‘Oh, you know Phil. Every night he comes home and asks if she’s been sacked yet. Poor Gina, it’s no wonder she’s left home to live here. She’s always looking to get just what she wants and she doesn’t mind how she gets it. I’ve tried to tame her wildness with a mother’s love, but it’s not enough when the only attention she’s ever got from her own father has been him expressing his disappointment or anger or serving up some punishment.’

‘He’s a miserable bugger,’ said Tom. ‘I don’t know how you girls put up with him.’

‘He’s hard work, and no mistake,’ said Dora. ‘He’s a difficult man to love.’ She sighed again.

‘Then leave him,’ said Tom suddenly.

‘What?’

‘Leave him. Come and live with me at the Lodge.’

Gina, now with an ear pressed close to the hedge, held her breath, and there was a long silence, so she guessed Dora was probably holding hers too.

‘Don’t be daft,’ she said eventually. ‘You know I can’t. It’s not like you to make an unkind joke, Tom.’

‘I’m not making a joke, lass. But you’re right: forget what I said. It wasn’t the right thing at the right time. I would never mean to upset you.’

‘You haven’t,’ Dora said, but she sounded teary.

‘Here, love, dry your eyes.’

‘Thank you.’ Dora’s voice was now muffled, by Tom’s handkerchief, Gina guessed. ‘Oh, Tom, I do understand what you’re saying, and I feel the same, but I can’t go back on my marriage vows. I made a promise before God and that can’t be undone.’

There was a long sigh.

‘I respect how you feel, lass,’ said Tom heavily, ‘but I live in hope that one day I’ll be able to “love and honour” you. I’d never raise a hand to you nor waste our time together with grumbling and moaning and being angry.’

‘I know …’

‘We could make each other so happy. We only have one life, love, so why waste it being miserable because of the mistakes we made long ago?’

‘I’ve told you why, Tom. I just wish … But it’s too late. I’ve made my bed and I must lie in it,’ said Dora unhappily.

‘Oh, Dora, love, that sounds so bleak. Promise you’ll think on what I’ve said.’

‘I’ll think on it, Tom – I reckon I’ll be unable to think of owt else – but I can’t promise owt either. I’m still married to Phil and I still made those vows.’

They were silent for a few moments and Gina thought they might be kissing.

‘Poor Phil,’ said Tom, then. ‘Nobody loves him. I almost feel sorry for him. Almost.’

But not as sorry as he feels for himself, thought Gina.