Ivy plonked the saucepan of spring greens on the hob, ran into the hall and came back with a goodly number of letters and cards. Sifting through them, she squeaked in delight. ‘I got a letter from Mum at last, and a card each from me brothers saying they’ll be back on shore leave by the end of the month, and there’s even a postcard from the young ’uns down near Salisbury.’

She placed them in a pile on the table and shuffled through the rest. ‘There’s one for you from Jim, two for Sarah, one for Grandma Cordy, and a card for Rita from her dad.’ She turned it over and shamelessly read it. ‘He says he’ll be home in about two weeks.’ Sitting at the table, she ripped open her mother’s letter.

Peggy raised an eyebrow at her cheek and then quickly dried her hands so she could open Jim’s airmail. It wasn’t very long, and Jim explained that there really wasn’t very much to report. They were stuck in a jungle respite camp in the middle of the monsoon with very little to do until they were sent back into the fighting again. But the news that the war was finally over in Europe had definitely been something to celebrate. His mate Jumbo had played the bagpipes until he’d run out of puff and they’d drunk the place dry of beer, which had incurred massive hangovers the following morning.

He continued on to say that he was extremely relieved to know that she and the rest of the family were safe now, and hoped that she’d soon be surrounded by their children and grandchildren. He longed to see all of them again, and to get to know little Daisy and his two granddaughters, and hoped he’d be home by Christmas. With the war over in Europe he truly believed it wouldn’t be long before the Japanese were forced to surrender. He’d signed it as usual with a loving kiss, and the hope they’d soon all be together again.

Peggy folded the letter and gave a soft sigh. Let him imagine that all was well here and that their children were on their way home, for if it helped him get through their separation, then so much to the good.

‘They’re all right, Auntie Peg,’ breathed Ivy, folding the single page back into its envelope.

‘Oh, Ivy, I’m so glad for you.’