‘She didn’t see us at all. Bertie and I were in the club room where there’s a large mirror that reflects the diners through the wide archway. They left soon after we arrived, and were far too interested in each other to notice anyone else.’

‘Today has been a bit of a mess for Ron and Rosie, hasn’t it?’ said Sarah, gathering up the freshly ironed laundry. ‘I hope they get ahead of the Cliffehaven gossipers and kiss and make up before the evening is out.’

‘Well said – and with that in mind I think it’s best if we keep this to ourselves tonight,’ Peggy decreed. ‘None of it is really any of our business, and it’s up to Rosie and Ron to sort it out. Besides, this evening is going to be tricky enough with Pauline likely to get over-emotional and the men raddled with drink.’

‘I’ll go and warn Ivy,’ said Rita, reaching for her ancient fleece-lined leather flying jacket. ‘Her shift finished ten minutes ago, so she must be almost home by now.’

4

Totally unware of the brewing storm, Ron tried to focus on where he was going as he made his unsteady progress through the narrow lanes that criss-crossed the area between the High Street and Camden Road. ‘Let’s stop in for another wee dram with Rosie,’ he slurred.

‘I don’t think that would be wise, Grandad,’ cautioned Brendon, who was still quite sober compared to the others. ‘We’ve had enough to drink and Aunt Peggy will have supper on the table by now.’

Ron came to a halt and swayed on his feet as he regarded his grandson. ‘To be sure Peggy won’t mind if we’re a bit late. But I’ve not seen my Rosie all day, and she’ll think I don’t love her.’

Frank grabbed his father’s arm to stop him falling backwards into a hedge. ‘She’ll not be thanking you for turning up in this state, Da,’ he said, struggling to keep his own balance as his father threatened to pull him over. ‘Besides, she might not be in the mood to see you if she’s heard what happened in the Crown.’

Ron contemplated this solemnly and then nodded. ‘Aye, you could be right,’ he said and hiccupped. He peered blearily through the drizzling rain. ‘Where’s Harvey?’

‘He got bored and went home,’ said Brendon, ‘and it’s time we followed him.’ He grasped their arms and gradually managed to keep them on a fairly straight course down the pavement.