‘Ah, well, that would be a sad day, I can’t imagine how Daisy Bell would feel if we took this corner and her sugar treat wasn’t waiting for her, it would break her heart, it would.’ His words caught in his throat and he could say no more. They both knew he was referring to himself, not the mare. The air between them felt heavy and still, knowing as they did that it wouldn’t be the lack of the tea that broke his heart. Maggie fractured the moment, distracted by something she sensed more than heard and he was grateful. They often did this, allowed their conversation to wander from matter of fact to flirtatious, but ending it as quickly as it began because neither had any notion where to go next.

‘Don’t look now, Eric,’ she said, ‘we’re being watched.’

Eric made to turn and stopped himself just in time. ‘Is it Peggy by any chance?’

‘Aye, Peggy,’ she said.

Eric dropped the last of his cigarette onto the pavement and stubbed it out with his toe, then took another swig of his tea. ‘Here, hold this,’ he said as he handed her the cup and then extracted a tobacco tin from his large pocket. He took out two cigarettes and passed one to Maggie. He glanced sideways up the street. ‘Since Maura and Tommy left, my life has been much harder managing the likes of Peggy,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘Maura used to nip out and take an extra pint or two to give to Peggy if she thought the kids were going without. She would always say, “Put it on my bill, Eric.” And then, she would get the money from Peggy in her own time, in her own way. I would get mine on a Friday night, as normal, and there would be no grief waiting for me back at home. She was a saint, Maura was. She knew Gladys made my life hell if I gave in to Peggy.’

‘Isn’t your life always hell?’ asked Maggie, placing the cigarette between her lips. Their eyes met and held. As always, she looked away first. Despite the rumours that flew around the four streets, Eric never spoke about Gladys in a derogatory manner or confirmed what most knew of his life to be true. He flicked over her comment as if it were a page in a book he had no desire to read.

‘Maura saved me from having to make excuses, aye. Step back into the hall, Maggie, it’s too brisk for you to be stood on the step.’