‘We have to use the lights all year round here. Come on in, Donna. Michael Joseph, take your coat off and put it on your bed. ’Vonne, go and put the pushchair in the cupboard. I’ll put the kettle on.’

Donna followed her down the hallway into the lounge. The kitchen led off it and Donna looked around her at the neat home. The walls of the lounge were painted pale green; a deep green Dralon-covered Chesterfield and two chairs were strategically positioned to give maximum space, and the TV was in a dark wood cabinet. The large windows had deep green, swagged velvet curtains. A small coffee table held a few ornaments and a leadlight cabinet contained books and cut glass. The total effect was delightful.

‘It’s lovely in here!’

‘Well, don’t sound so surprised about it!’ Caroline grinned. ‘Me and Wayne done this place up just before he was nicked. I emulsioned the walls again a few weeks ago - keeps it looking fresh and clean.’ She disappeared into the kitchen and put on the kettle.

‘I bet your house is nice,’ she called, ‘what with the swimming pool and everything.’

Donna followed her into the kitchen and sat at the small table under the window.

‘It’s all right. Big is the best description. But it’s not homey like this place.’

Caroline was surprised at the honesty of the words. ‘Have you made up your mind yet what you’re gonna do?’

Donna shook her head and lit a cigarette. ‘I’ve got a lot of thinking to do about it all.’

Caroline sat opposite her. ‘He ain’t asked for a divorce, has he? Only a lot of the long-timers go through that. It’s a self-defence mechanism. Before you give him the big E, he gives it to you, like.’

Donna grinned. ‘No, it’s nothing like that, Caroline. I wish I could tell you about it, but I daren’t.’

Caroline shrugged. ‘You keep your own counsel, girl. But if ever you need an ear, you know where I am. I appreciated what you done today. It was very good of you.’

‘Believe it or not, Caroline, I enjoyed it.’

Michael Joseph came into the room, divested of his coat and also his trousers. He pulled himself up on to Donna’s lap and she kissed the top of his head.

‘Why don’t you stay for supper? It’s only ham and eggs but you’re welcome to it.’

Donna smiled. ‘All right then, Caroline, I will!’

She sat with the children and kept them amused while Caroline prepared the meal. She didn’t want to have to think just yet about what her husband had said, and Michael Joseph and Chivonne were the perfect excuse.

She enjoyed herself enormously.

Dolly heard Donna’s key in the lock at nine-thirty and she rushed out into the hallway.

‘I’ve been worried out of me brains about you!’