the ones here. I suspect a big lad like you will soon find plenty to do. She might even let you learn to drive the tractor.’
Bob’s eyes lit up and he smiled. ‘That would be smashing,’ he breathed.
‘Can Harvey come too?’ Ernie was patting the dog’s shaggy head and attempting to keep his nose from the sausage on the table.
‘Harvey’s all right where he is,’ rumbled Ron. ‘He and I have been together so long, we’d neither of us feel comfortable apart.’
Harold eyed Harvey and grinned. ‘There’s always three or four dogs about the farm. I’m sure at least one of them would like to keep you company, Ernie.’
‘What do you think, Jim?’ Peggy’s eyes were bright with hope.
‘I’m thinking it’s the answer to our prayers, even though Miss Fforbes-Smythe will probably have us all shot at dawn for messing up her arrangements.’
They all laughed as Peggy did a wonderful impression of her and explained to Harold who she was. ‘When would you be leaving?’ Peggy was suddenly serious, her eyes once more revealing the heartbreak of having to send her children away.
‘I’ve managed to get train passes for tomorrow afternoon,’ he replied. ‘I thought it best to get them away from the coast as soon as possible now invasion has become a very real threat.’
Peggy swallowed and blew her nose rather fiercely. ‘Of course,’ she managed, her voice breaking. She took a deep breath. ‘Do you think I could telephone Vi? Only I’d like to make sure she’s quite happy about all this, and to thank her for her kindness.’
Harold looked at his watch. ‘She’ll be out in the fields at this time of day. I’ll ring her after dark when she’s sure to be indoors.’
The boys left the table and were soon engrossed in a game of marbles as the adults discussed their plans. Harold turned to Sally a while later, and took her hand. ‘Fancy showing your old man this countryside you wrote to me about?’
‘I can’t think of anything I’d like more,’ she replied warmly.
* * *
The sea was sparkling with sun-diamonds as they breached the hill and found a soft hummock of grass on which to settle. From their viewpoint, they could look down at the crescent-shaped bay and the little town that sprawled from the seafront and into the surrounding countryside. They were silent as they caught their breath and drank in the scenery, content and at peace in each other’s company.
Harold finally pulled a small package out of his pocket. ‘Happy birthday, love. I’m sorry I missed it, and there was no card this year.’
She untied the ribbon and opened the little box. There, nestled in a bed of cotton wool, was a heart-shaped locket on a matching gold chain. ‘Oh, Dad,’ she sighed. ‘It’s beautiful.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘Thank you. I’ll treasure it always.’
He fastened it round her neck and gave her a kiss. ‘Seventeen already, eh? My how time flies.’ He re-lit his pipe and, with a sigh of contentment, leant back on his elbows. ‘I’m glad Ernie doesn’t seem too upset by Florrie letting him down again,’ he said quietly.
‘How did you know she was here?’
‘Maisie from downstairs,’ he replied. ‘The minute we docked I went back to Bow and found half the street was missing. It didn’t take long to track Maisie down and discover where she’d gone. When I found out Solomon had relocated here as well …’ He was quiet for a moment. ‘Did she tell you about the divorce?’
Sally nodded. ‘The only thing worrying her was the thought of Solomon finding out she’d been carrying on with someone else.’ She gave a rueful smile. ‘Unfortunately, I suspect he did find out – which was why she left Cliffehaven in a hurry.’
Harold sighed deeply. ‘Yeah, I caught sight of her at the station, and have to confess I ducked out before she saw me. As for Solomon; he’s a fool – but even he doesn’t deserve to be saddled with Florrie.’
She stared at her father’s grim face. ‘Was it you who told him?’
‘I wanted to, but I didn’t in the end. I’m not a vindictive man, Sally, and although Florrie has had her own way for too long, and I was sick of being made to look a fool, I’d had enough of trouble.’
‘He must have seen her with that man she picked up at the station,’ she murmured.
Harold stared out at the view, the smoke drifting lazily from his pipe. ‘When Peggy told me what