Briony walked towards her. ‘Come on, Lily, cat got your tongue? Where’s the old bitch O’Malley? Have you seen her son?’

Lily heard the gentle tone and shook her head. ‘They went out about an hour ago. I think Mother O’Malley was moving because they had some bags. I hope she was, I can’t stand the old cow.’

Briony forced a smile.

‘Any idea where she could be moving to? Has she anyone who’d put her up like?’

Lily shook her head again and the child smiled. Briony saw the caries in the child’s teeth already; he was no more than a year old.

‘The only place she’s welcome is the church, and I don’t think she’s really welcome there. How are you, Briony? You look really well. Really smart.’ The last was said with admiration.

‘You look well and all, Lily. This your boy?’ She stroked the child’s face with soft hands. He chuckled. Lily puffed out her cheeks, aware that they were being observed. Now Briony had singled her out for attention, she could brag about how she had grown up with her and people would be impressed.

‘I’ve got four, this is me youngest. I married Danny Little, remember him?’

‘I remember him, he used to show us his birds’ eggs.’

Briony knew the O’Malleys were long gone, and somehow she was reluctant to leave Lily, a reminder of times past. Of her real youth.

‘He still collects them, Briony. Knows all about birds does Danny boy.’ Lily’s voice dropped. ‘I heard you’re doing well. I’m glad, Briony. I’m glad you got away from here. You was always a clever girl, always had your eye to the main chance, you did!’

Briony smiled. ‘That was me, all right, Lil. It was lovely seeing you. You must know where I live. Come round one day and we’ll have a cuppa, talk about the old days.’

‘Maybe I will and all.’ Both knew that she wouldn’t, that her children were infested with lice and she wouldn’t have the guts to take them to Briony’s house, but it was nice to be offered and she respected Briony for that. Opening her bag, Briony took out all the money she had in it, about eight pounds, and pushed it into Lily’s hand.

‘No! No, Briony, I can’t take that! No, it was lovely to see you, and talk to you. I don’t want your money.’

Briony laughed then.

‘Well, you’re the only one who don’t! But you’re the only person I really want to have it. Take it, there’s plenty more where that came from!’

Lily looked at the money in wonder.

‘I won’t say it won’t come in handy, girl!’

‘Listen, Lily, if ever you need anything, you come to me, right?’

She nodded, tears in her eyes.