‘Hello, Mum. Hope you don’t mind us starting dinner before you, but I was starving.’

‘You get stuck in. I’ve already had something to eat with Joan.’

‘Mum, I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve told Sarah that she and Tommy can stay with us for a while. She’s had a bit of bother at home and it’s too dangerous for her to be there. I’ve said they can have my bed and I’ll take the sofa.’

Surprised, Lena pulled out a kitchen chair and sat next to George, facing Sarah. Her feet were aching after a long day window-shopping. She took the knitted cosy off the teapot and looked inside, glad to find it half full and hot. ‘I don’t mind at all, but what’s so dangerous at home?’ she asked, concerned about what Sarah might have got herself involved in.

Sarah reiterated the story she’d told George earlier, and Lena was satisfied that the girl was innocently caught up in something that she hadn’t brought on herself. From what she’d heard, Lena didn’t think Mo’s family would come around looking for Sarah, and she was happy to allow them to stay for as long as they needed, especially as Tommy was under the weather again.

Lena poured herself a cup of tea, and quietly watched her son and Sarah. They seemed so relaxed together, and she could see that George looked happy. He was a hard worker and caring too, but Sarah only saw him as a friend. It was a shame, as she quite liked the idea of having Sarah as a daughter-in-law. It was all very well them playing happily families, but she knew, with Sarah living under her roof, her son’s hopes would be raised again, and now she began to regret agreeing to let her stay. She had a dreadful feeling it would all end in tears.

Chapter 29

Sarah had been at George’s for a few weeks, and had enjoyed every minute. It felt comforting to be in a family environment, and Tommy loved having George as a father figure to look up to. She was reluctant to leave, but knew that if she stayed any longer, she’d outstay her welcome. Lena refused to take any keep from her, so she’d managed to save a bit of money, and had viewed a couple of rooms, none she’d thought suitable. With nothing else on offer locally, she decided to bite the bullet and see if it was safe to return home.