They sat on the bench. Drew was quieter, more reserved, and there was something different about him. He stared along the track with vacant eyes, opening his mouth as if to say something but shutting it again like a goldfish.

‘I think you should consider coming back to Griseley. It’s going to be months before he comes out, you know.’

‘I’m not leaving until Gus is on the mend. I’m sorry, I know this scuppers Ginnie’s dress. It’s half-finished but Polly isn’t up to the rest. I’ve written to Vida Bloom to see if she can come to the rescue. I don’t want to let anyone down but you see…’

‘Don’t worry about that now.’

‘Oh, Drew. What a mess. He will be all right? We hardly see him and he’s very quiet.’

‘You’re welded to that hospital bed, aren’t you? And here’s me, rabbiting on. He’s going to be fine.’

‘He’s going to be crippled.’

‘Have some faith in the medical profession even if not in my puny efforts.’

‘I’m sorry, Drew. I can’t joke at a time like this.’

‘I’ll take myself back now but don’t forget there’s a wee something Polly sent in that parcel – to keep yer hands busy, Netta, in the long weary hours. Something to keep you going forward. Practise what you preach. One step of the way, remember?’

*

Two weeks later on Sunday afternoon who should pop into the ward but a glamorous blonde in a pretty pink duster coat. Dixie and Arnie Bloom had made a special detour from Glasgow to visit Gus and Netta. Larger than life and twice as loud, but a lovely sight all the same.

‘How are you both? What a surprise! Did Vida tell you to come?’ said Netta, hoping they had had a reconciliation.

Arnie shook his head sadly. ‘I knew what would happen if I married Dixie. It’s mother’s loss but we’re sad she took it out on you too.’

Dixie gave her a hug. ‘I was bursting to tell yer all about ma dress being a wedding dress but we thought what you didn’t know wouldn’t harm you. Still, that’s families for you. It takes two to make a fight.’

They shook hands with Peg and Angus who stepped aside to let them in. Dixie blew a big kiss to the boy. ‘So this is the famous Gus! Do you know, when I was your age I used tae live on yer farm, did I no? And this man here used to take us up the stairs to my bed and tell me stories.