‘Yes, mate, it’s a scorcher of a day so that that would be nice, though it’ll be my treat,’ George said, fishing in his money bag for some coins.

Tommy skipped off, and George turned his attention back to Sarah, but was saddened to see her gawking at Roger. She looked as if she was daydreaming as she stared wantonly at him. George couldn’t help but feel jealous and said quietly, ‘He’d break your heart.’

‘Eh? Oh … I was … I was …’ Sarah stuttered.

‘It’s all right, Sarah, I know you like him, and I can’t say I blame you. He’s a good-looking chap, but I’m warning you as one friend to another – you’re best off staying well clear of him.’

‘I don’t know what you mean, George Neerly,’ Sarah said in a haughty manner.

‘By the way,’ George continued, ‘I’ve heard some posh bloke has been looking for you, asking around. I’m betting it’s the bloke from the house where the jewellery come from. I take it you’ve returned it?’

‘Yes, I have. You’ll be pleased to hear that my friend Jenny was as pleased as punch when I told her what happened. Godfrey has fallen out of favour with his mother and now you think it’s him snooping around. What’s he been asking?’ Sarah said, finally taking her eyes off Roger.

‘I heard from a few of my mates on the market that he was asking if they knew you. You’re all right though. You know this lot – they wouldn’t say anything to someone like him. Just watch your back.’

Sarah’s eyes darted around nervously as she said, ‘I wonder what he wants?’

‘Don’t worry about the likes of him. If he causes you any trouble he’ll have me to deal with. Now, what did you want to talk to me about?’

‘I told you, not here,’ Sarah said. ‘If you aren’t doing anything tonight, come round to my place and we can talk in private.’

Tommy returned with two ice-cream cones. It was clear he’d been licking them both. ‘It was dripping,’ he said to George as he handed him one.

‘I’ll see you later then,’ Sarah said, and grabbed Tommy’s hand to lead him away.

‘See ya, George,’ Tommy called.

‘Ta ta,’ George shouted, but they were soon lost from sight in the throng of shoppers. Oh well, he thought, he’d see her again soon and as far as he was concerned the rest of the day couldn’t pass quickly enough.

‘That was the bestest. Thanks, Mum,’ Tommy said as he licked melted ice-cream from between his fingers.