Chuckling to himself, Matt watched him for a few moments, then tucked the spanner into one of his overall pockets, propped up the bonnet of the car and rubbed his hands in anticipation. This was going to be a real challenge, but he was confident he could do it. He didn’t regret leaving university. There was nothing like the pleasure of getting his hands covered in grease as he worked on the engines. He’d never been so happy.

The only worry he had was watching the depression take a grip on the country. The stock market crash in America last year was having an impact on most countries now. Britain’s shipbuilding, textiles, coal and things like steel were suffering because of a slump in world trade. Unemployment in Britain was at something like two million, causing hardship for many families. All seemed well with the garage at the moment, but he was watching carefully. The economic signs indicated that things were going to get worse, and, if they did, he would see if he could help the business ride out the storm. He hadn’t mentioned any of this to his boss, of course, as he was just an apprentice. He would wait and watch.

Pushing aside the concern, he turned his full attention to the engine. He removed each part, nut and bolt, placing them in order on the concrete floor; then it should be simple to put them back the same way. That was the theory anyway. He was determined not to have so much as a washer left over. The crucial test would come when he tried to restart the engine.

He whistled happily to himself as he set about his task.

The train to Brighton wasn’t too crowded when Edna and Jenny got on. They found themselves seats in a carriage with only two people in it. Sitting opposite each other, they grinned. A whole day off together was a rare treat. This had only been possible because four weeks ago the Stannards had employed another housemaid, Pat.

‘Hope the weather stays warm,’ Edna said. ‘I’m going to have a paddle first, then we’ll have fish and chips, and buy a stick of rock to suck on the way back.’

They’d been planning this from the day Pat arrived, carefully saving enough money for the fare and a little to spend. Jenny gazed out as the train chugged along. It had taken weeks for her to get over the fright of seeing Gloria at the New Year dinner party. But nothing had happened and she’d gradually begun to relax as winter had turned to spring and spring to summer. Edna was a stalwart friend and hadn’t asked any more questions. She felt secure after all these months. Aunt Gertrude must have stopped looking for her by now.