Peggy started on a batch of potted meat sandwiches, wondering how Jack was managing to sleep through the racket the girls were making upstairs. Rosie had rung her earlier to assure her that Mike was safely back at the bungalow; she’d poured Peter and his mates into a taxi to take them back to Cliffe, dropping Jack off at Beach View along the way, and closed the door firmly on the Canadians, the firemen and Jack’s pal. Frank was snoring in tandem with Ron on her sitting room floor with both dogs, and the bar looked as if a whirlwind had blown through it.

Peggy had quickly promised to get there as soon as possible to help with the clear-up, but Rosie had replied rather grimly that she’d do no such thing, and that Ron and Frank would see to it once she’d woken them by rubbing cold, wet flannels over their faces.

‘I’ve just woken Dad,’ said Rita breathlessly as she came into the kitchen with Ruby. ‘He’s in a bit of a state after last night so I doubt he’ll want breakfast, but I’ll make him a strong cup of tea before I leave.’

‘I’ll do that,’ said Peggy, reaching for the kettle whilst admiring the two lovely young women. ‘My goodness, don’t you both look glamorous?’ she said, thinking that Rita actually looked better without all that make-up. ‘And how’s our beautiful bride this morning?’

Ruby’s eyes were bright with happiness. ‘Nervous. Excited. All the things I should be.’ She gently hugged Peggy. ‘Thank you for putting me up last night and for everything you’ve done for our special day. Mike and I could never have managed it all on our own.’

Peggy hugged her back, careful not to disturb the perfect make-up and glossy hair. ‘I always promised I’d do my best for my chicks, Ruby – and it will be the same for you, Rita, when your turn comes. Now be off, the pair of you, and I’ll see you at the Town Hall.’

They clattered down the steps to the basement, and as Peggy watched through the kitchen window, fairly skipped along the path and out of the back gate.

She chuckled as she went into the hall to collect the post she’d heard arrive several minutes ago. The sun was shining, the bride was beautiful and the day promised to be a very happy one. She plucked the letters from the hall table and shuffled through them to discover two from Jim. Her day was just getting better and better.

Cissy had followed Ruby and Rita downstairs, meaning to grab a cup of tea before she got dressed and dealt with her own hair and face. Seeing that the post had arrived, she quickly rifled through the letters and cards in the hope there would be a brown forces envelope containing news from Randy.