Vera looked up from the admissions register. ‘I hope you enjoy your evening with Tom.’

‘Thank you, Vera. I’m sure I shall,’ replied Lily a little defensively.

Vera sensed the troubled mood. ‘He is a good man and I’m sure he cares for you.’ She stared out of the window at the skeletal trees etched in frozen snow. ‘Have you noticed that he always thinks before he speaks … remarkable in a man. His words are often measured.’

‘Yes, I know,’ said Lily quietly.

‘He brings to mind Proverbs, chapter sixteen, verse twenty-four.’

Lily shook her head and waited patiently for the wisdom of Vera.

‘Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones,’ she quoted.

‘Wise thoughts, Vera.’

A tired Ruby was followed by Ronnie into the village Pharmacy. ‘Ah’ve come t’collect m’mother’s description, Mr Grinchley,’ she said.

‘Fine lady, is Agnes,’ said Herbert. ‘Ah ’ope she’s not badly.’

‘No, jus’ summat t’do wi’ ’er tubes,’ said Ronnie, ‘or so she told Nellie next door.’

Ruby frowned at Ronnie. ‘We need t’look after m’mam.’

‘Rudyard Kipling said God could not be everywhere so that is why he made mothers.’ Herbert was proud of his literary knowledge.

‘’E’s right,’ said Ruby.

‘Does ’e come in ’ere?’

‘Who?’ asked Herbert.

‘This Rudyard bloke,’ said Ronnie.

Herbert shook his head. ‘’Ere’s y’prescription, Ruby, an’ when’s y’baby due?’

‘Nex’ month, God willin’.’

‘Mek sure y’look after ’er, Ronnie.’

Ronnie scanned the shelf behind Herbert’s head. ‘An’ ah need some Brylcreem.’

‘Tubs are one an’ eight an’ a tube is ’alf a crown.’

‘Can y’lend us some money, Ruby luv?’ asked a plaintive Ronnie, but Ruby was already heading for the door.

On Friday evening, while Prudence Golightly was making a tray of oatmeal biscuits, Lily and Tom were enjoying a relaxing evening in York at the cinema. The end of the evening followed a familiar pattern, with a fish and chips supper and a goodnight kiss in the car outside Laurel Cottage. It was clear Tom wanted Lily to stay longer, but he was gentle and patient.

‘You must know I care about you,’ he said quietly as he held her hand and looked into her eyes.

‘Yes, I know, Tom … and I care about you.’

‘So what’s stopping us going steady?’

‘It’s complicated,’ sighed Lily.

Tom leaned back in his seat. ‘I haven’t felt this way before.’

‘I’m sorry, Tom.’

‘Do you need more time?’

Lily stared out at the frozen world. Her heart said no and her head said yes.

‘What is it, Lily?’

‘I can’t … not yet.’

‘Then I’ll wait. I’m a patient man.’

He walked her to the door and kissed her softly on her cheek. ‘Goodnight, Lily, and thanks for a lovely evening.’