‘Albert, neither are we. The girl hasn’t got any relatives, so we’re the closest thing she has to a family, and yes, I’m sure. Just don’t mention anything about our engagement. I haven’t told George yet, not with all this going on,’ Lena said, and took her ring from her handbag to gaze at the diamond. ‘I can’t wait to wear this, but it’s happened so quickly. I think we should give George some time to get used to us being together.’

‘How do you think he will react?’ Albert asked.

‘He’s a good boy, he’ll be fine once he gets over the shock. Blimey, come to that, I think I’m still in shock myself,’ Lena said and laughed.

‘I’ve known for a long time that I wanted you to be my wife, and as it was your birthday yesterday, it seemed like the appropriate time to ask. I’m just glad you said yes as I didn’t have another birthday present to give you if you had said no to the ring.’

Lena looked lovingly at the man sitting on her sofa. He was so different from her deceased husband. She’d never thought she’d be able to love again after losing him, but Albert had shown her it was possible to fall in love more than once in a lifetime, and though she felt a small sense of guilt, she was looking forward to becoming Mrs Bosco. She heard a door slam. ‘That sounds like George’s van,’ she said, and went to look through the front room window. ‘They’re here. Oh, dear, look at Sarah, my heart goes out to her.’

George came in with Sarah behind him, and Albert stood and doffed his hat.

‘Sit down, Sarah,’ urged Lena. ‘We’ve got a little time before the cars arrive. George, pour her a good size brandy, it’ll help to steady her nerves.’

Sarah sat on the sofa in silence. She looked dazed, and her swollen eyes gave away the many tears she’d shed. ‘Oh, God, I’m not sure I can do this,’ she said, her voice breaking.

‘Yes, you can, and you will. This is your chance to say a proper goodbye to Tommy and we’ll all be there to support you.’

‘Here, drink this,’ said George as he handed Sarah the brandy.

Sarah downed it, then pulled a face that showed how horrid it tasted to her.

‘Good girl,’ Lena said. ‘It’ll help you to get through the day. George, pour her another one.’