‘If you’re going to let me down every time you have a setback then I shall have to find someone else to do my embroidery. I’m surprised at you! You never struck me as the type of girl to give in to despair. So you can’t have the boy back yet? So you failed at the last hurdle? That’s no reason to give up now. It’s not the size of the dog in a fight, it’s the fight in the dog, Izzy used to say. Think of that song Arnie plays about picking you up, dusting yourself off and starting all over… Where’s that Dunkirk spirit gone?

‘Come on, Netta, don’t let me down now. I want you to get that business going. I’m looking forward to visiting your little bridal shop, knowing I gave you a start. There, that’s the truth told and the devil shamed.’

‘You sound just like Peg on her high horse. I’m sorry, I’ve just let things slide. It’s been an effort to drag myself out of bed each morning to face Miss Venables without biting her head off. I don’t think I can stand much more of her.’

‘What about your dancing class? Have you been to any summer gala displays or shows?’

‘No, I can’t be bothered,’ Netta confessed.

‘Can’t be bothered? What sort of mother can’t be bothered to make the best of herself, get out and face the world? What example is that to your son? Where would Arnie be if I didn’t chivvy him to do his studies? No one hands success to you on a plate. You have to work every step of the way, every stitch of the way in your case, if you want to make your mark. Work hard and play hard. So if dancing’s your hobby, then do it and stop whining about yer lot. There’s many far worse off than you: all those poor souls in the concentration camps who lost their children, and refugee families. Your boy lives and breathes, never forget that. He is safe and secure with those who love him. One day he will be yours, God willing, but slouching about in a sulk won’t get him back… getting on with your life will. There I go again!’

‘I know you’re right but I feel so wimpish to have come back empty-handed again. What must I do?’

‘Give it time, Netta. Just time.’

*

Vida’s words touched her heart for they were true and honest. Netta reached for her thimble and went back to her Thursday class. Jean Brownleys was especially pleased to see her.