect it will be the same for me and your father. We’ve experienced such different wars and must have been changed by them. Has Martin told you anything of what he and the others went through?’

Anne shook her head. ‘I don’t think he ever will, and I’m not sure I want to know after you told me about the state Freddy was in before he died. I’m just thankful he’s home and starting to heal.’

Peggy squeezed her hand. ‘You’ll both muddle through, Anne,’ she soothed. ‘And your marriage will be stronger for it. But he can’t mope about forever, and must start thinking about what he’ll do for a living.’

Anne smiled. ‘He and Roger have already started planning something, although Martin’s being very mysterious about it, and trying hard not to show how much the idea excites him. We’re due to go to Briar Cottage tomorrow morning when all will be revealed, and as it concerns Kitty and Charlotte as well, I suspect it might be something to do with flying.’

She grinned happily. ‘I never thought Martin would get in a plane again, so if I’m right, this could be a real step forward in his recovery.’

Peggy knew exactly what the plans were, for she’d discussed them with the girls many months ago when they’d thought Freddy would be a part of their business plan – but she wouldn’t spoil Martin’s surprise.