‘As you will, miss.’

Prodding her again, Sandra hissed, ‘Open the bloody thing, then!’ Like Molly, she was curious.

Slightly apprehensively, Molly tore open the envelope. Drawing out its contents, she could hardly believe her eyes. ‘What in God’s name…!’

Peeping over her shoulder, Sandra caught a glimpse of the money she held; a wad of notes so fat, Molly’s small hand could hardly contain it.

‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph, you’ve come into a fortune!’ Winking at the man, she asked cheekily, ‘Are you sure it’s not me you’re looking for?’

‘“Molly Tattersall”, that’s what Mr Mason said…’ And as soon as he let slip the name he clapped his hand over his mouth. ‘I’d best be off. Good day to you, ladies.’

Jack Mason’s instructions had been clear enough. ‘Make sure it’s Molly Tattersall herself you hand the money to, and don’t say anything. Just give her the envelope and leave.’ They were his instructions and the messenger had already gone against them by mentioning his boss’s name. Now he couldn’t get away quick enough.

But it was too late.

Molly had heard the name before and recognised it as that of her mam’s fancy fella. ‘Jack Mason!’ Waving the wad of notes at him, she demanded, ‘Are you saying he sent this money?’

‘Like I said, I’d best be off.’ Before I lose my job, he thought worriedly.

As he scurried down the steps, Molly quickly scanned the brief note which was secured to the wad of money by an elastic band:

Dear Molly,

I send this by hand, because to reveal where me and your mam are living might cause problems. She’s not been happy about her decision to leave all of you, though the roses have come back to her cheeks and her eyes are as bright as they were when she was a young girl.

Your dad was slowly destroying her. I saw it and took her away. So, if you need to blame anybody, blame me. I asked her to start a new life with me, and I refused to take no for an answer.

She does miss you all, but gradually she’s finding happiness with me. You don’t know who I am, and it’s better that way for all concerned. All you need to know is that I will take care of her and, from a distance, I’ll take care of her children. From time to time, you’ll receive a similar amount of money.

From what your mam tells me, I know you will spend it wisely.

Please don’t ever forget your mam for the mother she was to you all. She never wanted to leave you, but your dad and, I’m ashamed to say, myself, gave her no choice.

Don’t hate her. If you can, please try and be happy for her now.

I wish you well,

Your benefactor.

Sandra read the note over Molly’s shoulder. ‘Well, I never! Seems to me like you and the kids are set for life, gal!’ Giving Molly a congratulatory slap on the back, she was astonished to see her run down the steps to where the man was trying desperately to start his car.