‘I got me special pills,’ she replied, the tears now flowing as she heard the train approaching. She turned in some panic to look at all their dear faces, trying to etch them firmly into her mind so she’d never forget them.

Stan hurried off to the signal box, and Peggy handed Ruby an envelope. ‘It’s from Cordelia,’ she explained. ‘She told me to tell you good luck, and not to open it until you’re on the ship.’

‘That’s all a bit mysterious, ain’t it? Even for Cordelia – and why isn’t she here? She ain’t ill, is she?’

‘She’s got a nasty cold and I’ve made her stay in bed for the day.’ Peggy patted Ruby’s arm and smiled. ‘She’ll be back to her old self before you can blink, Ruby, because, as you know, she hates missing out on things and detests being in bed all day.’

Ruby nodded and pocketed the letter, which reminded her about the key. Handing it over, she hugged Peggy again. ‘Thanks ever so for taking me in and giving me an ’ome. I shall never forget the love and support you give me when I so badly needed it.’

Peggy was tearful and clearly embarrassed by Ruby’s sweet words, and changed the subject to one that could no longer be avoided. ‘What should I say to your mother if she turns up? She’s due out on parole any day now.’

‘Mike persuaded me to write to ’er, so I just told ’er I were married now and going to Canada. I didn’t give her no forwarding address,’ she added. ‘The thought of ’er turning up over there gives me the shivers.’

‘Oh dear, poor Ethel.’

‘Don’t waste yer breath feeling sorry for her, Peggy,’ Ruby said fiercely. ‘She’s brought it on ’erself by lying, stealing, and breaking poor old Stan’s heart. Prison won’t ’ave changed her, you mark my words.’

The train slowly screeched to a halt with a sigh of steam and a wraith of smoke. Harvey barked and licked Ruby’s hand as if he understood she was leaving, and everyone crowded round to say their last goodbyes.

There were only a few passengers alighting at Cliffehaven, and all too soon Mike was taking her arm. ‘Come on, honey. It’s time to go.’

Ruby didn’t have time to pause and take stock of the whirlwind she’d been through these past few days, for she was swamped in a flurry of hugs and kisses. The tears streamed down her face as Mike drew her gently away, and they climbed into a carriage. Dumping her bag on a seat, she opened a window and leaned out to make the most of these last few seconds.