‘Oh, go on then.’ He was a kindly soul, was Joe. ‘But don’t be gone long. I can’t manage on me own any more. And anyways, there’s summat important I want to ask yer.’

Bridget went at a run to the shop. The dress was her size, and fitted beautifully. ‘You look right lovely,’ cooed the assistant. ‘I wish I were as slim as you.’ Unfortunately she was ‘twice round the gasworks and three times on Sunday’ as Fanny would have said.

The dress was two shillings. ‘I’ll have it.’ Bridget felt good in it. The blue was the same colour as Ruthie’s eyes, and she loved the way the hem swung as she walked. The neck was high and pretty, with a folded-back lapel, and the waist fitted snugly beneath a narrow belt.

The assistant wrapped the dress carefully, and brimming with happiness Bridget made her way back to the stall.

‘I see you bought it then.’ Old Joe beamed from ear to ear. ‘I hope I’m getting an invite to this ’ere wedding o’ yours.’

Bridget was surprised he should even doubt it. ‘Of course. It wouldn’t be the same without you.’ Nor without Fanny, she thought sadly. There must be ways of finding out where she was. Bob had promised to look into it, and she trusted him to come up with a plan. Getting married without Fanny standing beside her was unthinkable.

Bridget brought her mind back to Joe. ‘What did you want to ask me?’

‘I want you to take over the stall.’ When her mouth fell open in astonishment, he said, ‘Don’t look so surprised, lass. It’s you who’s kept it going through thick and thin. I’m feeling the cold so bad, I ache in every bone of my body. I’ve been thinking I might take it easier.’

Bridget couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘Joe, are you serious? You really want me to take over the stall?’

‘Never more serious, lass. I could concentrate on the buying, and you could do the selling. That way, I’ll not be standing about in freezing weather, and I’ll have time to choose more quality stuff. Folks keep asking for better goods – you’ve said so yerself, many a time.’

‘I know that, Joe, but you’ve allus loved the selling side of it, the noise and bustle of the marketplace.’

‘Well, now I don’t ’cause I’m too bloody old and weathered. So! Do yer want it or not?’ He knew she couldn’t resist. ‘Instead of me paying you a wage, we’ll split the profits. How’s that?’

‘I don’t know what to say.’ It was everything she’d ever wanted. ‘It’s a wonderful offer, Joe.’

‘Then say yes afore I change me mind and offer it to somebody else.’ There was a twinkle in his eye all the same.

‘You wouldn’t!’ She smiled at him. She knew he had thought long and hard about it, and she was immensely grateful.

‘Well, what’s yer answer, lass?’

‘Oh, yes, Joe!’ She flung her arms round his neck and gave him a loud smacker on the mouth. ‘Thank you, Joe. I won’t let you down.’