Ron eased his back surreptitiously. There was no need for Rosie to know he was suffering after all the wedding festivities and the night of love-making, and why spoil the day? Once he’d had a bit of a rest, he’d be right as rain again, or his name wasn’t Ronan Reilly.

He checked that Harvey and his pup, Monty, weren’t trying to steal food or make a nuisance of themselves, and was about to go back in to help Brenda and Rosie behind the bar, when he saw Rita and Peter coming slowly towards him.

The lad’s face was quite grey with pain after the walk from Beach View, and Rita’s deep concern for him was etched in her expressive dark eyes. Ron fetched the last chair from inside, placed it to one side of the door and quickly sat down before anyone else could nab it.

‘To be sure ’tis grand to see you, Peter,’ he boomed as they drew nearer. ‘Would you be after a pint to wet your whistle?’

Peter nodded and came to an unsteady halt, his heavy breathing testament to the effort it had taken to get this far. ‘I reckon so, Ron,’ he managed. ‘Me throat’s as dry as a lizard’s backside.’

‘Eloquently put,’ said Ron, getting to his feet and pressing the lad into the chair. ‘Keep that warm for me, young fella. I’ll be back with your beer, and then I must go and help the girls. It’s mayhem in there,’ he added rather unnecessarily.

‘Fair go, Ron, mate,’ Peter drawled, struggling to get up again. ‘A bloke can’t sit and leave his girl standing.’

‘You’ll do as you’re told,’ retorted Ron, pressing him down again. To cut off any further protest he ordered Rita to come into the pub to collect another seat. Once inside, he sent her upstairs to fetch the stool from the bathroom. ‘Guard it with your life,’ he warned. ‘Seats are as rare as hens’ teeth today, and Rosie will kill me if it goes missing.’

With them both happily ensconced outside with their beers, Ron went back to work. It had been decided the three of them would now take it in turns to run the bar and join in with the celebrations, for it would be a long day and a late night.

A while later the pub had quietened enough for Rosie and Brenda to take a breather and join in the fun outside. Ron was about to take up watch in the doorway with a beer so he could serve if need be and still feel part of the street party when he realised the wireless was on, but at a very low volume. As the King wasn’t due to speak to the nation until nine tonight, he went to switch it off to save electricity.