So, he was calling Sarah his mum now, George mused as he ruffled the boy’s soft hair. It was sweet, and as Sarah had raised him, he could understand why, but he hoped it wouldn’t cause any tongues to wag. People could be spiteful if they thought a girl was an unmarried mother, and he wouldn’t want that for Sarah. ‘Come inside. You can show me your painting and tell me all about school.’ As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Sarah. He thought she looked stunning with her long hair tied in a neat bun on top of her head. It emphasised her eyes and long dark lashes, and gave her an air of elegance. ‘You look nice,’ he said, trying to sound more nonchalant than he felt.

‘Thanks. I thought I’d put my hair up to make myself look a bit more professional. I hope your mum likes me,’ Sarah said in almost a whisper.

‘Don’t worry, she’ll love you,’ said George, and, whispering too, he asked, ‘How did you get on when you went to see Ron Lyons?’

‘I got it wrong. He isn’t my dad,’ Sarah said, and looked at the floor.

‘Oh, right. Well, come on into the front room.’

Lena appeared in the doorway and whipped off her apron. ‘Hello, Sarah, and you must be Tommy,’ she said. ‘Sit down, my dear. George, have you offered our guests some drinks?’

‘Give me a chance, Mum, they’ve only just walked through the door,’ George said and hid a smile. His mum was putting on airs, but he knew she wouldn’t be able to keep it up.

‘Thank you,’ Sarah said equally formally as she sat down prettily on the sofa.

‘What can I get you?’ George asked.

‘I’d love a cup of tea,’ Sarah answered.

‘Would you like a glass of lemonade, Tommy?’

‘Yes, please,’ Tommy answered with gusto.

‘Tea won’t be long. I hope you like meat pie?’ Lena asked.

Sarah nodded and Tommy said, ‘That’s my favourite.’

Lena went back to the kitchen. George wanted to sit next to Sarah on the sofa but Tommy had already positioned himself there, so instead he took an armchair next to the fire mantel.

‘Is it OK if I go through to the kitchen to see if your mum wants a hand with anything?’ Sarah quietly asked.

‘Yes, I’m sure she’ll appreciate that, though be warned, she’s always slinging me out of her kitchen. Tommy can tell me all about school.’

George watched as Sarah left the room, then listened as Tommy told him about his new ventures.

Twenty minutes later, Sarah came back into the room. ‘Dinner’s ready!’