The house was amazing. Big and trendy with every mod-con going. Queenie was envious, but not jealous. She couldn’t begrudge Doreen happiness.

After introducing her to two older children who were just as gorgeous as Barnaby, Doreen ordered the nanny to take them to the nursery so she could have a catch up with a dear friend she hadn’t seen for years.

Queenie felt guilty. ‘I am so sorry for the way I spoke to you that time, Doreen. I said some awful things to you and I shouldn’t have. I didn’t mean it. I was in a temper.’

‘Forget it, Queenie. We were only young back then. I remember saying some hurtful things to you too in the past. We’re older now and wiser.’

Queenie smiled as Doreen handed her a cup of tea in a posh cup and saucer. Fine china. ‘I still keep in touch with Eliza from time to time. I know a wonderful restaurant in the West End. The food is superb. We should all meet there for lunch. It’ll be fun, just like the old days.’

‘Yes. That would be nice,’ Queenie replied, not meaning it. Doreen and Eliza were both wealthy women. She wouldn’t be able to afford such luxuries. Paying Patrick back what she owed was her priority, not dining in fancy restaurants that cost a bloody fortune.’

‘Tell me about your life, Queenie. Why are you in these neck of the woods? And how is Albie, and your children?’

Queenie plastered a smile on her face and made her marriage and life sound as glamorous as she possibly could …

On the journey home, Queenie made up her mind. She owed the Huntingdon-Browns nothing. Pearl in particular was an awful person who had done nothing but look down her pointed nose at her since day one. Queenie knew whatever was in that safe would be worth a small fortune and even though she was considered to be reasonably well off in her neighbourhood, thanks to Vinny, she wanted more.

Queenie didn’t want to work or worry about money for the rest of her life, she wanted what Doreen and Eliza had. Queenie would love to walk into that posh restaurant, and match her old friends pound for pound. She also wanted to give Vinny a leg-up in life. He was already going places, but she yearned to push him even further up the ladder to achieve his dreams and hers. He’d learn to drive soon, would need a posh car to swan around in.

Queenie was still deep in thought as she got off the train and walked towards home. Her daydreaming of a better life was diminished the moment Bonnie’s mother rushed out of her house and collared her. ‘Hello, Mrs Tarbuck. Everything OK?’ Queenie asked. She knew Vinny had binned her daughter. He’d told her yesterday.

‘No, Queenie. Everything is not OK. My Bonnie came home in a terrible state on Saturday night. Her new dress was ruined and she’s refused to leave her bedroom since. She won’t eat and also refused to go into work today.’