Over the next few weeks the business did improve a little, as the garage began to look after the Stannard Bank’s cars and those of family and friends. The tuneful whistles of the men could be heard again; the air of worry and tension eased. If anyone suspected that Matt and his influential family were propping up their jobs, they never mentioned it; they were only too grateful to still have work.

They closed at lunchtime on Christmas Eve and headed for the pub across the road. Jake had lost his frown, and the rest were in high spirits. No one would let Matt buy a drink, saying that it was a celebration to mark the finish of the first year of his apprenticeship, but he guessed it was their way of saying thank you for trying to save their jobs. It didn’t take a genius to know that Jake’s business had been on the edge of collapse, or to guess where the extra money had come from.

By the time he arrived home around four o’clock, Matt was feeling very mellow indeed and a little unsteady on his feet.

‘Oh, dear,’ his mother said when she saw him, the corners of her mouth twitching in amusement. ‘Sit down, Matt, before you fall down.’

He eased himself into a chair, grinning. ‘I’m not that drunk, Mother.’

‘Really?’ She pulled a bell rope and ordered a pot of strong coffee. ‘You do remember we’re having a party tonight instead of on New Year’s Eve, don’t you?’

A rumble of laughter came from Luke. ‘I don’t think Matt will mind Gloria Tremain coming tonight. She might even look attractive through the haze of alcohol.’

‘She isn’t coming, is she?’ he asked his mother in a horrified tone.

‘I can hardly exclude her. Her parents are good friends of ours.’

When the coffee arrived, a cup was poured and handed to Matt. He drank it obediently, muttering under his breath.

His brother helped himself to a coffee, still grinning. ‘You’d think she’d have got the message by now that you can’t stand her.’

John and their father arrived at that moment.

Gilbert kissed his wife. ‘Is that coffee?’

‘Yes, dear.’ She poured for her husband and son. ‘We were just talking about Gloria. She will keep pursuing Matt, and he really doesn’t care for her.’

Her husband sat down with a weary sigh. ‘She’s set her heart on becoming part of this family. If she continues to get nowhere with Matt, she’ll probably try Luke or John.’

‘She’ll be wasting her time!’ both brothers said at once.

Matt giggled at their vehemence, and his father eyed him suspiciously. ‘Are you drunk?’

‘Not quite, but I have had a few drinks. Jake and the others insisted on celebrating the end of my first year’s apprenticeship.’