Jenny’s house was crowded with Fred, Glad and their family. The place rang with laughter as the children opened their presents, and as a special treat Jenny had bought a turkey. There had been a moment of panic when she had thought it might not fit in the small oven, but it had – just. The gorgeous smell of good food cooking made their mouths water.

There were murmurs of approval as they tucked in, savouring each mouthful of the wonderful feast. Jenny waited until they were all sprawled out, replete after the huge meal, before telling them her news.

She began cautiously. These were proud independent people and she didn’t want to offend them. ‘Have you managed to find anywhere to live yet, Ivy?’

‘Afraid not. We’ve been trying to find something close to Mum and Dad, but the rents is too steep.’

‘Why don’t you, Ron and the children move in here with me?’

Ivy’s mouth dropped open and she sat up straight. ‘Would you mind? How much rent? Oh, but you’d have to ask the landlord first.’

Jenny grinned. ‘I am the landlord, and the rent is nothing.’

Pandemonium broke out as everyone began to ask questions at the same time.

‘You’ve bought this house, Jen?’ Fred was astonished.

She nodded. ‘And your house as well. From the 15th of January your rent will also be nothing.’

‘Jen!’ Glad exploded. ‘That’s too generous; you must take rent from us.’

‘Why?’ Jenny went and knelt on the floor in front of Fred and Glad. ‘That night you took me in I vowed that if ever the time came when I could repay you, then I would. That time has come. Please let me do this for you.’

There was silence as they digested this staggering turn of events.

It was broken by Stan. ‘Good Lord. Does that mean I’ll be able to sleep in a bed instead of on the settee?’

Glad squeezed Fred’s hand and gave a slight nod of her head. Ivy was mopping up her tears.

‘Do you agree?’ Jenny prompted.

The entire family nodded, too overcome to speak.

‘Good.’ Jenny rose to her feet and opened the sideboard. It was full of bottles of whisky and beer. ‘Let’s drink to our good fortune, shall we?’

Ron and Stan poured the drinks and handed the glasses round, not forgetting the children, who had a glass of lemonade each. They were too interested in their toys to take much notice of the grown-ups.

Fred raised his glass. ‘I always said you was special, Jen. The day we met that frightened child on her way to a pawnbroker’s was the luckiest day of our lives. I think 1932 will be an easier year for all of us – and all because of you.’

And you deserve it, Jenny thought. It is only a small payment for your kindness to me.

35