‘Then I suggest you don’t tell him,’ Barry said offhandedly. ‘Now if you don’t mind, I’m busy.’

The door closed and Mo slumped. She’d been duped, made a fool of, but worst of all was the fear of Samuel finding out.

Chapter 39

Between them, George and his mother did their best to offer Sarah comfort. George didn’t set up his stall that week, and while his mother was at work he held Sarah when she cried, and listened to her when she wanted to talk. He wished he could do more to alleviate her agony.

‘Thanks for letting Mo and Roger know about Tommy. I don’t think I could have faced telling them. Just saying the words out loud is almost too much to bear.’

‘It’s not a problem. You know I’d do anything for you, especially during this difficult time. I’m surprised Roger hasn’t called round to see you.’

‘It doesn’t matter. I don’t want him to see me like this.’

Sarah was sitting next to him on the sofa, and though it had passed midday she was still wearing a nightdress his mum had given her. Her hair hadn’t been brushed, and it worried him to see her so listless. He’d watched his mother sink into a dark depression when his dad had been killed, and he dreaded seeing Sarah go the same way. He felt Sarah rest her head on his shoulder, and said gently, ‘I realise you don’t want to do it, love, but perhaps now would be a good time to go through the order of service for Tommy’s funeral?’

‘I can’t, George. I haven’t got the energy.’

‘You can’t keep putting it off. I know all of this is harrowing for you, but it’s got to be done.’

Sarah sighed. ‘I suppose so and I know I’ve got to face going home soon. I just can’t imagine living in that room without Tommy. All his stuff will be there, his clothes, his toys and I – I don’t think I can bear it.’

‘I could go there before you to sort it all out,’ George offered.

‘No,’ Sarah answered quickly. ‘Thanks, but it’s something I need to do alone. It’s weird … I’m dreading it, yet at the same time I feel I want to be near his things. In fact, I think I should go home today, but would you mind taking me to the church first?’

George was relieved to see Sarah responding more positively, but he didn’t like to think of her being upset in that room with no one to comfort her. ‘Whatever you want, but I don’t think you should be by yourself. I could help you to sort things out and then you can come back here.’

‘Thanks, but, as I said, I think this is something I need to do alone.’