The cold autumn breeze flushed her cheeks as she cycled past Coe’s Farm and Pratt’s garage and approached Ragley High Street. The hedgerows were thick with brambles and wild blackberries, while robins were busy claiming their territory. Lily’s thoughts wandered as she turned past the village green and in through the school gates. It would be a full day, including a visit to school assembly by Tom Feather, and Lily couldn’t resist a smile.

Meanwhile, in the Robinson household Little Malcolm was not happy. His mother dipped a rough flannel into a basin of soapy water and gave his face a quick wipe.

‘Ow!’ exclaimed Malcolm. ‘That ’urts.’

‘Don’t be so soft, y’big girl,’ replied his mother.

Malcolm grimaced at the perceived insult and was pleased Big Dave was not within earshot. He stood back from the sink, assuming the ordeal was over.

‘Now stand still – ah’ve got t’do your mucky ears. They’re like black ’oles o’ Calcutta.’ Gertie Robinson twisted a corner of the flannel and poked it in each ear. ‘There, that’ll ’ave t’do. Now look sharp an’ get t’school afore Mr Pruett gives y’what for.’

‘All right, Mam,’ said Malcolm, sprinting towards the back door.

Mrs Robinson shouted after him, ‘An’ don’t forget you’re ’avin’ a bath t’night. It’s first o’ the month.’

Malcolm froze in the doorway. ‘But Mam – ah ’ad one las’ month.’

Mrs Robinson, sloshing the dirty water down the sink, chose not to listen and Little Malcolm slammed the door. ‘Bloody ’ell,’ he muttered.

At nine o’clock Ruby wasn’t cooking Ronnie’s breakfast. Instead she was the first customer in the village Pharmacy. When she walked in, Herbert Grinchley was unpacking boxes of Pond’s Skin Cream and Pepsodent toothpaste. The portly fifty-year-old chemist had owned the local Pharmacy since the end of the war and he knew everybody’s business. He was also willing to share it with discerning customers. Ruby approached tentatively and stood by the counter. There were burn marks along the edge where Herbert regularly balanced his lighted cigarette while he was serving someone.

‘Good morning, Ruby,’ he greeted her. ‘And how is young Andy this morning?’

‘’Ello, Mr Grinchley. ’E’s comin’ on an’ ah’m tryin’ m’best t’feed ’im like Doctor Davenport said.’

‘That’s good to hear, Ruby. An’ what’s it to be?’

‘A bottle o’ Seven Seas, please,’ said Ruby, handing over her note from the doctor.

Herbert selected a bottle from the shelf behind him. ‘Y’can’t beat a bit o’ castor oil,’ he said. ‘Strong bones and teeth, one teaspoon a day,’ he added for good measure.

Ruby picked up the bottle thankfully. To buy it would have cost her 1/6d, but for expectant mothers and young children it was free.