Ma’s small front room was packed and even the extra chairs from next door weren’t enough. Young Alice was quite happy sitting on the floor with her baby brother, Bert, and everyone else had perched wherever they could. Glad, Ivy and Jenny had pooled their money to give everyone a good Christmas Day. They had a chicken, vegetables and a little fruit from Fred and Stan’s market stall, beer for the men, milk stout for the women and lemonade for Ivy’s two children. And the crowning glory of this sumptuous meal was a pudding that Edna had brought round as a present from Mrs Peters, the Stannards’ cook. Jenny was touched that they should think kindly enough of her to send this gift for Christmas, one she could share with her friends. Fred had produced a small bottle of brandy, which was poured over the pudding and set alight, with cries of delight from everyone.

Jenny had sent a card thanking Mrs Peters and wishing everyone at the house a happy Christmas. She had also sent her mother a card, telling her that she was all right. She realized now just how unhappy she must have been, with her husband having another family in America. To maintain the outward appearance of a stable family home would have been a struggle.

‘Come on, Uncle Stan, play for us.’

The shrill voice of Ivy’s young daughter caught Jenny’s attention as she dragged her uncle to the piano in the corner of the room.

When Stan began to thump out the popular tunes of the day, everyone jumped to their feet and started dancing. Even Ma hauled herself up and with Fred’s help joined in. ‘Come on, Auntie Jen!’ Alice dragged her to her feet, and at six years old made a passable attempt at a waltz. Baby Bert, not quite two, was wriggling and laughing in Glad’s arms.

This was the happiest Jenny had been since she’d run away from home. She had great affection and respect for Fred, Glad and their family, but she loved Ma. The bond between them had grown over the months, and now nothing would make her leave this outspoken elderly woman.

‘That’s enough of that!’ Ma said as Fred helped her back to her chair. ‘I think that calls for another glass of stout, and then we can give out the presents.’

When everyone had a drink in their hands, Ma told Jenny to do the honours. The presents were, of course, modest and mostly hand-made, but that didn’t make any difference to the pleasure they all felt. The children had two toys each, and their cries of delight showed how thrilled they were.