‘I haven’t made my mind up about anything yet,’ she said. ‘So there’s no point in bombarding me with questions. Dad will be home soon, and it’s something I need to talk to him about. Until then, I’d be grateful if you’d keep everything you’ve seen and heard tonight within these walls. This ring is very valuable, and if word gets out about it, then there’s a danger someone might break in to try and steal it.’

‘Oh, lawks,’ gasped Peggy. ‘I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps you should keep it in a safe at the bank?’

’The thought had crossed my mind,’ Rita admitted, ‘but I do so love wearing it, and Peter would be very hurt if I locked it away.’

‘Peter’s sensible enough to know what’s best,’ said Cordelia. ‘Talk it over with him, and see what he has to say.’

The conversation was interrupted by the insistent ringing of the telephone.

‘That could be Mum,’ breathed Ivy, leaping to her feet and dashing into the hall, only to return moments later, her little face a picture of disappointment. ‘It’s Peter calling from the public telephone at the Memorial.’

Rita squeezed her shoulder in sympathy and hurried out to retrieve the receiver from the chair. ‘Hello? Peter? It’s not like you to call so late. What’s up?’

‘They’re chucking me out first thing tomorrow morning,’ he replied. ‘I didn’t want you coming here to find me gone and giving you a fright.’

Rita’s pulse raced at the thought she might never have the chance to see him again, and she gripped the receiver until her knuckles went white. ‘Where are they sending you? Is it local or miles away? Are you being returned to the RAAF base, or some billet near the docks?’

He chuckled. ‘If you’d let me get a word in edgeways, I’ll tell you. I’m going to Cliffe House, which is even nearer to you than this place. They’re pleased with my progress and don’t think I need any more treatment for my head injury, but I will have to continue with the physiotherapy for a while longer. Isn’t that good news?’

‘The best,’ she sighed, the tension easing from her shoulders. ‘When are the visiting hours at Cliffe?’

‘From nine until nine. As I told you before, it’s more of a hotel than a hospital and the rules are far more relaxed.’

‘I’ll come straight over the minute I finish my shift, so it’ll be about lunchtime.’

‘That’s an unusually short shift. What’s going on?’