‘Crikey,’ he breathed, as he stepped down into the cosy room with its chintz curtains and matching tablecloths. ‘Some things just don’t change, do they?’ He grinned at the plump middle-aged woman who bustled in from the back at the sound of the tinkling doorbell. He didn’t remember her, but guessed she might be the daughter of the woman who’d run the place before he’d been called up.

They settled by the window and Rita ordered a pot of tea with scones and jam. Jack raised an eyebrow at this extravagance and Rita swiftly put him straight. ‘Rationing doesn’t count in here,’ she said in a stage whisper. ‘The family own the dairy and have a share in the bakery, so everything’s on offer – as long as you’re willing to pay for it.’ She stayed his hand as he reached for his wallet. ‘This is on me, Dad, and I’ll have no argument.’

Jack grinned at his daughter’s bossiness. She hadn’t changed. ‘So, when am I going to meet this young fellow of yours?’ he asked once the feast had been paid for and set out on the table in front of them.

‘Tomorrow,’ she replied. ‘He wanted to come today, but I thought it was a bit soon, and besides, I wanted you to myself for a bit.’ She poured out the tea and began to slather jam and cream on her scone. ‘He’s been moved to Cliffe House to recuperate, now he’s been given the all-clear on his head injury, so we’ll go up there tomorrow on the motorbikes.’

‘You’ve still got the Norton?’

‘Of course, and I’ve got Pete’s Royal Enfield too. It was a mess when I took charge of it, but it runs like silk now – much to his annoyance,’ she added cheekily before taking a big bite of the scone.

Jack saw how her eyes sparkled and how animated she became when she talked about the Australian, and felt the same pang of unease he’d experienced when reading her letters. Not wanting to spoil the moment, he changed the subject and turned his attention to his own scone.

‘So, tell me what’s happened in Cliffehaven since peace was declared. I suspect a lot of the factories have closed down on the estate – and have they started building the pre-fabs on our old plot behind the station? I didn’t see much work going on from the train on the way in.’