It was dark by the time they arrived, and both men followed her indoors. She put more coal on the fire and poked it until it burst into life.

‘Would you like tea?’ she asked politely, but secretly wishing they would go away so she could be on her own. It had been a traumatic day.

They shook their heads, and she sat in Ma’s chair – something she had never done before, but it gave her comfort now.

‘Cosy place you’ve got here.’ Dwight gazed around the small room, then smiled at her. ‘Real quaint.’

‘Yes, it is. When will I be able to have the money?’

‘I’ll deposit it in a bank of your choice tomorrow.’

‘Thank you. Will you put it in the Stannard Bank, please?’

‘Sure.’ Dwight studied her intently. ‘You’re a real plucky girl and your father would have been proud of you today. And for the way you’ve survived the last two years.’

Her eyes clouded with tears and she bit her lip, determined not to break down. It was hard, because now that the anger had vanished she felt drained and emotional.

‘I’ll collect you at about ten tomorrow and we’ll go to the bank together, shall we?’ Dwight asked.

‘Yes, thank you.’ She blinked rapidly until she could see clearly again, and said, ‘I need to be alone now. I’ve got a lot of thinking to do.’

As they left, Matthew stopped at the door and stared at her, his expression troubled. She smiled to assure him she was all right, and with a slight nod he left with Dwight.

Matt hesitated and slapped his hand on the top of his car, bowing his head, because it felt as if his heart was going to shatter. The picture of Jenny sitting in Ma’s chair, small and frail, was imprinted on his mind. She had seemed numb, not even bothering to take off her coat. It was a complete contrast to the girl who had faced her family with such ferocity. He couldn’t leave her alone like this.

‘She’ll be all right, Matt.’ Dwight placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘She’s had one hell of a shock, and now reaction has set in. She needs to be alone.’

‘I don’t like to think of her being by herself,’ he murmured, then spun on his heel and strode to Fred and Glad’s house, knocking firmly.

Stan opened the door. ‘Hello, Matt, come in, and your friend.’

‘Glad,’ he said, as soon as they set foot inside the room, ‘would you keep an eye on Jenny this evening?’

‘Of course.’ Glad studied Dwight. ‘What’s happened?’

It was Dwight who spoke. ‘I’m a lawyer from New York and I’ve brought her news of her father. Things she didn’t know.’

‘She’s in shock.’ Matt explained. ‘She said she needs to be alone, but I’m not happy about that.’