‘I know, and I’ve missed you too. But let’s get indoors,’ said Doreen, lifting the case from the pram. ‘I hope you’ve got the kettle on, Peggy, because I’m gagging for a proper cuppa after that awful stewed offering at Euston Station.’

The pram proved to be too big to wheel into the scullery, so once they’d had a cup of tea and been shown their rooms, Peggy helped Doreen lug it up the front steps and into the hall.

‘Whew,’ breathed Doreen. ‘I don’t fancy doing that too often – especially once Archie’s in it.’

‘I could lend you Daisy’s pushchair,’ said Peggy. ‘She’s happy to walk everywhere now as long as it’s not too far.’

Doreen grinned with delight and headed back into the kitchen, where Daisy and Joyce were helping Cordelia find her glasses so she could read them a story.

Evelyn clearly thought she was a bit old for such things, and had gone off to find something to read on her own. She returned from the basement with Charlie’s copy of Black Beauty and settled down quite happily.

‘I don’t know what he’ll say about her borrowing that,’ murmured Peggy. ‘He’s very protective of his books.’

‘She’ll be careful with it,’ Doreen assured her. ‘She’s an avid reader and has great respect for books.’ She lit a cigarette and then grinned. ‘So, tell me about Doris and this chap she’s marrying tomorrow. Has she really changed that much?’

‘Indeed she has, and she’s much happier for it,’ said Peggy. ‘John’s a lovely man – a true gentleman, handsome, too, with a bit of money behind him by all accounts.’ She went on to tell Doreen about their plans for the bungalows, and her worries over John’s son.

‘If you’re that worried about it, you should have a quiet word with her, Peg. After all she’s been through, she’d be very silly to jump in feet first without giving it a great deal of thought.’

‘I thought I might broach the subject this evening, but it’s hardly a happy topic on the eve of her wedding, is it?’

‘I could have a word if you’d prefer,’ said Doreen.

‘Oh, I don’t think that would be wise,’ said Peggy hastily. ‘You didn’t exactly part on friendly terms, and she might still hold a bit of a grudge.’

‘So she hasn’t changed that much then,’ said Doreen waspishly. ‘It’s all water under the bridge as far as I’m concerned, and if she’s willing to make up, then so am I. But I’m not putting up with any of her snooty nonsense, Peg. I’ve had more than enough of that over the years.’

Peggy heaved a sigh. ‘Oh, Doreen, do try not to wind her up.’

Doreen giggled. ‘Me? Wind my dearest older sister up? As if I would.’

Peggy chuckled. ‘You know damned well you would. Honestly, Doreen, you haven’t changed in thirty-seven years.’

‘Who else is coming tonight, Peg? Please tell me that awful Pauline hasn’t been invited, because I’d rather stay at home if she has.’