‘He’s a good man, Nelly, you know that. I can’t help but feel for him.’

‘He is a good man,’ Nelly readily agreed, ‘too bloody good fer a miserable sorry thing the likes o’ Martha Crowther. Rita Hughes is worth ten o’ that one! If Silas Trent had any sense at all he’d give that troublesome woman her marching orders and set up home with Rita. That’s what I say!’ Not being able to remain in serious mood for too long at a time, Nelly began chuckling, ‘Oh, but I would a’ loved ter see that Martha’s face when she caught ’em at it.’

‘We don’t really know what they were “at” on the porch, Nelly, and like I said, it doesn’t pay to let your imagination run away with you.’ Emma picked at one of the sandwiches, but soon replaced it on to the plate, her appetite not being what it was. ‘But what about you, Nelly… we’ve had no real opportunity to talk since I’ve been back. How did you cope, being left here in charge? Did you enjoy the experience?’ Emma realized with a pang of guilt that it was her fault and not Nelly’s that they had found no opportunity to talk. In truth, she had actually avoided discussions of any kind since her first day back. She had been too preoccupied with thoughts of her son, and when the weather permitted, she had spent most of her time wandering about Corporation Park and losing herself in memories.

‘’Course I enjoyed it; did a good job too, I did… kept that bloody cook in order an’ all.’ Nelly went on in great detail about how things had ‘run very smoothly’, assuring Emma that she need never fear about leaving her in charge ever again. But the one matter she did not discuss was that of Molly having worked there for a while. Nelly had already confided the whole story to Marlow, who had confirmed Nelly’s belief that it was better not to trouble Emma with the details of that particular episode, on account of Emma’s present unreceptive mood, together with the fact that there was a child involved. To know that Molly’s young daughter had played and laughed in this house and had used the very picture books that belonged to her son might have proved to be too painful a reminder for Emma. It was therefore decided not to acquaint Emma with the facts at all. Indeed, Nelly had been surprised at how intrigued and upset Marlow had been on learning about the dark-eyed Molly and her daughter, Sal, though he made little actual comment on the two.

‘But just ’cause I looked after things so well in yer absence, don’t go thinking yer can swan off an’ leave me agin, my gal,’ Nelly rebuked Emma with a stern wag of her finger, ‘’cause next time I’m coming with yer… so long as it ain’t to the other side o’ the world.’

‘You needn’t worry, Nelly.’ Emma suddenly felt very weary. ‘I have no plans for travelling anywhere.’