‘It’s a luxurious restaurant, very popular. So popular in fact I had to get Dad to book a table for us. The Roy Fox Band is there, though Lew Stone is leading it because Fox is ill. But Lew Stone is very good.’

‘That sounds lovely.’ This was so exciting. She loved the dance bands and the beautiful music they played.

Matthew gave her a quick glance as he was driving. ‘The vocalist is Al Bowlly.’

Jenny gave a squeal of delight. ‘Is he really? He’s got the most wonderful voice. Don’t you think so?’

‘Yes.’ Matt chuckled at her enthusiasm. ‘I had no idea you liked him so much.’

‘I do, I do!’ Jenny could hardly control herself.

‘We’ll park here and walk round the corner.’ Matthew stopped the car and came round to help her out. ‘It will be crowded by the restaurant.’

It was no more than a couple of minutes’ walk, and Jenny found herself looking up at the name MONSEIGNEUR GRILL in large letters right across the entrance. They went in and, once her coat was taken from her, they were shown to their table. It was obvious that this was a very fashionable place, the clientele smart and well-to-do, but the affluent surroundings didn’t intimidate her. This was the kind of place to which her father had taken her. It was now clear why her mother had never accompanied them on these outings. They were divorced, and her father’s visits here were solely to spend time with his daughter. The pang of sadness was instantly dismissed. It was all in the past, and she was glad she now knew the whole story.

The waiter held her chair for her and she sat down. Their table was right next to the band and only a couple of steps away from the dance floor. Jenny felt her feet wanting to tap in anticipation. Edna had said that she was lucky because she could fit in with either the working classes or the wealthy. And she realized, looking at Matthew, that he was the same. He came from a wealthy family but was happy working as an apprentice mechanic. After what they had been through together, often it wasn’t necessary to speak – just a look or smile was enough to know what the other was thinking. They had become very close lately.

Since receiving the money she’d had a sense of confusion. One minute she had been scrimping to find enough money for food, and the next she had money in the bank. But, as she gazed around the restaurant, the feeling melted away. Rich or poor, she was who she was, and her experiences had moulded her into a stronger, more secure person. She was a girl who knew she could survive whatever life threw at her.

‘Jen.’ Matthew touched her hand. ‘You were miles away. What would you like to drink?’