Peggy watched him go, thinking once again how very much like his father he was. They shared the same broad shoulders, narrow waist and long legs – the same dark hair and jaunty walk. Realising she was wasting time, she snapped out of her day-dreaming and headed up the hill to the factory estate.

Jack was standing in the doorway of his workshop, staring gloomily out at nothing in particular, his thoughts clearly on Rita’s departure for Australia tomorrow.

Peggy didn’t stop, for he didn’t look as if he wanted company, and she would see him later anyway. They had all been invited to Jack’s bungalow for supper, so they could ensure that Rita and Peter’s last night in Cliffehaven went with a swing. Though she doubted Jack would enjoy it much, poor man.

With her thoughts focused on Jack, she almost missed seeing Pauline emerge from the Red Cross offices, laughing and chatting rather flirtatiously with a silver-haired, handsome man she could only assume was one of her bosses. About to dodge round a corner to avoid her, she realised it was too late. Pauline had spotted her and was now purposefully heading her way.

With very little enthusiasm, she went to meet her sister-in-law, already planning a speedy escape. ‘Hello, Pauline. How are you?’ she asked with a brittle smile.

‘Extremely well,’ she replied coolly. ‘And you?’

‘Muddling on as usual,’ said Peggy, noting the other woman’s carefully applied make-up and smart suit. ‘Sorry, Pauline, but I can’t stop to chat. I’m already late getting back to work.’

Pauline’s smile was frosty. ‘Always busy, aren’t you? Rushing here and there without much thought for others.’

Peggy bridled. ‘What do you mean by that?’

Pauline pursed her scarlet lips and patted her tightly permed hair. ‘I was expecting you to call in and see how I was after I had to leave Doris’s reception so hurriedly,’ she said.

‘It never occurred to me that you’d appreciate a visit after the last time we crossed swords,’ said Peggy with equal coolness. ‘Besides, Frank told me you’d been to see that headache specialist and he’d passed you fit.’

‘That’s no thanks to you,’ snapped Pauline. ‘You should think twice before slapping people, Peggy. It could do a great deal of damage.’

‘To your ego, maybe, but clearly not much else,’ retorted Peggy, eyeing the tailored suit and high heels. ‘How are Brendon and his little family?’

‘They’re very cosy in their new house – not that I go there often – I don’t feel welcome. But I’m sure Frank’s told you all about it.’

‘Look, Pauline, if there’s nothing in particular you needed to say to me, then I really must be going.’

‘Well, I do have something to tell you, actually. I’ve been offered another very important promotion,’ she announced with a glint in her eyes. ‘Which is one in the eye for you and Mother, as neither of you thought I was good for anything. But I’ll let Frank tell you all about it as you seem to prefer talking to him rather than me.’ With that, she stalked off, head held high and handbag swinging.