Peggy liked Gloria, for although she was bold and brassy, she had a heart of gold, but as Ron was joining them later, it could be a bit awkward. His current predicament with Rosie had spiralled from his last visit to the Crown, and while no one could have foreseen the seismic consequences of that day, they were now unavoidable. Rosie’s reason for leaving Cliffehaven might now have been explained, but her feelings towards Ron and Major Radwell were still a mystery.

Beers, gin and tonics and sandwiches were handed out. Daisy sat contentedly gnawing on half a sausage and Cordelia was fussing over Charlotte and Kitty, who looked as if they were about to have those babies any minute.

Peggy sipped the lovely gin and lifted her face to the sun as the talk went on around her. It had been too long since they’d been able to do this, and she hoped that the weather would continue to be nice throughout the summer, for it did the heart good to be outside, surrounded by the people she loved.

The burble and pop of a badly tuned motorbike broke the peace and they all turned to watch Peter Ryan ride across the field towards them. ‘G’day,’ he said cheerfully, unwinding his length from the heavy motorbike.

Rita introduced Robert, Charlotte and Kitty, and having grinned in delight at them all, he dug into the panier on the back of the bike and lifted out a large tin. ‘With the compliments of the AAF,’ he said, taking off the lid and placing the tin in the middle of the rug.

There were oohs and aahs and little squeaks of pleasure as they saw the plump Victoria sponge that was filled with cream and jam and dusted with icing sugar.

Pete winked at Peggy. ‘Florrie in the canteen at Cliffe is a bit partial to an Aussie accent,’ he explained. ‘Besides that, she’s a ripper cook. That’s a bonzer cake, isn’t it?’

‘There’s only one way to find out,’ said Rita, digging him in the ribs. ‘Stop talking and get cutting.’

Peggy noted the easy interaction between them and her misgivings fled. Peter Ryan was a lovely young man who’d clearly brought a new light into Rita’s life, and Peggy couldn’t deny that her romantic heart was warmed by the thought. What would be, would be, she thought dreamily.

The cake proved to be delicious, but as tempting as it was, they thoughtfully left enough for Frank, Pauline and Ron, who turned up an hour later with Harvey.

‘Come and sit by me, Pauline,’ said Peggy, noting that the other woman was looking rather hesitant at joining the party. ‘Your hair looks nice. Have you just had it done?’