She did, feeling tired, which was normal since Ma had had her stroke. It wasn’t the extra work she minded – nothing was too much trouble if it made Ma comfortable. No, it was the constant worry and sadness she felt knowing that she could lose the woman she had come to love dearly. Ma was her family now.

‘They’ve made a wonderful job of the centre, haven’t they?’ Jenny said, still delighted with what she had seen.

Matt nodded, taking a mouthful of tea. ‘Mother believes it’s going to be a boon to those with young children, as well as providing a hot meal for the unemployed.’

Jenny dunked a biscuit in the tea for Ma and, after she’d eaten it, held the cup to her mouth so that she could drink. ‘I must go there when it opens and see how they cope.’

‘You do that, Jen. I’m sure there would be a part-time job for you.’

‘Not until Ma’s better.’ Jenny wiped Ma’s mouth with a cloth and sat down to drink her own tea, watching as the elderly woman drifted into a peaceful sleep. She seemed to spend most of her time asleep, but at least when she was awake now she was more alert.

‘I think you ought to know, Jen, that Greaves is in financial trouble.’ Matt finished his tea and put the cup back on the tray. ‘Our garage bought a Rolls-Royce from him. I believe it used to be your father’s.’

‘Really? I suppose mother sold it to him.’ Jenny sat up straight and began to laugh quietly. ‘Aunt Gertrude told me he was rich and I would be wearing the finest jewels.’

‘Well, either she didn’t know or they were both telling lies.’ Matthew raised an eyebrow at her obvious amusement. ‘You don’t seem bothered about it.’

‘I’m not. Don’t you see, this is the best news I could have had? I’m much too poor for him to bother with now, and I’m free of them at last. I’m so glad I ran away.’

‘It looks as if you certainly did the right thing.’ Matthew stood up and said, ‘I must be getting back to the garage now.’

‘Thank you for coming.’ Jenny picked up the tray, only to have it taken out of her hands by Matthew. She followed him downstairs. ‘Ma does like to see you.’

He put the tray on the kitchen table and paused, watching her put the dishes in the sink. ‘And are you pleased to see me, Jen?’

She was startled by the softly spoken question. ‘Of course I am.’

‘Good. I did wonder, after the way you ticked me off last time.’

Now she felt awful. ‘I’m sorry about that. The chicken was lovely, thank you.’