‘All right, I think, but…’

‘But what?’

Bridget shrugged. ‘Nothing really. From what I can make out, she likes it but she’s missing Billy. That’s all. She wonders if we’ll find him in time for the wedding.’

Drawing her close, he said, ‘We’ll do our best to please her.’ Thank God, he thought, Ruthie had said nothing. She knew better!

‘Do you really think you can find them?’

‘Don’t know until I try.’ He gave her a sound kiss. ‘You wanted to tell me something – and from the look on your face I imagined it was something important.’

‘It is important! Joe wants me to take over the stall. We’re going to be partners and split the profits. Oh, Bob, I’m so excited. I’ve got so many plans.’

He seemed disturbed by her news. ‘Have you forgotten we’re about to get married?’

‘Course I haven’t, and I’m excited by that too. It’s all happening at once, Bob, and oh, you can’t know what it means to me. Being in charge of my own stall – it’s like having a shop. It’s what I’ve always wanted. Joe must have great faith in me. It’s a real honour, do you realise that?’

‘Of course I do,’ he murmured, stroking her hair. ‘And of course you should accept. It will be fun, I’m sure – at least until after we’re married.’

She twisted round in his arms. ‘Oh, no,’ she said firmly. ‘If Joe’s pleased with me, I’ll keep on with the stall even after we’re married. In fact I have plans to expand. There are all manner of opportunities coming up. There’s talk of an indoor market being built soon, with proper little shops and cafes and things. I’ll have time off for the wedding and everything. But when we’re settled, I mean to carry on with Joe.’

‘I see.’

‘I know you earn good money, Bob, and I know you worked hard to build up your business. So you must understand how I feel. I want to do my share. I want the same opportunities. Trust me. I’ll make you proud.’

Smiling, he cupped her face in his hands. ‘Well now, you’re an independent little bugger, I must say.’ His smile stiffened. ‘I can see I’ll have to take you in hand.’

They talked of the wedding, the date, the arrangements; they argued about where the reception might take place – Bob wanted it in a posh hotel but Bridget preferred the church hall. ‘Some folks might feel embarrassed in a posh hotel,’ she said. And for the moment Bob left the matter open.

A short time later, he got up to leave. At the door he said, ‘Perhaps we’ll visit the farm this weekend. I promised Ruthie she could see the new filly foal.’

Bridget smiled. ‘That would be wonderful.’

‘Goodnight then, my lovely.’ He seemed happy and content, and reluctant to leave, but as he went down the street, his face hardened, and his voice was harsh as he muttered, ‘The reception will take place where I say, and as for working behind a market stall after we’re married, you can forget that, my lovely!’ At the bottom of the street he paused. Looking back, he gazed at the house, at the upstairs window. ‘You’re a sensible girl, Ruthie,’ he smiled. ‘I knew you wouldn’t upset your mammy by telling silly stories.’