‘She’s like an ice-cream,’ Tommy answered.

‘How’s that?’ George asked, looking bemused.

‘Well, she’s a bit cold sometimes but she’s all soft and creamy really, and I really like ice-cream.’

Sarah felt her heart melt. If only her mother could have opened her eyes to see what a wonderful son she’d had.

‘I like ice-cream too,’ George said, and Sarah noticed him looking at her in a way that made her blush.

George put Tommy down and fished in his pocket for some coins. Then he handed them to Tommy and pointed down the road. ‘See that ice-cream shop over there, De Marco’s? – best ice-creams in Battersea. I know it’s cold today, and a bit early, but go and get you and me a nice cornet, any flavour you like. Would you like one, Sarah?’ George asked.

‘No, thanks, George. We’ve not long had something to eat, but I won’t stop Tommy having a cornet. Mind you, straight there and back, Tommy, no mucking about.’

Tommy skipped off, and George turned to Sarah. ‘I’ve sold your watch, but not for as much as I would have liked. We got six pounds for it, so I hope you’re not too disappointed with this?’ George said as he handed Sarah her money.

Sarah took the cash, and was more than delighted with the amount.

‘That’s great, thanks, George. I was thinking—’

‘Oh, no,’ George cut in, ‘this could be dangerous.’

Sarah smiled and continued, ‘I wondered how you’d feel about selling more of my stuff? On commission, not for free.’

‘Have you got more stuff then?’

‘Well, no, not at the moment. But I was thinking, I could use some of this money to buy some.’

‘I’d be happy to. After all, it’s easy money for me and no skin off my nose, but what sort of stuff are you thinking of buying?’

Sarah was pensive. She hadn’t really thought it all through, and even if she had a plan of what to buy, she’d no idea where to buy it. ‘I’m not sure yet. More jewellery, I suppose. It seems to sit nicely with your clothes. What do you think?’

‘I reckon that’s a smashing idea, but make sure you don’t buy nothing too fancy,’ George answered. ‘My customers aren’t flush with money, but they might be tempted by some beads or brooches, stuff like that to dress up an outfit.’

‘Yes, good idea,’ Sarah said, but as they shook hands to seal the deal, a large clap of thunder exploded overhead. I hope that’s not a bad omen, Sarah thought worriedly.

As the skies opened and rain began to pour, George suddenly sprang into action and began pulling tarpaulin over his stall. Sarah ran around to the other side to help. In her haste, she bumped into Roger who was hurriedly trying to cover his stock.