‘He’d have got a shorter term if he’d committed murder,’ retorted Dolly. ‘This disgraceful carry-on over Brendon and his wife and baby was the final straw. Frank’s had enough, Pauline, and if you don’t change your attitude very quickly, he means to leave you.’

‘But he can’t; he mustn’t,’ she wailed. ‘How will I cope on my own?’

Dolly reached for her hand. ‘You’re the architect of all your troubles, Pauline, and I very much wish you could have learnt to see things from others’ points of view and be thankful for all the blessings you have. As it is, you’re in danger of losing your entire family.’

‘I must go home and sort this out,’ said Pauline, gathering up her scarf and handbag.

Silence fell in Peggy’s kitchen as she clattered down the steps and slammed the back door. Peggy and Dolly regarded one another sadly.

‘Will Frank really leave her?’ asked Peggy.

‘He’s threatened before, and not quite had the nerve to do it. But this time, I think he might,’ said Dolly on a sigh. ‘He’s heartbroken that his only surviving son had little choice but to take his family away from that house, and although Frank is the most loyal of men, I do believe there is very little love left in him for Pauline, who seems so determined to wreck everything.’

Peggy reached for her hand in sympathy, but made no comment.

‘Oh Lord, Peggy, I so wish my daughter could see the damage she does. And there are times when I seriously fear for her sanity – for surely no right-minded woman would carry on as she does?’

‘I’ve often wondered the same thing,’ murmured Peggy. ‘It’s all so very sad, for things seemed to have improved between her and Frank since your last visit. She got a job that interests her and Frank is back at sea again, and it was all fine until Brendon turned up.’ She gave a deep sigh. ‘The poor boy doesn’t know what to do for the best, for whatever decision he makes will end up hurting someone.’

Dolly stubbed out her cigarette and took a sip of the tea Peggy had placed before her. ‘There’s nothing more any of us can do,’ she said sadly. ‘Pauline can have no illusions as to what we think of her or of where she stands regarding her family. Even if Frank stays it will only be out of a misplaced sense of duty. As for Brendon, he and his little family will settle into the flat and get on with their lives, with or without Pauline.’

Peggy nodded, feeling quite depressed about it all. ‘Let’s talk about something more pleasant,’ she suggested. ‘I’d love to hear about your plans for your American trip.’