‘Once we’ve sold the Rolls, you two can find us a couple more cars to sell.’ Jake was rubbing his hands together in anticipation. ‘This was a damned good idea of yours, Matt. If it goes on like this, I’ll soon be able to pay your brother back the money he lent us to get started.’

Matt nodded, noticing the happy faces at the garage now. His family were making a small contribution to a few lives in these difficult times. It wasn’t enough, though. What was unemployment now – over two million? Too many – too much suffering.

24

‘Matthew’s handsome, ain’t he?’ Ivy cast an amused glance at Jenny as they walked home at four o’clock that afternoon. ‘And so tall.’

‘They’re all tall, and a good-looking family.’

‘What are the other sons like?’ Ivy was obviously intrigued.

Jenny cast her mind back to when she’d seen them together that first Christmas. But in truth, the only one she’d taken much notice of was the youngest. Strange that. ‘John’s the eldest. He’s serious and a fine businessman. Luke comes next. He’s easy-going and over-fond of the girls. Matthew’s the youngest and, I believe, the nicest of the three.’

Ivy nodded. ‘I can see that. He’s got such lovely, kind blue eyes.’

‘You didn’t miss much,’ Jenny laughed, ‘and remember you’re married.’

‘Oh, I wouldn’t change my Ron for anything.’ Ivy slipped her hand through Jenny’s arm as they turned into Forest Road. ‘Anyway, men like that make me feel awkward.’

‘What on earth for?’

‘Well, he’s posh. Don’t laugh, Jen.’ Ivy thumped her arm playfully. ‘You act so natural around him and his mother because you was brought up like them, but you also fit right in with us.’

‘I’m glad you think that,’ Jenny remarked drily, ‘because this is where I belong now.’

‘Your life’s like one of those books, but you’ve come from riches to poverty.’ Ivy grinned. ‘It’s the wrong way round. You’re supposed to rise from the slums to the gentry.’

Jenny laughed, highly amused. She knew how much Ivy loved the romantic stories of the day. ‘In my case it would take a miracle for that to happen.’

‘I suppose so.’ Ivy sighed wistfully. ‘It must be terrible hard for you, Jen. You knowing what it’s like to have so much, and now you’ve got nothing. It’s all right for us – we was born in poverty and are used to it. Though with all this unemployment, it’s the hardest I’ve ever known it.’

After pondering this statement for a while, Jenny said, ‘It isn’t true that I’ve got nothing now. I might not have any worldly goods, but I’ve got something far more precious. I’ve got Ma, you, your mum and dad, and all the people in Forest Road.’