Peggy had been relieved that he’d settled back home so well, but still couldn’t quite get over how much he’d grown – and how quickly he’d lost the burr of his Somerset accent. She’d quite liked it, but understood that Charlie had deliberately toned it down because he didn’t like being thought of as different to the other boys.

She arrived at Jack’s workshop and grinned. Charlie was in his element as he leaned beneath the bonnet of a car alongside Peter discussing what should be done with the engine.

‘He’s a clever lad,’ said Jack appreciatively, sliding out from beneath another car as Rita continued to hammer something metal at the back of the workshop. ‘I wouldn’t mind taking him on when these two skip off to Australia.’

‘Thanks, Jack, but he’s got to finish school first.’ She looked over at her son who was so involved beneath that bonnet that he hadn’t seen her. ‘Charlie. I want you home by six for your tea,’ she said. ‘It’s toad in the hole, so don’t be late.’

He replied with a wave of a filthy hand and a broad grin then disappeared beneath the bonnet again.

Peggy clucked her tongue and left him to it. She would pick up Daisy from the factory crèche and go straight home tonight to listen to the early newscast.

The fighting in the Far East was still raging, with the Americans now bombing mainland Japan itself. Several days ago, Truman had sent a stern and very threatening message to the Japanese, warning them he would bring death and total destruction to their country if they didn’t surrender immediately. Peggy prayed with all her being that the Japs would see sense and give in, for it would mean Jim could come home at last, and her family could spend their first Christmas together in six years.

Beach View was quiet for once, with only Cordelia waiting for her in the kitchen, the wireless already switched on in the corner.

‘Anne has taken the children to Briar Cottage, and will be back for tea,’ she said, the silk flowers bobbing merrily on the sunhat she’d forgotten she was wearing. ‘They were inspecting the airfield today, as they’re hoping to get government permission to use it again.’

‘From what I’ve heard it’s not in a very good state at all,’ replied Peggy, letting go of Daisy’s hand so she could go into the garden and play in the makeshift sandpit Ron had made for her. ‘Where are the three girls?’

‘Danuta’s gone to see Rachel and Solly to talk over their Warsaw plans, and Jane and Sarah have decided to buy fish and chips for supper before they go to see Brief Encounter again.’