‘I think you should go to the cupboard over there by the door and get out a bottle of my good brandy. Then we can toast our partnership.’

Briony grinned and did as she was told.

A little while later they were both pleasantly discussing the influential customers Nellie had had over the years, when Briony said: ‘What about Willy Bolger, Nellie? You ever had any dealings with him?

Nellie waved her hand dismissively.

‘He’s a ponce of the worst order, Briony, but I know one thing about Willy that’s always served me in good stead with him: he’s a coward. He’d cut a brass or a bloke, but only mob-handed. Get Willy on his own and he shits bricks. He was in here not a week back telling me he wanted this, that and the other, but young Barry Black was in here. I’ve been hiding him up because the Old Bill’s after him for that jewellery robbery over in Kent. He saw Willy off, no trouble. Willy reckons he’s got a right royal backing now. I nearly laughed me head off! I mean, who in their right mind would back William Bolger? I remember him when he had no arse in his trousers and an empty stomach.’

Briony smiled and changed the conversation again, listening with half an ear to Nellie telling her about Lord this and Lord that who’d frequented her house over the years. But her mind was on Bolger, and on Mariah Jurgens who was next on her list of things to do.

It stood to reason Willy had backing, but from whom? That’s what she had to find out.

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

‘You’re what?’ Molly looked at Eileen as if she had never before clapped eyes on her.

‘I’m getting married, Mum. Joshua asked me today and I said yes.’

Molly grabbed her daughter in her arms and squeezed her tight. ‘Jesus, Mary and jumping Joseph! This is the best news I’ve heard for many a long day, and aren’t you the dark horse! I never guessed it was gone this far. All your gallivanting around and never a word! Oh, Eileen, I could shoot meself with happiness! You’ve made a good choice, child, a good choice!’

Molly’s voice was loud enough to carry through the wall and beyond. Her pleasure was written all over her face. Rosalee picking up on this, grinned widely and clapped her hands together.

‘Your sister’s getting married, Rosie darlin’, now isn’t that something!’

Eileen smiled at her mother’s obvious happiness.

‘Wait until I tell the others!’ Molly sat herself down by the fire and carried on making the tea. ‘Now then, first things first. He’s Catholic, thank God, so we’ll have to see the priest and put the banns up. Our Briony will have to be told first, though.’