Rose grinned, pleased the girl was so quick in coming to the point. ‘Two thousand pounds, including goodwill, the freehold, bar fixtures, fittings and furniture,’ she replied. ‘The stock would be extra, of course, and the upstairs furniture is something to discuss at a later date, but I’m willing to let it go for a fair price.’

‘That’s a bit more than I’m prepared to pay,’ said Ruby thoughtfully. ‘I was in London over the weekend and did a bit of poking about. The pub trade’s struggling at the moment, what with all the rationing and restrictions, and I’d need to see the books before I firmed up any offer.’

She eyed Rosie speculatively. ‘Would you consider one thousand five hundred?’

Rosie shook her head. ‘This place is worth more than that for the freehold alone.’ She regarded Ruby thoughtfully. ‘But as it’s you, I’d take one nine.’

Ruby grinned. ‘One six. Can’t say fairer than that, Rosie, seeing as ’ow it’s been up for sale since before I left.’

Rosie chuckled, admiring the girl’s nerve. ‘One thousand eight hundred, or we forget the whole thing.’

‘Tell you what, Rosie, why not split the difference? One seven and we’ve got a deal.’ Ruby stuck out her hand.

Rosie knew it was a fair price, so she shook Ruby’s hand. ‘It’s a deal – and remind me never to negotiate with you again. You’re way too hard-nosed.’

Ruby laughed. ‘It takes one to know one,’ she replied. ‘How about that drink now to celebrate?’

‘And what is it you’re celebrating at this time of the morning?’ asked Ron, coming into the room with the panting dogs.

‘Ruby’s just bought the pub,’ replied Rosie, pulling three bottled beers from beneath the counter and collecting glasses.

‘Well, that’s grand, so it is,’ he said, sitting down and grinning at Ruby. ‘Has she told you the pitfalls of running a place like this, young Ruby? It won’t be easy on your own, you know.’

‘I’m hoping Brenda will still be around to help out,’ she replied. ‘If not, then I’m sure I can manage to find a part-timer who I can train up.’ She poured the beer expertly into the glass and raised it in a toast. ‘Here’s to the Anchor, and your retirement.’

The toast was echoed, but Ron didn’t look too happy about it.

‘Ach, retirement’s for old folk with nothing better to do, wee girl,’ he grumbled. ‘Rosie’s on the town council now and there’s talk of her becoming leader next year after the sterling job she did to keep the railway open. As for me, I shall no doubt be too busy doing up the wreck of a place Rosie’s had her eye on to be lazing away the days.’

Rosie smiled. ‘Ignore him, Ruby. You know how he likes to have a good moan about everything and anything.’ She glanced up at the clock as someone impatiently rattled the front door handle. ‘No peace for the wicked in this place, Ruby, as you’ll soon find out. Fancy lending a hand over lunchtime to get the feel of the place again?’