Cordelia ignored her and regarded Peggy sharply. ‘Where are you off to, Peggy? Has it got something to do with that telephone call?’

‘Yes.’ Peggy tied her scarf under her chin. ‘I don’t know how long I’ll be, Cordy, but I’d really appreciate it if you could take over here and watch Daisy. Get Jane and Sarah to help you with the lunch.’ To avoid further questions, she hurried down the cellar steps and out into the bright sunshine.

Peggy walked quickly towards the Crown, which stood halfway up the High Street, her footsteps faltering as she approached the door. Glancing in the window of the main bar, she saw Gloria standing there staring into space, her expression very solemn. There didn’t seem to be any sign of Ivy.

‘I were just about to ring you,’ said Gloria in a stage whisper, her gaze darting towards the stairs as she opened the door to Peggy. ‘I’m guessing you’ve ’eard from Andy too?’

Before Peggy could reply, Gloria rushed on. ‘He phoned about an hour ago and was being very mysterious, ordering me to keep Ivy here until he gets back. Which should be quite soon if the trains are running on time. Do you know what it’s all about?’

‘Unfortunately, yes, I do.’ Peggy took Gloria’s arm. ‘Where’s Ivy?’

‘I sent ’er back up to do one of the rooms again, though it didn’t need it. Is it her family, Peg?’

Peggy nodded and quickly gave Gloria the gist of the conversation she’d had with the Dutch woman.

‘Ow, Gawd,’ said Gloria, the ready tears threatening to smear her mascara. ‘Poor little cow. No wonder Andy were so worried about ’er. He must’ve been to the house and found out. Should we wait for ’im to get ’ere, or what?’

Ivy solved the dilemma by hurtling down the stairs into the saloon bar to stand squarely before them, arms folded, expression determined. ‘Right, you’d better tell me what’s going on, ’cos I know something’s up. You’ve had me running about like a blue-arsed fly all morning doing things what don’t need doing – and now Auntie Peg’s ’ere, it’s gotta be serious.’

Gloria’s shoulders sagged. ‘Oh Ivy,’ she sighed. ‘You’re too sharp fer yer own good, ain’t yer?’ She took a deep breath and put her arm around the girl, gently drawing her to her side. ‘It were Andy on the blower. He’s on his way back and wants to meet you here. He’s got something to tell yer, see?’

Ivy’s face lit up. ‘Has he got the job?’

‘I dunno, he didn’t say,’ Gloria replied with a vagueness that didn’t ring true to Ivy.