The bell rang for the end of the school day and the one-week half-term holiday was about to start. The children walked out to the cobbled drive, excited at the thought of dark nights, fireworks and the annual village bonfire. John was standing in the entrance hall saying goodbye to the children.

‘Have a good holiday, boys,’ he said as Dave and Malcolm walked out of the door.

‘Thank you, sir,’ said Dave. ‘We’re goin’ to t’pictures tomorrow morning.’ The Saturday morning children’s cinema was a huge attraction, with an admission charge of sixpence.

‘And what are you going to see?’

‘Loads, sir. There’s Roy Rogers an’ ’Opalong Cassidy an’ Zorro an’ cowboys fightin’ Indians.’

‘An’ Tom Mix an’ Flash Gordon,’ added Malcolm.

‘An’ there’s a comic album coming out at Christmas wi’ ’em all in,’ continued Dave.

‘Well, enjoy it, boys,’ said John and the cousins ran down the drive, galloping like Roy Rogers’ famous horse Trigger.

Lily was a few minutes late and hurried out into the darkness where Tom was waiting. ‘Sorry, it’s been a bit hectic. I had to help get Freddie’s tea. Mother was busy finishing some curtains for Mrs Merryweather.’

‘Not a problem,’ said Tom. ‘We’re in good time.’

Lily glanced at him as he opened the passenger door for her. He had brushed up well in a collar and tie, thick V-neck pullover and belted gabardine raincoat. There were knife-edge creases in his grey flannel trousers and the toecaps of his shoes shone like black glass. Against the fashion of the day, Tom disregarded Brylcreem and his wavy hair blew gently in the breeze. Lily approved of the natural look.

‘I’m not sure I like being picked up in a police car,’ she said with a mischievous smile. ‘What will the neighbours think?’

‘Probably that their local bobby is a lucky man.’ He looked content as they set off for their ten-mile journey to York. ‘You look lovely, by the way.’

‘Thanks.’

‘And you’re right about the car.’

‘I didn’t mean to criticize.’

‘Actually, I’m thinking of buying a car. I’ve been saving since the end of the war, a little bit each week. I should get there soon.’

‘That’s wonderful, Tom. What sort of car?’

‘An Austin A30,’ he said proudly. ‘It was launched last year at the Earls Court Motor Show. I’ve seen all the pictures. They called it the New Austin Seven.’

‘Impressive,’ said Lily, although it meant little to her.

‘Yes, and over sixty pounds cheaper than the Morris Minor, so it’s a bargain.’

‘Sounds ideal!’

Tom was becoming effusive. ‘Yes, and there’s plenty of room. It’s a four-door family car.’

The silence that followed was deafening.

Tom parked near Micklegate Bar and they walked under the most westerly gate of York’s city walls. The Odeon cinema was in Blossom Street and they joined the queue.