It was so quiet and peaceful down here with only the gulls for company and the soft hiss of the waves breaking on the shingle, that it was tempting just to stay here and enjoy it. The enemy fighter plane had finally been removed from the rusting ribs of the pier ballroom; the bandstand gleamed with fresh paint, and the refurbished Victorian shelters along the promenade looked as good as new. Soon the council workers would come to put out the deckchairs, the café at the end of the promenade would open and the tourists would appear from their hotels and boarding houses to take their chances with the weather to sit or take a stroll.

Peggy turned to admire the beautiful carpet garden that Fred Wilson had laid as a memorial to all those who’d died when the Grand Hotel and its neighbouring boarding house had taken a direct hit. Ron and Harvey had rescued a young woman and her baby from the depths of the rubble, she remembered, but they’d been the lucky ones, for many had died on that awful night.

She finished her cigarette and stubbed it out beneath her shoe before dumping it in a nearby bin. She’d kept an eye on Fred Wilson while his wife was in hospital, and he’d coped admirably well once she’d pointed him in the right direction. Now Kate was at home and baby Evie growing stronger every day, things had settled down and they were getting on with life, so they didn’t need her popping in every day.

But because they had so many little mouths to feed, Kate would soon go back to work on a part-time basis at Solly’s Camden Road factory while the children were looked after in the crèche. Fred had been promoted to head gardener by the council, which had given him a huge confidence boost, so they wouldn’t be struggling too much over money.

Peggy glanced at her watch and was surprised to find she’d been away from home for almost an hour and a half. She reluctantly pulled on her headscarf and hurried back to the car. The wind was quite brisk now, and she thought she’d felt a few spots of rain. It seemed that summer was drawing to a close and the breath of autumn was already in the air. The circle of life kept on turning like the seasons, and as one phase ended another began – just as she must begin again.

Arriving back at Beach View, she ran up the front steps, took a deep breath, slotted in the key and stepped into the hall, her apology for being so late dying on her lips as she saw Cordelia sitting on the chair by the telephone.

One look at her face told Peggy she was agitated and very upset. ‘Whatever’s the matter?’ she asked, hurrying to her.

‘Where on earth have you been, Peggy?’ she asked tremulously. ‘I’ve been waiting and waiting for you.’

‘I’m so sorry, Cordy. I just needed a bit of time to myself before I came back. What’s happened to get you so upset?’