Her father had readily agreed, but went a step further, by adding to the amount of money and helping Mags to secure it in a bank account that needed his firm of solicitors to access it, on her signature. ‘Just in case nothing of mine comes to you when I die.’

She’d not thought this unusual. Even if Father left everything he owned to her, as a married woman, all her possessions would be half-owned by her husband – those Harold knew about, that was.

Knowing that she had this fortune and property gave Mags a sense of security – although her happiness told her she would never need it, her business brain said ‘just in case’. I must instruct the solicitors to have someone check up on the house, and authorize them to carry out any repairs that are needed. Perhaps I can add to my bank balance by renting it out, or selling it? But the latter idea felt like a betrayal of her mother, so Mags didn’t think she would do that.

‘You look lovely, Mags . . . Oh, I mean Miss Margaret.’

‘Oh, don’t stand on ceremony whilst we’re alone, Betsy. We’ll always be “Betsy” and “Mags” to each other.’ With this, Mags accepted the hug that Betsy gave her and leaned her head into her. ‘You’ve always been a good friend, Betsy, and always will be. It’s just that, as we have already spoken of, some things will have to change, with Mr Roford being here.’

‘I knaw. And I’m prepared. I’m to call you “Mrs Roford”, and him “Mr Roford” or “sir”. I’m to make meself scarce whenever he’s around, and not do chores around the house, but assign them to others.’

Mags would have loved to make it so that Betsy could do as she wanted, but instead she could only smile.

‘Don’t you worry on that score, Mags – all will turn out reet. And while I’m on, you’re the best friend anyone could ever have. My Bill is looking forward to seeing that surgeon you’ve paid for. It’s given him hope for his future, as he were at rock bottom when he didn’t get that job at the corner shop.’

‘I know. How’s the ulcer? Has the dressing I showed you how to prepare made a difference? I’m sorry I couldn’t carry on with it, but my few days in London and the wedding preparations prevented me.’

‘It’s grand as owt, lass. Eeh, I reckon as I should have taken up nursing. It’s all but healed, and I feel proud to have been able to help him.’

‘That’s good. Let’s hope the surgeon can fix his leg, and then you’ll have your hubby back.’

‘That’d be a grand day – I told you, I miss it . . . him, I mean.’

They both laughed. For Mags, it wasn’t without a tinge of colour flushing her cheeks. She loved having Betsy to talk to about everything, but still felt a bit shy when such things as man–woman relationships were touched upon. Though she had to admit to a tingling excitement visiting her, at the mention of it. Tonight, and every night of her life, she would be loved in that way by Harold. Yes, they had a way to go to put everything right, but her love for him would help her. She would keep him happy.