She stood on a small footstall as Joan pinched in the material on the waistband of the bridesmaid dress Sarah was wearing.

‘You’ve lost a bit of weight too,’ Joan commented.

‘I hope you ain’t working too hard in that shop and you’re eating the sandwiches I pack you,’ Lena said sternly.

Aunty Min stood up and beckoned Lena to the corner of the room. ‘Leave the girl alone,’ she said quietly. ‘Don’t you remember how the weight fell off you when your Les was killed?’

‘Yes, you’re right, it did. I don’t think I ate much for several months after he died. Poor Sarah, she puts on ever such a brave face though. Credit to her, she’s coped much better than I did,’ Lena answered.

‘She’s a good girl,’ said Aunty Min, her voice hushed. ‘I’ve only met her a handful of times but I’m ever so fond of her.’

‘Me too. If I’d had been blessed with a daughter, she’s just what I would have wanted,’ Lena said sincerely.

They didn’t think Sarah could hear them, but she’d heard every word. She found herself blushing. She wasn’t used to having women fussing over her, or giving her compliments and showing affection

‘I didn’t tell you, Lena, but I’ve lined up a date for your George,’ Kath said.

Sarah’s ears pricked up. George was going on a date, and she found that she didn’t like the idea. But why? He was her friend and she should be pleased for him, yet instead she found herself thinking that if he was seeing someone else, she would miss his company.

‘He didn’t say anything to me,’ Lena said.

‘That’s ’cos I ain’t told him yet. But you know my niece Julie, well, she said she’d love to go out with him.’

‘Julie … ain’t she a bit young for him?’ Joan mumbled through the pins she was holding in her mouth.

‘She’s eighteen,’ Kath replied.

‘Blimey, time flies. She was just a nipper the last time I saw her.’

‘Yeah, well, you should see her now. All grown up and very pretty too,’ Kath said proudly.

‘Have you told her about George’s scars?’ Lena asked.

‘Yes, and I also said what a smashing man he is. She’s training to be a nurse and things like that don’t bother my Julie. She’s one of them who only looks for the good in people,’ Kath said. ‘I’ve always said she’s an old soul, and she’s got a heart of gold.’

‘Ah, she sounds lovely, Kath. When’s George supposed to be taking her out then?’ Lena asked.

‘Saturday night. There’s a big dance thing on over in Carshalton where she lives. She said she’d like George to take her.’