Inside the neat caravan there were two chairs on opposite sides of a small round table covered in a blue tablecloth. They sat down and Gladys reached for Lily’s hand.

‘May I?’ she asked and then studied her palm, tracing the lines with a delicate finger. ‘You will have a long life, my dear,’ she said, ‘and there is a strong love line.’

Gladys went very silent for a few moments. Lily realized in this quiet cocoon of space the outside world seemed far away.

‘What you seek is within reach, but only after you solve the problem that is troubling you,’ said Gladys softly.

Lily said nothing, but felt the import of her words. She thanked Gladys and a few minutes later said goodbye and cycled home.

Solve the problem that is troubling you, she thought. Easier said than done.

Back at Ruby’s house, Ronnie arrived with unexpected news.

‘Ah’ve gorra job.’

‘Flippin’ ’eck, Ronnie! Yer a wonder. Jus’ when we needed some extra money. What is it?’

‘Deliveries.’

‘What – in a van?’

‘No.’

‘’Orse an’ cart?’

‘No.’

‘What then?’

‘Mebbe a bike.’

‘A bike?’

‘Yes, but that would be provided as a perk.’

‘So what is this job?’

‘Communications.’

‘Communications – that sounds impressive!’

‘Yes, ah’ll be keeping t’public up t’date wi’ current affairs.’

‘So who’s y’boss?’

‘Miss Golightly.’

‘Y’mean Prudence at t’General Stores?’

‘Yes, an’ ah get paid ev’ry Sat’day mornin’.’

‘’Old on a minute,’ said Ruby. The penny had dropped. ‘Y’deliverin’ papers, aren’t you?’

‘In a manner o’ speakin’.’

‘Well what else is it?’

‘Ah ’ave t’go in early t’write address on t’top o’ each paper – an’ there’s magazines an’ comics as well. It’s a big job.’

‘Ah thought that young lad, Timothy Pratt, delivered papers.’

‘’E did, but he’s packed in t’concentrate on ’is dad’s ’ardware shop.’

Ruby looked at Ronnie and thought Ah’ve got a twenty-one-year-old paper boy for a ’usband. But she realized she needed to be thankful for small mercies. ‘Well, it’s a start, Ronnie … well done,’ and Ronnie drifted off to The Royal Oak to celebrate.

When Agnes arrived home from the chocolate factory Ruby shared the news.

‘Ronnie’s gorra job, Mam,’ she said.

‘Ah’ve ’eard it before, Ruby,’ said Agnes. ‘What is it this time? Road sweeper?’

‘No, it’s workin’ f’Miss Golightly.’

‘What, in t’shop?’

‘No, deliverin’ papers.’

‘Flippin’ ’eck,’ Ruby! When will ’e get a proper job? We’ve ’eard all this time an’ time again.’ Agnes shook her head in disgust. ‘Mark my words, Ruby, it’s that déjà vu all over again.’

Ruby simply looked sad. Whatever déjà vu was, it didn’t sound promising.

In Laurel Cottage Freddie was playing in the small sitting room while Lily and Florence tidied the kitchen.