‘He denied it, and though I shouldn’t tell you this, he … he sort of threatened me … told me to keep my mouth shut. Oh, George, you should have seen the way he looked at me just now. I grew up with my mother throwing evil eyes at me all the time, but honestly, she never made me feel as scared as Ron just did. There’s something about him that frightens the life out of me.’

Sarah stiffened as George put his arm over her shoulder and gave her a quick squeeze. ‘Don’t worry about him. If he comes near you, I’ll look after you, I promise. Now come on, put a smile on your face. We don’t want to spoil Tommy’s fun.’

She glimpsed herself in one of the mirrors, and thought about her mother. There were many things she hadn’t liked about her, the list was endless, but her mother was brave. She’d never let men intimidate her, and for once Sarah wished she had more of her courage. Twice today she’d found herself running and hiding from bullying men, so it was comforting to know George would be there for her.

However, as much as she appreciated his promise, Sarah now wished she had kept her mouth shut. She didn’t want George hurt and wasn’t sure that, if it came to it, he’d be a match for Ron Lyons.

Chapter 25

It had been over a month since George had seen Sarah at the funfair in Battersea Park. He’d dropped her off that night and had arranged to pick them up the following Saturday to take Tommy on the boating lake, but Sarah had cancelled, owing to Tommy coming down with a nasty cough. She hadn’t been to the market since either, and he was worried he’d done or said something to upset her.

His mother came into the kitchen, and George noticed she was still in her dressing gown. ‘Ain’t you going to work today?’ he asked as he looked her up and down. She looked well enough, so he didn’t think she was feeling poorly.

‘No, George. I’m having meself a bit of a holiday. I’ve taken the week off so today I’m going to clean out the larder, then get my hair done. Tomorrow, I’m going with Kath to Brighton, and then to the cinema on Wednesday with Joan. Thursday I thought I’d get the train over to Croydon and see your Aunty Min. I’ll be stopping over with her but I’ll be back in time on Friday to do your tea.’

‘Well, well, well, you have got a busy week, but who’s looking after the shop?’

‘Sarah, of course. She said she could do with the extra hours and she’s more than capable.’