‘Well, there’s Lillian’s girl down at the bottom of Cressfield Lane. I know she’s looking for something part-time.’

There weren’t many run-down areas in Castlefield, but if there was one, it was Cressfield Lane. Still, if she hired a local girl, then language wouldn’t be a problem.

‘Interesting,’ replied Claire. ‘You wouldn’t happen to have her phone number, would you?’

‘Why don’t I give her a call now and see when she’s free?’ suggested Irene.

‘That would be great, thank you.’

*

She’d bought Irene a box of chocolates for introducing her to Lucy. As soon as Lucy had kneeled down to Jamie’s level and asked him about his red car, she knew she was going to give her the job. They’d met in a coffee shop and as they’d sipped their drinks, Lucy had explained how she was currently studying part-time for her child-care diploma and would be able to work in the afternoons and early evenings. It was the perfect arrangement and while Lucy had no formal experience, she’d played a big role in raising her four brothers and sisters. After completing a reference check, Claire had invited Lucy to come to the house.

‘Thank you for giving me this chance, Mrs Carmichael – I really appreciate it,’ said Lucy.

‘Please, call me Claire,’ she replied trying not to notice the look of awe on Lucy’s face as she took in her home. She supposed it might be considered grand, even for Castlefield. Despite the endless mess the boys created on a daily basis, wooden floors, plush white sofas, and glass chandeliers had been on Claire’s wish list when she’d started decorating a few years ago. They’d just added the conservatory last year and as a result the kitchen had also expanded so it was large enough for an island and a dining table.

‘And you’re welcome,’ she added now. ‘It’s a relief to know that I’ve found someone with so much experience!’

Lucy smiled and for a moment Claire wished she was young again – smooth skin and her whole life ahead of her.

*

‘Joshua, do you have a minute? I just want to talk to you about something,’ said Claire, peering into her son’s bedroom and resisting the impulse to comment on the smell. ‘Can I come in?’

Joshua nodded, his eyes never leaving the screen of his mobile phone, and Claire took the opportunity to discreetly open his bedroom window.

She sat on Joshua’s bed and her son reluctantly put down his phone.

‘What’s up?’ he asked now, putting his arms behind his head.

‘Well, you know I’m planning to go back to work full-time when Jamie goes to school.’

‘Yep.’

‘Well, to do that I need to get someone to look after Jamie in the afternoons.’

Joshua nodded.