Nathaniel sat down. Sliding David’s plate across to him, he picked up a spoon for the soup. ‘Oh, that little runt, he’s got a big mouth, that’s all. Made some crack about you being henpecked,’ he added slyly, hoping to ruffle David’s complacency with the lie. ‘I reminded him what he landed himself with at home and he didn’t like it.’

David shook his head. ‘You needn’t have bothered on my account, Nat. He can say what he likes. He’s jealous, that’s all. Me an’ Rose have got something special and the likes of Terry Wood can’t understand it.’

It was said serenely and for the second time in as many minutes Nathaniel wanted to punch someone. Smug beggar, he thought viciously.

‘But thanks, man,’ David said warmly, wondering for a moment if he’d offended Nathaniel by not being grateful enough from the look on his friend’s face. ‘I appreciate you looking out for me.’

Nathaniel forced a smile. ‘What else are mates for?’

David nodded, smiling. Nat might be a Jack the lad with the ladies, he thought, but no bloke could hope for a better pal. He just wished Nat would find a nice girl he could settle down with. He felt as though he and Nat had grown apart in the last little while. He was a married man now with a family and responsibilities, whereas Nat still went down the pub most nights and drank a good bit of what was left from his wage after he’d given his mam his board. A steady lass would give Nat stability, a purpose in his life. He had said the same thing to Rose a few days ago and she’d shrugged her shoulders.

‘Nat’s not the marrying kind, Davey. He’s not like you. Don’t you know that yet? You’re as different to him as chalk to cheese, thank goodness. As soon as Nat gets what he wants from a girl, he’s on to the next one. It’s the chase he likes. Personally, I’d feel sorry for any lass foolish enough to think he’d change his ways just because of a wedding ring.’