Jenny took a deep breath and sat up straight. The attraction between herself and Matthew had been strong right from the beginning, but she hadn’t dared admit her true feelings. He just felt sorry for her, that’s what she’d always told herself. But she did love him! And had done for some time. As she admitted that, she could almost hear Ma’s amused cackle.

There was a knock on the door, and Fred and Glad came in. Fred sat beside her. ‘Matt asked us to look in and make sure you’re all right. Are you?’

She nodded. ‘It’s been quite a day.’

‘So we gathered,’ Glad said. ‘That lad was right worried.’

Jenny gave a wry smile. There he was again, concerned about her as always. It gave her a warm feeling to have someone care so much for her. If it hadn’t been for Edna, Glad, Fred, Ma and Matthew, she would have been absolutely lost since she ran away from home. The coin had certainly landed as heads when she’d met these wonderful people – and she hadn’t even realized it.

‘You look fair worn out.’ Glad picked up the tea things. ‘You pop off to bed and I’ll clear this up for you.’

‘I want to tell you what has happened.’ Jenny yawned.

Fred patted her hand. ‘It’ll keep, Jen. You go and get some kip.’

‘No, it won’t, I’m bursting to tell you.’ Then she explained about this extraordinary day, making Fred and Glad laugh when she told them about her confrontation with her family.

‘Good for you, lass,’ Fred exclaimed. ‘Bloody criminal what they’ve done to you.’

‘That’s wonderful news!’ Glad looked ecstatic. ‘Now you won’t have to work your fingers to the bone. What you gonna do now?’

‘I’m staying here, Glad. Ma left me her furniture and this is my home now.’

‘We’re right pleased about that.’ Fred beamed at her, and then became serious. ‘But I think it’d be better to keep this news to ourselves. You don’t want people pestering you, do you?’

‘No, I need time to sort myself out before anyone knows.’ Jenny yawned again.

‘Off you go, up the apples and pears.’ Fred hauled her out of the chair. ‘You need a good night’s sleep. We’ll talk some more when you’re rested.’

Glad kissed her on the cheek. ‘We’re so happy for you, Jen. It’s a relief to know you’re gonna be all right now.’

It was the early hours of the morning before Jenny slipped into a sleep of utter exhaustion. Her mind had been whirring like a top. What should she do? Go to America or stay here? In a few short hours her life had completely changed. It was only after forcing her skittering thoughts to quieten that she had finally slept.