‘I will, won’t I?’ She almost skipped along beside him as they walked to the van, oblivious of the cold weather. She had a place to call home, a job, and yesterday she’d had a long letter from Edna telling her all about the wedding and enclosing a beautiful photograph. And, most important of all, Matthew had recovered after the stabbing. Jenny felt that things couldn’t get much better.

30

It was three days before Matt felt strong enough to go out. Going to Ma’s funeral had drained him, but he was glad he’d made the effort. After doing nothing but sleeping, eating and talking to his family, he could feel his energy increasing, and he was eager to get back to the garage and his beloved cars.

‘Don’t overtire yourself today,’ his mother admonished, seeing him put on his coat. ‘Where are you going this morning?’

‘I thought I’d pop along to the garage and see how they’re getting on. Jake and Harry visited me in hospital a couple of times, but they wouldn’t let me talk business.’

‘Quite right too. Remember that the doctor said you must take it easy for a week.’ She cast a worried glance at her son. ‘Christmas is only two weeks away, so couldn’t you go back to work after the New Year?’

‘No. I want to get back as soon as possible,’ he said gently. He knew how upset his mother had been and he wouldn’t do anything to worry her, but he must start doing something or he would go crazy. He’d never been one to sit around and idle his time away. ‘And I promise that if I get tired today I’ll come right back.’

His mother pulled a face. ‘I keep forgetting that you are a grown man now.’

‘I am. I’ll be twenty-one next March.’ He bent and kissed her cheek.

‘Where have the years gone?’ Her eyes clouded. ‘I was so afraid you weren’t going to see your next birthday.’

‘It looked worse than it was.’ Matt fished in his pocket for his gloves and put them on. ‘After I’ve seen Jake and the others, I might call on Jenny and find out what she intends to do now Ma is dead.’

‘I’ve been worrying about her as well. I shall be at the centre this afternoon,’ she told him. ‘If she needs anything, ask her to come and see me.’