Just as he heard one, small, sob, his mother walked into the room carrying a tray. George shook his head at her and she quickly walked out again, while he gently began to stroke Sarah’s hair. She broke then, tears at last flowing, her body shuddering while George continued to hold her – listening to her heart shattering and wishing he could take away her pain, but knowing that he couldn’t.

Chapter 43

Two weeks had passed since Tommy’s funeral, and Sarah was back at work in the shop. Lena had thought it was too soon, but the girl had insisted she needed to keep her mind occupied.

‘I’m proud of you, you know,’ Lena said as she helped Sarah stock the refrigerators.

‘Oh, why’s that?’ Sarah asked.

‘Look at you, back at work and getting on with things. It took me a long time to get over my husband’s death. In fact, I’m sure George has told you, I didn’t cope very well and took to my bed for quite some time. You should give yourself a pat on the back, young lady.’

‘I’m back at work, but I’m only just about functioning. To be honest, Lena, I’m having to force myself to get up every morning, and I’m finding it difficult to smile at our customers,’ Sarah said, and Lena could see her eyes were filling with tears.

‘Even so, you’re doing great so don’t beat yourself up. Make us both a drink, love. I think we deserve a break after filling up all the lard and butter shelves.’

A few minutes later, Sarah came back onto the shop floor and the two of them sat behind the counter with their cups of Camp coffee. Lena took a sip and grimaced. ‘I’m still not keen on this stuff.’

‘Sorry, I should have made tea.’

‘No, it’s all right. It makes a change and I suppose I’ll get used to it. Sarah, there is something I’ve been meaning to tell both you and George, only I haven’t found the right time,’ Lena said, and tapped her ring finger on the side of her cup, hoping Sarah would notice the diamond.

‘Oh, what is it?’ Sarah asked.

‘It’s about me and Albert …’ Lena said and looked directly at the ring on her finger.

‘Oh, my goodness, Lena, you’re engaged!’ Sarah exclaimed, and jumped up from her stool. ‘Let me have a closer look at that ring,’ she said, taking Lena’s hand.

‘Yes, he proposed on my birthday, and well, I know we haven’t been dating for very long, but we’ve known each other for years.’

‘I’m so happy for you. When are you going to tell George?’

‘Tonight, I suppose, but I’m worried he might fly off the handle for a bit. What do you think?’