There were cheers and whistles coming from everyone now. ‘Come on, Bet. It ain’t everyday you get an offer like that.’

The outrageous offer had been made on the spur of the moment, and Matt wondered if he’d gone too far and embarrassed Jen, but she was laughing along with everyone else. He walked towards her with the two shillings in his hand.

He got a quick peck from Bet, and, much to the crowd’s delight, she pretended to be so overcome she had to sit down and fan herself with a tea cloth. Still laughing, Jenny came from behind the stall, stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips over his cheek. It was only a brief, gentle touch, but Matt felt it right through him.

‘Thank you for everything,’ she whispered. Then she took the two shillings and gave him fifteen tea cloths. Holding up the two shillings, she grinned at everyone. ‘We’ve given him fifteen for the money. The kisses were free for a friend.’

Now in a thoroughly good humour, the crowd surged forward to buy various items. Bet had a wicked gleam in her eyes and gave him a wink of thanks.

Seeing he wasn’t going to get a chance to speak to Jen, Matt asked, ‘Can I come to visit you?’

She nodded, smiled and went back to serving customers.

It was about four o’clock when Matt arrived home, tired but content after seeing Jenny so happy. He could still feel the touch of her lips and grinned to himself. That had done more for his recovery than all the doctors.

His mother had just returned from working at the centre, and she was in the sitting room with a tray of tea and cakes in front of her.

He kissed her cheek and tossed the tea cloths in her lap. ‘Present for you.’

Her mouth twitched at the corners. ‘Very nice.’

‘I thought you’d like them,’ he joked. ‘Jen’s got a job at the market and I bought them from her.’

As they relaxed, he told his mother about Ma leaving Jenny her furniture and the fun she seemed to be having working on the market stall. By the time he’d finished, she was nodding with pleasure.

‘I’m relieved she now has a secure home and a job at last.’

Matt helped himself to a cake. ‘She was enjoying herself today. I’ve never seen her so happy.’

His mother studied him with a thoughtful expression on her face, and then changed the subject. ‘Tell me how things are at the garage.’

This took about another twenty minutes, and then he yawned, tiredness suddenly swamping him.

‘Why don’t you have a rest before dinner, Matt?’

‘I think I will.’ His legs felt heavy and his whole body ached as he went to his room. Kicking off his shoes, he flopped on the bed and was instantly asleep.