‘I agree it is a worry,’ said Cordelia, setting aside her morning newspaper. ‘But I do think you’re making too much of things, Peggy. By what I’ve learned about them from Ivy, they seem to be simple, poorly educated people who probably don’t find it easy to write letters, let alone know how to use a public telephone to make a reverse charge call. I’m sure that’s all it is, so there’s little point in getting into a frazzle over it. Today is going to be hectic enough, without the added worry over Ivy and whatever is going on in London. I’m sure Andy will do his best to get over to Hackney after his interview to find out for himself.’

She regarded Peggy solemnly over her half-moon spectacles. ‘If my memory serves me correctly, there’s a very good train service between the two places.’

‘How on earth do you know that?’

‘I did some voluntary nursing up there during the first war,’ Cordelia replied.

‘I never knew that.’

‘Well, that just goes to show we all have our little secrets, doesn’t it?’ Cordelia’s eyes twinkled behind her glasses. ‘I bet there are a few things you’ve never told anyone.’

Peggy smiled back, for indeed there were. Yet Cordelia’s take on the situation with Ivy was probably correct, even though she knew she’d worry over her until Andy returned home to confirm that all was well with her family in London, and that his interview had been successful. The young couple certainly needed some good news after losing their jobs.

Her thoughts automatically drifted to Kitty and Charlotte who must be going through agonies of grief over Freddy, and then on to Fran and Robert who would be leaving Ireland this weekend – perhaps were already on their way to London if things hadn’t turned out well. What the outcome of their visit to Fran’s family would be she had no idea, but she prayed that at least one of them would show some Christian feeling and understanding towards her.

‘And you can stop fretting over Fran as well,’ said Cordelia. ‘She’s an adult with a husband and has made her choice to visit that uncaring family of hers. She knows the probable outcome but has a strong enough character to overcome any further rejection, and leave them behind with her head held high. Robert will look after her. It’s what husbands are for,’ she added briskly.

Peggy chuckled. ‘My goodness, Cordy, you’re being a bit sharp this morning.’

‘Well, I have worries of my own,’ she replied with unusual tetchiness. ‘I’ve just discovered that Ruby is struggling to pay the rent on my bungalow now her friend has left, and her hours at the factory have been cut. She came round yesterday morning to tell me she’d have to leave by the end of the month.’