‘Me an’ George can help you do that,’ Cissie said. ‘But just remember the offer of movin’ in wi’ us still stands.’ Secretly she was almost as outraged at Ben’s betrayal as Livvy was. Now she just wished she had heeded the signs before he got away with it. They had all been there as clear as the nose on her face when she looked back – the unpaid bills, his refusal to let Sunday have anything to do with finances – but never in her wildest dreams had she ever believed that he would be capable of such deception. Admittedly he had made it clear how disappointed he was that he hadn’t inherited the house after his father’s death, but to do this!

‘Come on, we’ll go for a walk down there now an’ see what needs doin’,’ she offered kindly. Seeing Sunday, who was so kind and who had done so much good for so many young people in her life, so upset almost broke Cissie’s heart.

George was now running the stables single-handed again, so the two women walked down the drive to the lodge and let themselves in. If anything, the place looked even more dismal in the cold light of day but Cissie put a cheerful face on as she said, ‘Hm, this could be quite cosy wi’ a bit o’ work. Old Reggie an’ his missus were always happy enough here. I’ll get my George to go into town an’ pick some paint up later on an’ we’ll make a start on it as soon as you like.’ Looking slightly embarrassed then, she fumbled in her apron pocket and produced a small wad of bank notes, which she pressed into Sunday’s hand.

‘But … wh-what’s this?’

‘It’s enough to tide you over an’ pay a few bills till Treetops is sold.’

When Sunday opened her mouth to protest, Cissie shook her head. ‘Now don’t be daft!’ she scolded. ‘It’s thanks to you an’ Tom that we were able to save this an’ have a roof over our heads may I add. Look on it as a loan if yer must but just take it. We’ve still got more than enough fer us needs an’ if friends can’t help each other when the chips are down, then it’s a sad world.’

The tears flowed fast again as Sunday’s chin drooped to her chest and she began to cry. ‘Th-thank you, Cissie,’ she said in a wobbly voice and then Cissie’s arms were about her and they clung tight to each other.