As suspected, the number of no-shows and resignations at the factory had increased, so she and Madge had sent on the wages owed with a slip informing each person their job was no longer available. This in turn cut down the long list of those waiting to have their old jobs back, and now that work had started in earnest again, Solly was in a much better mood. He’d even begun talking about taking on one of the empty units up on the factory estate to expand the business into maternity and baby-wear, for with the servicemen coming home there was bound to be a baby boom in nine months’ time.

This had made Peggy smile. Solly always had an eye for a future enterprise, and this one seemed very promising. It would also mean taking on more staff, which would ease the long waiting list considerably. However, these things took time, and Peggy suspected the new factory wouldn’t be up and running until summer.

Fran and Robert had gone to work on the Friday, stayed out very late to say goodbye to all their colleagues and friends, and then spent most of this Saturday morning packing their belongings and restoring order to their room. They kept a suitcase each for their journey to Ireland, but the rest of their things – most of which were wedding presents and clothes – were to be sent by rail to Robert’s mother where they would be kept in storage until needed. A friend from the Fort had lent Robert his car so he could cart it all up to the station, but as they had to return it by five this evening, it was all a bit of a rush.

Peggy watched and listened to all the bustle whilst she and Ivy prepared the vegetables for the special roast dinner they would have this evening. Little Fran had become such an intrinsic part of the Beach View family that it would feel like losing a precious daughter, and it was hard to imagine the house without her.

Peggy knew she should be glad for the girl who had such a bright future awaiting her in London, but couldn’t help feeling sad at her leaving. Fran’s bright smile and joyous delight in playing Doris’s violin so beautifully had been the tonic they’d all needed during the dark days, and was the thread that laced together memories of parties at the Anchor, local concerts, and of course family weddings and celebrations.

‘I reckon Rita’s up to something,’ said Ivy, breaking into Peggy’s sad thoughts.

‘Why do you say that, Ivy?’

‘She’s quieter than usual and keeps going off into a daydream,’ Ivy replied.

‘It’s probably something to do with young Peter,’ Peggy murmured. ‘There’s definitely been a glow about her recently.’ She regarded Ivy fondly. ‘I’m surprised you haven’t asked her what’s going on.’