They arrived at the station, and Peggy watched as Ruby was swamped in a hug by Ivy, who gabbled on about how sorry she was to have missed Ruby’s wedding, but how glad she was to be back in time to say goodbye and wish her and Mike the very best of luck.

Ruby returned her hug, so relieved and pleased that Ivy had made it back in time to say goodbye, and then drew Rita in so the three of them could tearfully make promises to write. ‘I give the address in Canada to Aunt Peg,’ she said, finally drawing from the embrace, and drying her eyes. ‘So you’d both better send me snaps of your weddings, and I want to ’ear all about Australia, Rita.’

Rita grinned. ‘Who’d have thought back in 1940 that we’d all be getting married and off on adventures, eh?’

‘It might be an adventure fer you two,’ said Ivy with a chuckle, ‘I reckon I’m facing a right old challenge. Andy finally told me about the state of the London flat, and he’s taking me up there later to ’ave a butcher’s and work out ’ow we can make something of it before ’e starts work on Monday.’

‘Blimey,’ breathed Ruby. ‘That’s cutting it a bit fine, ain’t it?’

Ivy shrugged. ‘We couldn’t get the key until today because there was some sort of urgent repair work to be done before it was passed as habitable.’ She gave Ruby a broad grin and hugged her again. ‘Don’t worry about me,’ she said. ‘You look after yerself, and if yer don’t like it over there, come ’ome. Auntie Peggy will see you right.’

‘I certainly will,’ said Peggy, taking Ruby into her arms and kissing her cheek. ‘But I really don’t expect to. You and Mike make a handsome couple, and I suspect you’ll make a very good life for yourselves out there.’

Ruby sincerely hoped so as she watched Stan pumping Mike’s hand, but before she could let the thought settle, she was suddenly swamped in a bear hug by Ron. So glad he’d come to see her off, she clung to him, the tears pricking again, as he told her to be good and not do anything he wouldn’t do.

‘That gives me a fair old scope,’ she managed, smiling through her tears. ‘You be good too,’ she admonished affectionately. ‘Rosie’s a wonderful woman.’

Harvey bounced about and barked to be noticed, and Ruby made a fuss of him until Stan pulled him away and took her in his arms. ‘Good luck, dear girl,’ he murmured. ‘Although I’m sure you don’t need it. But I hope you don’t get seasick on that ship. The Atlantic can get very rough at times.’