By this time, the picture-house was in uproar. ‘Shut up, back there!’ … ‘If you want to argue, get outside and let decent folks watch the film!’ There were others present who knew Mrs Baker personally. ‘She’s an old hag, and should be put down,’ one man declared, and another agreed. ‘She’s an artful old bugger. The young fella’s right – she should be banned.’

Realising he’d got it all wrong, the manager sheepishly offered his apologies and told Molly and Alfie they could stay and watch the film twice over if they’d a mind.

Alfie thanked him but refused. ‘What I’d like is my money back,’ he said crossly, and was astonished when the manager didn’t argue.

Once outside, the pair collapsed with laughter. ‘That was more entertaining than the picture,’ Alfie chortled, and Molly agreed. For those few precious minutes she had forgotten her troubles and her heart felt lighter.

Rattling the coins in his hand, he asked her, ‘Right then, me beauty, what’s it to be? The pub or the Palais?’

Molly didn’t feel like dancing. ‘The pub.’ It would be quieter there. It could be her opportunity to talk matters over with him.

The nearest public house was only a short walk away, but it wasn’t quiet as she had hoped. It seemed as if the whole of Blackburn had a thirst on tonight; swilling ale and smoking, the patrons filled the place with the fog of tobacco and the stench of booze.

Alfie asked if she’d changed her mind and would rather go to the Palais after all. She said no, and so he sat her at a corner table and brought their drinks… a lemon and lime for Molly, and for himself a pint of the best.

It took Alfie longer than usual to make his way back to the table. ‘Good lad!’ The calls came from all over. ‘You won me a bob or two the other night.’ ‘Let me pay for them drinks, lad.’ One man had heard a whisper. ‘If it’s true what they say about you moving to America, they’ll need to look hard for someone to take yer place. When you’re stripped for action you’re a joy to watch.’

‘Hey! I wouldn’t mind seeing you stripped for action.’ The toothless old hag was harmless enough; her name was Aggie, and she had long ago won every man’s heart. ‘Ask me, Aggie,’ the landlord teased. ‘Say the word an’ I’ll strip for you here and now.’

‘Like hell yer will!’ When she laughed, her mouth was dark and cavernous. ‘I want summat nice to look at, not one to gimme bloomin’ nightmares!’

Soon, the punters were crowding round Molly and Alfie. ‘Is it right, Alfie, lad?’ they wanted to know. ‘Are you really thinking of leaving for America?’

‘I reckon so,’ he answered. ‘Me and Molly here are getting wed and thinking of going out there, just for a year at first. If all goes well, we’ll probably settle down over there.’ Reaching out, he took hold of her hand. ‘Ain’t that right, sweetheart?’ Molly nodded and smiled, while inside she was falling apart.