‘Who on earth would want to do that?’

‘I would.’ Matthew stopped the car near The Cut. ‘Would you come out with me if I asked?’

Jenny had never been taken out by a young man before, though she had often listened to Edna telling her what fun it was. The last two years had been a struggle just to survive. Going out and enjoying herself had never been things she had thought about. But now her life was different. She smiled at him shyly. ‘I’d like that – if you care to ask me, of course.’

‘I’m asking. So when would you like to go?’

‘Let me see … I have so many appointments.’ She placed a finger on her chin and pretended to be thinking hard, teasing him. ‘I think I’m free any evening between now and Christmas.’

Matthew gave her an affectionate glance and then laughed. ‘I’m glad you can fit me into your busy social life.’ He got out of the car, came round and opened her door, helping her out and bowing graciously over her hand. ‘As soon as I’ve made the arrangements, I’ll call on you, Miss Winford.’

‘Why, thank you, sir,’ she simpered, and they both burst into gales of laughter. She felt almost drunk with happiness.

‘When you two have finished fooling around,’ Dwight scolded, his grin firmly in place, ‘we have toys to buy.’

Jenny slipped between the two men and tucked her hands in their arms, leading them straight to the toys. ‘What do you think they’d like, Dwight?’

He inspected the array of wooden toys. ‘These are excellent. Something English, I think.’

‘What about these?’ Matt held up two London buses.

‘Perfect. The boys will love those.’

‘How much?’ she asked Ted, the stallholder.

‘Half a crown each to you, Jen.’

She handed over the five shillings, and when the toys were wrapped she gave them to Dwight. ‘With my love, and tell Gracie I’ll keep in touch. I won’t be able to see you again before you leave, Dwight, because I can’t let Bet down, but have a safe journey home. And thank you for coming all this way to see me and tell me the truth about my father’s death.’

Dwight hugged her. ‘It’s been a pleasure to meet Cyrus’s daughter at last. You’re everything your father said you were – and more. I shall expect a letter every month to let me know how you’re getting on.’

‘I promise. Now I must get to work.’ She hugged Dwight again, having become fond of him in the short time she’d known him. Then, so as not to leave him out, she gave Matthew a quick hug as well before tearing off to Beth’s stall.

34

‘What do you think?’ Jenny twirled round to show off her new clothes to Glad and Fred.