The next few days passed in a blur of pain and loss for Jenny, and she was grateful to have Fred and Glad with her. The funeral was only two days away, and she knew it was going to be a distressing time. But at least she would be able to say a proper goodbye to Ma, something she had not been able to do with her father. She would use this service as an opportunity to put that right. In her mind it would be a dual burial for the two people she had loved so much: Ma and her father. The shock of learning that he’d had another family in America had soon gone. He had been such a kind man, and she hoped he had been happy with them.

It was raining again. Matt stared out of the hospital window and brooded. He was going home today and should be elated. His recovery had been excellent, and in another week he would be back at work, getting his hands greasy again.

The door opened, and his mother and Luke walked in, smiling brightly.

‘All ready?’ Luke picked up his brother’s bag, stopping suddenly when he saw Matt scowl. ‘What’s the matter? Are they keeping you in after all?’

‘Why hasn’t Jenny been to see me or sent a message? Is she all right?’

‘Ah.’ Luke put the bag down again and glanced at his mother.

‘What does that mean?’ Matt glared at Luke. ‘What’s happened to her?’

‘She’s all right, Matt.’ Louise made her son sit on the bed. ‘But Ma died the day after you were injured, and Jenny didn’t want to upset you.’

‘Oh, dear God!’ Matt now understood. ‘She’ll be devastated.’

‘She is, my dear. She loved the elderly woman very much.’ She smiled encouragingly at her youngest son. ‘Now, I expect you’ll be glad to get out of this place.’

‘I certainly shall.’ Matt stood up. His heart ached for Jenny. This was another terrible blow for her. ‘When’s the funeral?’

‘Today at ten thirty at a church in Short Street, near The Cut.’

Matt glanced at his watch. ‘If we hurry we can just make it.’

‘Oh, but Matt,’ his mother protested, ‘Jenny wouldn’t expect you to go, and I’m not sure you’re strong enough —’

‘I’m fine,’ he said, stopping her. ‘I liked Ma and I’m going to her funeral!’

‘We’d better get a move on, then.’ Luke had obviously picked up the note of determination in his brother’s voice. ‘It’s a good thing we brought raincoats and an umbrella.’

After saying goodbye to the staff who had nursed him so carefully, they got in the car and Luke headed for the church without delay.