‘Well, I’ll keep me fingers and me toes crossed for you, even if it means I’ll be walking funny,’ George said, and was pleased when he saw a faint smile on her lips.

Sarah said goodbye, and before she left promised to come back soon either with some treasures from the river or for a job with his mum. He’d been pleased to see that she hadn’t been looking for Roger. He watched her walk away, her shoulders slumped. He yearned to chase after her to offer comfort. Instead he turned to look suspiciously at Roger, but was surprised when he saw his friend had deliberately stayed well hidden behind some sacks of potatoes.

Roger popped his head up, and asked, ‘All clear?’

George couldn’t help but chuckle. ‘Yes, mate, she’s gone, but you didn’t have to go to those extremes, or are you just taking the mickey?’

‘I’m just doing as I’ve been warned. I wouldn’t want a girl to come between us, and let’s face it, there’s plenty more fish in the sea, and I’ve got a bloody big net.’

By the time Sarah arrived home, it was late afternoon and the street was lively with children playing, though she couldn’t see her brother. As she put her key in the lock of her front door, Tommy and Larry appeared and came running up to her.

‘Guess what?’ Tommy asked.

‘I don’t know. What?’ Sarah answered.

‘We met Samuel and he gave us a tanner to share. We’re rich, ain’t we, Larry? We’ve never had so much money! Larry’s mum said she’ll take us to the shops later … can I go, Sarah, please?’

‘If Larry’s mum says it’s OK, then yes, you can, but make sure you’re a good boy.’

‘I will, thanks, Sarah. Come on, Larry, let’s go and tell your mum that I can come.’

Sarah watched as the boys ran off together, and then plastered a smile on her face in anticipation of meeting Samuel. After hearing so much about him from Mo, she’d been looking forward to seeing him, but with her mother’s death and little money, her mood was dark. She was opening the door to her room when she heard Mo’s cheery voice, and turned to see her friend skipping down the stairs with a tall dark man following closely behind.

‘Sarah, this is Samuel,’ Mo said, grinning widely as she placed her arm around her lover’s waist.

‘It’s a real pleasure to meet you, ma’am,’ Samuel said, and offered his hand to Sarah.