Mrs Turner’s pregnancy was showing, though Sarah thought she had a while to go yet. As Sarah helped herself to a glass of orange juice, Jenny appeared in the kitchen, pleased to see her friend.

‘I didn’t hear you knock. I had the radio to my ear. Tommy, do you remember where my bedroom is?’

Tommy nodded.

‘My little sisters Pat and Carol are playing with my old dolls’ house. You can go and see what they’re doing if you like.’

Tommy went off to play and Mrs Turner came back into the kitchen. ‘I’m sure you girls would like to have a chat, but we’ve got a bit of a houseful today. Tell you what, leave Tommy here with me for an hour and go for a walk. It’s a lovely day, and the girls will look after him.’

‘Thanks, Mum. Come on, Sarah, let’s go down to the old bomb site, you won’t believe how much it’s changed and what they’re building there now.’

As the two of them strolled through the estate, Jenny linked her arm through Sarah’s, which reminded her of the old days when they would walk to school together.

‘Come on then, spill the beans. I’ve been dying to know what happened at the big house,’ Jenny said.

‘It was just like you said it would be. She’s a right old character, that Mrs Alderton-Steele, but I liked her. I did as you said, waited for Godfrey to go out, then rang the bell and met Henry. Anyway, I got invited in, gave her back her stuff and managed to drop Godfrey in it. You was right, the butler knew everything and it didn’t take much persuading for him to admit to it. He seems like a nice old boy, and I got the impression that he ain’t too keen on Godfrey.’

‘Sarah, you’re brilliant! I knew Henry would back up your story. He wasn’t happy when I was forced out, but it was my word against Godfrey’s so there wasn’t much he could do to help. What did the old girl say?’

‘She was pleased to get the watch back, but really upset that her son was the one who’d stolen it.’

‘She believed you then?’

‘Yes, and she knows he’s been bribing Doreen for – how was it Henry worded it? Feminine favours.’

‘Yeah, that sounds like Henry, sort of pompous, but he’s a nice man.’

‘Mrs Alderton-Steele will sort Godfrey out, so Doreen won’t have to worry about him in future. She’s safe now and not only that, your name has been cleared.’