Glad put her hand on Jenny’s shoulder. ‘You go and get yourself something to eat. You look fair washed out. I’ll stay here for a while.’

With a nod of thanks she wandered downstairs, made herself a cup of tea and gazed at it listlessly, too tired and distressed even to drink it. Ma had become a grandmother and mother to Jenny since she’d been here. They’d laughed, joked, argued and teased each other, and a deep bond had been formed. To lose her now was going to be so hard, but she was determined to do everything she could to keep her alive, or at least as happy as possible in the circumstances before the end came.

‘Jen.’ Edna appeared in the doorway.

‘Oh, how lovely to see you!’ Jenny got up and threw her arms around her friend. ‘I’m sorry I haven’t been able to meet you, but I’ve had so much to do. Can you stay a while? Would you like a cup of tea?’

‘I’ve got half an hour.’ Edna sat down at the kitchen table. ‘Where’s Ma?’

Jenny shook her head, her mouth trembling. ‘She’s had a stroke.’

‘Ah, I’m sorry, Jen.’

‘What are you doing here at eleven in the morning?’ Jenny hastily changed the subject. Her emotions were too raw to talk about Ma’s illness at the moment.

‘I’ve left my job.’ Edna held out her left hand to show off the half-hoop diamond engagement ring. ‘I’m getting married next week to David Hughes. He’s asked me to marry him and I’ve agreed.’

‘That’s wonderful!’Jenny jumped up and hugged her friend, so excited for her. She knew Edna had had a tough life and deserved some happiness. ‘I’m so pleased for you. Where are you getting married?’

Edna laughed at her friend’s obvious delight and playfully pushed her back in her chair. ‘If you’ll stop hopping about, I’ll tell you. David comes from Wales, so we’re going to be married there in a week’s time. He’s got a job to go to – something to do with accounts. He’s well educated,’ she said proudly. ‘And his family have found us a house to rent.’

‘Wales?’ Jenny’s pleasure seeped away as she realized what this meant, but she kept smiling somehow. She was going to lose Edna. But she mustn’t be selfish and let her dismay show, because this was absolutely wonderful for her friend. ‘That sounds exciting.’

‘It is, and I’ve had a lovely letter from David’s mother. She sounds ever so kind and very pleased about the wedding.’

With cups of tea and a couple of biscuits in front of them, they settled down. It had been some time since they had been out together, so this was a chance to catch up on all the news.