Queenie’s heart exploded into a thousand pieces but no words would come out of her mouth. She was shocked, in an over-the-moon way. Daniel O’Leary would be hers, even if she had to wait until the end of the decade to have him.

Hearing her aunt calling, Queenie scrambled out of the car. ‘Goodnight, Daniel.’

The following Wednesday, Queenie rushed home to her aunt’s with a spring in her step. She’d been on cloud nine ever since Friday night. Even though she hadn’t seen Daniel in the meantime, she had barely eaten or slept for mooning over him. She didn’t feel tired, however, or hungry, just so happy.

‘Happy Birthday, Aunt Edna.’ Queenie gave her aunt a big hug. ‘I didn’t want to wake you this morning as I heard you come in really late.’

‘Oh, I had a right result last night with the cards. Wiped the floor with all the men. He weren’t happy, that Billy Timpson. Had the right hump,’ chuckled Edna.

Queenie smiled. When she wasn’t singing, Aunt Edna was gambling. Every Saturday daytime she’d run to and from the local illegal bookie, and more often than not she’d win. Lots of locals called her ‘Lucky Edna’ and the men were always asking her for tips. ‘I didn’t know what to get you, but I’m sure you’re gonna like this,’ Queenie said, handing her aunt her present. It was her very own tankard with EDNA’S PINT engraved on the front.

Edna rolled up. ‘I bleedin’ well love it, Queenie! No bastard’ll be nicking my drink any more. You’re a star, my girl. So thoughtful.’

‘What’s for dinner?’

‘The last of the lamb stew from yesterday. Dumplings are fresh though.’

‘Lovely. I’ll eat that, then get ready. Mum’ll be round at eight.’

‘Smashing. Big Al starts singing at nine, so we’ll get round there a bit beforehand. So kind of ’em to throw me a party. They didn’t have to.’ Edna sang in the Albion two nights a week and also on a Sunday lunchtime. The landlord and his wife were a lovely couple and Edna had been chuffed to bits when they told her they were celebrating her birthday with a party. Thirty-nine, she was today. Yet still felt twenty-one at heart.

‘Everyone loves you, Aunt Edna. Well, apart from the men you play cards with and the bookies,’ laughed Queenie.

‘They don’t call me Lucky Edna for nothing, ya know.’

Little did Edna know as she uttered those words, she’d used all her luck up.

‘You look nice, Mum,’ said Queenie. Her mother never made an effort as a rule, but tonight she was wearing a floral dress under her brown winter coat. She’d also applied a bit of blusher and lipstick, which was unusual.

‘Thanks, love. Happy birthday, Edna,’ Molly said, handing her sister a card, some chocolate and sweets. ‘Sorry I couldn’t afford anything more.’

‘Don’t be so daft, Moll. You know what a sweet tooth I’ve got. I wouldn’t be this bleedin’ size otherwise,’ laughed Edna.