Pauline nodded. ‘Kitty and Charlotte have gone home and Peter has taken Rita off on his motorbike because John Hicks ordered her in no uncertain terms to leave. Robert and Fran have cleared up what they can of the picnic, and Sarah has gone back with them to Beach View to try and calm Cordelia down. She was in a bit of a state, and soaked through from being in that ditch. I wouldn’t be surprised if she goes down with a nasty cold after this. Ivy’s gone to the Lilac Tearooms to get refreshment for the firemen and rescue teams, and Da’s standing by with Harvey to go in once the flames are extinguished in the very remote hope that someone might still be alive in there. Now come on, Peg. I’m so sorry, but there’s no point in us standing about getting in the way. Let’s get you and Daisy home.’

Peggy let Frank take Daisy and then steadied herself by clinging to his arm as they turned their backs on the inferno that was still gushing flames and smoke into the air. They eased through the gathering crowd, and had to wait for another fire engine to pass before they could cross into Camden Road.

‘It looks like John’s had to call for outside reinforcements,’ muttered Frank.

Peggy could barely see through her tears and her heart was aching with loss. She and Doris had fought all their lives and yet she’d always felt a bond with her – a special bond that only sisters could share. And now she’d never have the chance to tell her she loved her, to give her a hug and …

Peggy stared in disbelief as the ghost of her sister came running towards her. She blinked and looked again, certain she was having some sort of hallucination. But when Doris flung herself into her arms, she knew it was for real.

She wrapped her in a close embrace. ‘Thank God,’ she breathed. ‘Oh, thank God you’re alive.’ They clung to one another, their tears mingling as Doris gabbled incoherently and Peggy tried to soothe her.

Peggy finally drew back and lovingly smoothed Doris’s hair from her tear-streaked face. ‘I love you, Doris,’ she said, ‘and I’m sorry I don’t tell you that often enough.’

‘I love you too,’ she sobbed. ‘And I’m sorry I’ve been so mean about you working at the factory. I knew you needed the money and I should have helped you out.’

Peggy shook her head. ‘None of that matters now,’ she said softly. ‘As long as you’re alive, that’s all I care about.’

Doris was trembling as she glanced towards the smoke that was still rising above the houses and drifting along the cul-de-sac. ‘What happened? Was it a gas explosion? Did everyone get out in time?’ she asked brokenly.