Roger seemed unaware of his mood and shot him an arrogant smile, which fuelled George further. He raised his arm and pushed hard on Roger’s chest. ‘How could you? I know your game. What the hell do you think you’re playing at?’ he screeched.

Roger stumbled back, but his footing was saved as he fell against his stall. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. What the hell was that for?’ Roger said as he held his hands out in front of him in a calming motion.

‘I just heard you – arranging to see that bird from the café. What about Sarah, eh? I bet she ain’t got a fucking clue what you’re up to.’

‘Leave off. It’s got nothing to do with you.’

George was aware that the market had fallen quiet and all eyes were on him, but he couldn’t help himself and grabbed Roger’s shoulder. He clenched his other fist and punched him, clipping his chin.

Roger’s head went back with the force of the blow, but he didn’t retaliate. Instead, he rubbed his face and said, ‘I’ll let you have that one, George, but stay out of mine and Sarah’s business.’

‘No, I won’t! You can’t treat her like you’ve treated all the other women in your life. She’s different – special, and I won’t let you break her heart.’

‘Yeah, all right, she might be special to you, but what you gonna do about it?’

‘Either you stop seeing her or I’ll tell her what you’ve been up to,’ George said through gritted teeth.

‘Tell her what you want, George, she won’t believe you. She’ll think you’re making it up ’cos of sour grapes, and anyhow, I’ve got her twisted round my little finger … How do you like that?’

George puffed out his chest and clenched his fist again, ready to jump on Roger, but suddenly felt strong arms holding him back, and a voice in his ear saying, ‘Leave it, George, break it up.’

‘Let me go!’ George shouted, and glanced sideways at the man restraining him, to see it was Ned the Nose from the ironmonger’s stall opposite his.

‘I’ll kill him, Ned, I’ll fucking kill him. Let me at him, will ya?’ George shouted as he struggled against Ned’s firm grip.

‘Calm down, mate, he ain’t worth it and the Old Bill are coming down the street.’

George knew it was pointless to fight against Ned. The man was almost twice the size of him and had the strength to match. ‘All right, all right,’ he said to Ned, then glared at Roger. ‘This ain’t over.’

Ned released his hold, and George straightened his clothes as he looked around the market. ‘What you all staring at?’ he shouted.