This conversation had taken place in Albert’s kitchen and Jonty had seen Albert giving Tess a quizzical look, though he had said nothing. But Tess had been staring at him, so Jonty had said, ‘All right, all right, I know when I’m not wanted. You go off, love of my life, and I’ll take a look at this Liverpool of yours.’

For a moment Tess had looked stricken and, seeing that look, Jonty had hastened to reassure her. ‘It’s all right, you daft girl, I was only teasing. And you’re right, of course; I really ought to take a good look at Liverpool before I go home. Dare I suggest we meet for a bite of lunch at Lyons Corner House? We could say we’ll meet at one o’clock, but if you’re still engaged I’ll have a bowl of soup and a crusty roll, and that’ll see me right till suppertime.’

Tess had agreed to this. She had popped into the tobacconist’s at nine and come up to the flat so that Jonty might see her interview suit, which was a grey coat and skirt, a navy blue shirt and matching shoes. Jonty had approved – he had been eating his breakfast at the time – and Tess had smiled gratefully and patted his cheek. ‘Thanks, chuck; wish me luck,’ she had cried, and had then broken down in giggles. ‘I’m a poet and didn’t know it,’ she announced, heading for the kitchen door. ‘See you at one o’clock, unless I’m held up.’

Now Jonty crossed the stockroom and joined Albert behind the counter. ‘I’m off on a voyage of exploration,’ he said merrily. ‘It would be too bad to go back to Bell Farm without having seen anything of Liverpool. Tess has told me I must visit the Picton Library and some art gallery or other . . .’

Albert pulled a face. ‘Dull work,’ he exclaimed. ‘What you want to do, Jonty, is to take a ride on the overhead railway. Now that’s something you won’t see in any other city in Britain, I can guarantee it. What’s more, it’s the only way of getting to see all the shipping in the docks. There are really big liners, and tankers . . . oh, all sorts.’ He sighed. ‘Wish I could come with you and show you around, because though there’s still the devil of a lot of bomb damage which hasn’t been put right, I’m proud of my city.’

‘Norwich is just the same; a lot of the bomb sites have become wild gardens, they tell me,’ Jonty said. ‘Well, I’ve seen for myself how rosebay, willowherb and meadowsweet have flourished in the heart of the city, so don’t think I’ll judge Liverpool harshly because they’ve not managed to rebuild completely yet. Any more hints? Only if I meet madam at one o’clock and can’t reel off a list of the attractions I’ve visited she’ll give me a rare old telling off.’

Albert grinned. ‘I’d put money on the fact that Tess has never set foot in the Picton Library or the Walker Art Gallery,’ he said. ‘You know how it is, Jonty; Parisians have never climbed the Eiffel Tower, Londoners look blank if you ask them about Westminster Abbey, and we’re just the same. If you can find me one Scouser who’s been inside Liverpool Cathedral I shall be astounded.’