Micky held up his hands in protest. He had loved his Sheila. She’d been his rock, but in the end they were more like best friends than Romeo and Juliet. Cilla however, had awoken a desire in him. She’d made the play for him and he’d fallen for her hook, line and sinker.

When Queenie began to berate her, Cilla thought it was high time she stuck up for herself. She pointed at Vivian first. ‘You’re a fine one to talk. Bill Harris – don’t make me laugh. He’s had more birds than a tom cat, love. He was draped all over some young Doris when I saw him in a pub the other night.’

‘Liar!’ Queenie shouted.

Cilla turned her attention to Queenie next. ‘As for your wonderful husband, why don’t you ask him the real reason why he’s so jealous of me and Micky? Bet he don’t tell you the truth, sweetheart.’

‘Who you calling bleedin’ sweetheart? Ya cheeky mare.’

As Micky and Cilla walked away arm in arm, Queenie grabbed Vivvy’s arm as she tried to chase after them. ‘Leave it, love. They want us to react. Don’t! They ain’t bloody worth it.’

Vivian Wade was in shock. Queenie led her into the nearest pub and bought them both a port and brandy to clear their heads.

‘Do you think that old slapper was telling the truth, Queen? About my Bill?’

Queenie shrugged. ‘Men are deceitful creatures, can’t keep it in their trousers. Remember what our dad was like? The dirty bastard. I’ll be having it out with Albie as soon as he gets home later and if I have an inkling he’s had his todger anywhere near that blonde bit, I shall kick him out. I will not be made a fool of.’

‘Nor me. I’ve smelled women’s perfume on Bill before ya know, Queen. I pulled him on it and he said it was a dear old auntie who’d hugged him. It weren’t the type of perfume an old auntie would wear though. Neither was the red lipstick I spotted on the collar of his shirt.’

Queenie squeezed her sister’s arm. ‘You don’t wanna be with a man who cheats on you, Viv. You’re beautiful inside and out, could get any man you wanted. I wasn’t going to tell you this, but I’ve heard rumours too, about Bill.’

‘What rumours?’ Viv snarled.

‘Nothing major. But he has been spotted in pubs with his arm draped around other women. If I was you, I’d end your courtship while you still can. I mean, when he was in prison, you said he proposed to you. He’s never mentioned it since. Not even bought you a bloody ring.’

Queenie was shocked when her younger sister burst into tears. ‘Don’t cry, sweetheart. These men ain’t worth it. We’ve got one another, me and you. If we’re both single by tomorrow, we’ll get by.’

‘But it’s not that simple. I’ve done something stupid, Queen. Something you always told me not to do.’