They’d stowed the motorbikes in the guard’s van, and Rita went to hug Stan the stationmaster and take charge of the paper bag filled with freshly baked rock buns. Turning to gaze for the last time down Cliffehaven’s High Street, she broke into a smile.

‘I knew you’d come,’ she said as Peggy rushed from the car park and enfolded her in her arms.

‘I couldn’t let you go without saying one last goodbye,’ Peggy murmured, holding her tightly. ‘I know you’ll be absolutely fine and will make a huge success of things out there, so I don’t want you worrying about Jack. Ron and I will look after him.’

‘Thanks, Auntie Peg. And I promise to write often and let you know how we’re getting on.’

‘You make sure you do.’ Peggy turned to Peter and hugged him. ‘I know you’ll look after our girl, so I have no worries there. I hope your homecoming is all you wish it to be, Peter. It’s been lovely to get to know you.’

Stan was fidgeting with his flag and whistle. ‘Sorry, lass, but if I don’t blow the whistle soon, the train will be late leaving.’

Rita swiftly hugged Peggy again and followed Peter onto the train. She tugged the leather strap on the window and leaned out as Stan blew his whistle and waved his flag. ‘Bye, Aunt Peggy, bye, Stan. I love you,’ she shouted above the deep grind of the train wheels as they began to turn.

The train gathered speed and rounded the bend, taking her away from Cliffehaven and everything she knew. She sank down beside Peter and nestled against his side as she fought back her tears and tried very hard to be brave.

‘It’s all right, love. You’ve got me,’ murmured Peter. ‘And I love you enough to make up for everyone you’re leaving behind.’

Rita closed her eyes on the tears and held him close, sure in the knowledge that as long as they were together, all would be well.

Peggy hadn’t really planned to go to the station to see them off, but she hadn’t been able to resist, for no matter how hard it was to say goodbye to her chicks, each and every one of them deserved a proper send-off.

She hurried back to the car, her eyes blurred with tears. Beach View already felt deserted, but how much worse it must be for Jack. He’d clearly been unable to face seeing them off at the station this morning, and she could only imagine how bereft he must be feeling now he was alone in that bungalow.

She drove carefully back home, aware that she wasn’t really in any fit state to be driving while in tears. Parking outside the front of Beach View, she sat for a moment to gain some control over her emotions and then climbed out purposefully. She had a busy day ahead of her, and she didn’t have the time to sit here moping and feeling sorry for herself. Rita and Peter would be perfectly all right, she just knew they would.