Stan’s eyes twinkled. ‘I bet you never thought you’d see the day your sister got wed again,’ he said. ‘A lot of things have changed around here during the past few years, but none so much as Doris. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.’

‘I’m sure I will,’ said Doreen, now eager to be on her way. ‘I’m here for a few days, Stan, so I’ll pop up and see you for a chat and one of your lovely rock buns. You are still making them, aren’t you?’

‘Not as many as before, because I have to watch my weight. But for you, Doreen, I’ll bake a special batch.’ He patted her shoulder, tweaked Archie under the chin and winked. ‘It’s good to have you home, lass, even if it is only for a short while.’

Doreen grinned back at him, then called the girls to her. Balancing the suitcase across the end of the large, coach-built pram, she hurried out of the station.

As they walked down the High Street, Doreen was shocked by the number of bomb craters and empty spaces that had once been shops, the cinema and the old Mermaid pub. She noted that the Crown was still standing but looking a bit worse for wear, and that a new restaurant had opened up since she’d last been home. It looked very smart, and a quick glance at the menu board in the window told her it catered only for those with deep pockets.

‘Why can’t we go on the beach, Mum?’ asked Evelyn.

‘Because there isn’t time today,’ she said, wheeling the pram into Camden Road.

‘But I wanna go to the beach,’ whined Joyce, scuffing the toes of her shoes on the pavement.

‘Well you can’t,’ said Doreen firmly. ‘And stop damaging those new and very expensive shoes.’

She ignored their moans and groans as Archie clapped his hands and beamed at everyone they passed. As she approached the Anchor, she saw Ron and Rosie standing in the doorway with welcoming smiles.

‘To be sure, it’s grand to see you, wee Doreen,’ said Ron, giving her a bear hug.

Doreen had always loved Ron and she hugged him back before kissing Rosie’s cheek. ‘How’s married life, you two? I have to say, you both look well on it.’

‘We’re doing fine, Doreen,’ said Ron. ‘Are ye looking forward to seeing your sisters again?’ he asked with a naughty twinkle in his eyes.

‘Peggy definitely, but I’m not so sure about Doris. We parted on bad terms back in ’43, so it could be a bit awkward.’

‘Ach, she’ll have forgotten all about that by now,’ he said airily.

Doreen wasn’t so sure, but she made no comment. ‘I’d better get on. I promised Peggy I’d get to her by five, and it’s almost half past now. Will I see you tonight, Rosie?’

‘Only for a few minutes. I’m babysitting at Beach View so you and Peggy can go out and have some fun. Doris is holding her drinks party at the Officers’ Club, so you should have a good time.’