Lottie was both shocked and pleased to hear that her son was back in England. Shocked by the circumstances surrounding his return, but pleased that he could perhaps be home for Sunday lunch more than once a decade.

"I've always said my boys are made of stern stuff. It'll take more than a godless heathen in the desert to deal with them. Still, promotion sounds nice."

She pottered with making tea. "So you know dear, when e sees you, your da may not be in the best of moods. We've had bother with Joe.. and Ruth. Little Kate though, been an angel."