‘Thank you, Reg,’ Maggie said. She had known that Reg wouldn’t sit with them but felt suddenly alarmed that Cindy was about to leave her also.

‘Oh, don’t thank me, it was bought for you by an admirer, Maggie,’ said Reg.

‘An admirer, already? Who?’ said Cindy, amazed, and craned her neck towards the bar, but it was Maggie who spotted him first, raising his glass to her. Eric!

‘Oh, God, it’s the milky, I thought you meant a real fella then, I thought your luck had changed, Maggie.’ Cindy laughed before picking up her own drink and taking a sip, then continued, ‘Imagine his Gladys letting him out. I told him he needed to get out to the pub – he’s another one letting his life slip past him. He’s a really good man, is Eric, but I swear to God, that wife of his will see him into the ground, she makes his life that miserable.’ Cindy leant forward and whispered, ‘Everyone knows he lives a dog’s life with Gladys and I think the poor man is on the edge.’

Maggie raised her drink to her lips and recalled her conversation with Eric that morning. ‘Are you watching that show, Coronation Street, on the television tonight?’ Eric had asked as he walked back to the cart.

She had hesitated before she replied, her first instinct not to speak out loud her betrayal of martyrdom and admit she was going out to the Anchor with Cindy and Reg. ‘No, not tonight, I don’t think so,’ she had faltered.

‘Why not?’ he’d asked. ‘Got other plans?’

She had taken a breath, pushed the cat back indoors, smoothed down her sleeve, avoided his eyes and then decided to be truthful; she had no idea how she had been so bold, ‘Well, actually, I’m going to the pub with Cindy and Reg.’

Eric had looked so surprised she thought he was about to faint. ‘Which one? The Anchor?’

She nodded, her mouth dry. He didn’t speak either and, instead, picking up the reins had said, ‘Walk on, Daisy,’ leaving her feeling incredibly foolish. But now here he was in the pub and he had known she would be there too. He was smiling at her, he had bought her a drink – and there was no doubt about it, admiration was shining from his eyes. She felt her heart pounding as he walked towards their table.

‘Eric, what a sight for sore eyes you are,’ said Cindy. ‘I’m so glad you’ve come.’

‘Well, a suggestion is as good as any order from you, Cindy,’ said Eric.

‘Right, Cindy,’ Eric laughed, ‘they need our help. They want a woman on the arrows.’

Cindy inclined her head towards Maggie. ‘Reg, I can’t, I’ve got Maggie with me.’ Cindy would never leave Maggie on her own.