She gave him a hug, fastened his shirt buttons in the right order and then reached for her cardigan. She fervently hoped that Pauline achieved all she wished for in London, and never darkened their lives again.

16

Peggy had avoided going to the recreation ground ever since the family picnic two years ago which had ended in the terror of an enemy rocket heading straight for them. The V-1 had come down in Havelock Road and completely destroyed the end three houses. Peggy could still remember the shock and horror of that day, and the profound fear that she’d lost Doris in the inferno.

However, she’d discovered that time was a great healer. Her fear had been unfounded as Doris had not been in the house at the time, and was now due to return to her bungalow tomorrow, fresh from her honeymoon. Life had moved on, and in her sister’s case, it had improved no end and brought harmony between them after many years of strife.

Peggy had been a bit put out that she hadn’t been asked to help with the tea the club provided after the match, but she soon learned that for the first match tea was always provided by the club chairman and committee members, and that she’d definitely be roped in for future home matches. She recognised some of the other mothers and could see that there were several senior players watching from the clubhouse – one of whom was young Dr Michael Sayer, who’d now taken over the practice from his father.

Michael was with his snooty wife, Eunice, who was trying to keep their toddler amused and losing the battle. Peggy had never taken to Eunice, because she’d been perfectly horrid to Julie Harris when she’d come to Beach View as an evacuee and worked at the surgery. Eunice had pursued Michael quite vigorously and seen poor Julie as a rival, even going so far as to endanger Julie’s position at the surgery with her spiteful talk. Peggy watched the lack of interaction between Eunice and her husband and wondered fleetingly if either of them was happy.

The match was finally won by the Cliffehaven side. Charlie had played well, even scoring a try, so he was very pleased with himself, and both Frank and Ron were so hoarse after shouting encouragement they’d had to down several cups of tea so they could speak.

Peggy left Cordelia with Frank, who would drive her home, and walked slowly back to Beach View with Daisy. The early clouds had melted away and as the afternoon had waned to evening, the air was soft and warm. Her thoughts turned to Frank, who seemed to be holding up well, despite the shock of Pauline leaving him so suddenly. She rather hoped he’d find a nice little woman who could love him as he deserved – but that was for the future.

Daisy ran on ahead to greet Rosie, who was sweeping the first of the autumn leaves from the pavement with much hindrance from Monty, and Peggy smiled at the sight. Rosie was dressed up to the nines, with high heels and a figure-hugging frock. ‘You’re a bit overdressed for that job, aren’t you?’ she teased.