‘Queenie,’ Daniel shouted as she walked away.

Queenie didn’t turn around. It was time for her to be a proper wife to Albie.

The lamb stew wasn’t a patch on her mother’s and Queenie struggled to eat it. She had things on her mind, some of them silly. What would she do when she wanted a wee in the middle of the night as she often did? Ida’s toilet was out in the back yard like her mum’s. Weeing in a bucket in front of Viv was one thing, but she could hardly do that in front of Albie. It wasn’t exactly ladylike, was it?

‘You not that hungry, love?’ asked Ida.

‘No. I’m ever so sorry. I’ve not eaten much all week, worrying about Mary.’

‘Bless ya. Well, I’m glad your friend is now on the mend,’ smiled Ida.

‘Seeing as you missed our reception, why don’t I take you down to the pub for a couple, Queen?’ Albie hadn’t had sex for Christ knows how long and was hoping a couple of drinks might ease Queenie’s nerves. He couldn’t wait to take his wife in his arms later and make love to her for the first time. But she seemed edgy. Albie guessed it must be because she was a virgin, bless her.

Queenie smiled. ‘Yes. I’d like that.’

Queenie drank four gins in quick succession, which calmed her nerves somewhat.

Albie knocked back the last of his pint. ‘Shall we go home now? Have an early night, darlin’?’

‘Erm, yes. But do you mind if I go upstairs first, so I can get changed into my nightdress. I’ve never got undressed in front of a man before.’

‘Of course.’ Albie put an arm around Queenie. ‘Please don’t be scared. I’m a gentle man.’

Queenie said a quick goodnight to Ida then ran up the stairs. She put on her floral nightdress, then took the wet flannel and Wright’s Coal Tar soap out of her bag. She rubbed the soap on the flannel, then rubbed the flannel under her armpits and around her noonie. She’d thankfully had a nice soak in the bath at Mary’s this morning. There was only a tin bath at Albie’s.

When Albie entered the bedroom, Queenie ordered him to get undressed with the light off. He sidled into bed next to her and began kissing her passionately. She was used to his kisses, but was shocked by how hairy his back was. It was like stroking a monkey.

‘You OK?’ whispered Albie. ‘Why don’t you take your nightie off?’

Queenie felt silly as she awkwardly tried to wriggle out of her nightdress under the sheet and blankets. Her first job tomorrow would be to wash the bedding. It stank of male sweat.

Queenie took Mary’s advice and lay there thinking of the sons she hoped to have as Albie sucked her left tit. Surely this wasn’t normal? Only babies did this, didn’t they?

By the time Albie’s middle finger made contact with her vagina, Queenie was so tense, she just wanted it over with. ‘I’m sorry, Albie, but what with this being my first time, I’m nervous. Just put your thingy inside me. I’ll be fine with that.’