‘You’re a good man, Joe. There’s no denying it.’ Molly was faintly amused by his glowing self-opinion. All the same, it was nothing less than the truth. He was a hardworking man, and he certainly looked after Tilly and her brood. ‘Any woman would be proud to have you as her man. When the right girl comes along, Joe, well… she’ll be very fortunate, that’s for certain.’ Molly began gathering the tails of her shawl together. The night air had grown bitterly cold and she found herself shivering.

Greatly encouraged by Molly’s words, Joe reached out both hands, placing one on Molly’s slim shoulder and the other beneath her chin, cupping it gently so as to raise her face towards him. When Molly looked at him with big, surprised eyes, a thrill raced through him. Quickly he asked, ‘Would you, Molly? Would you be proud to have me for your man?’

Molly had been astonished when he had put his hands on her. She was even more astonished by his question. ‘I didn’t mean you to take my words that way,’ she told him. ‘I’m sorry, Joe… you misunderstood me.’ She wriggled uncomfortably, but he made no move to release her.

‘But you do like me, don’t you, Molly?’ he murmured, his face so close to her that Molly could feel his warm breath against her mouth. The taint of booze filled her nostrils. So, that was it! Tilly’s eldest had been drinking and was full of false courage.

‘Well, of course I do. You’ve been very kind to me and the children.’

‘And, you think me a pleasant-looking fellow… handsome, wouldn’t you say?’ His voice was low and caressing.

In her own mind, Molly could not deny that Joe Watson had a certain charm, a special attractiveness that might appeal to women; with that thick, wavy hair, warm blue eyes and his lithe, muscular figure, there was no doubt he had swept many a girl off her feet. All of this raced through Molly’s mind, but in this situation she was most reluctant to voice it aloud.

‘You do think I’m handsome, don’t you, Molly darling?… Happen you even fancy me a bit, eh?’ As he leaned forward, and Molly sensed his intention, she made a determined effort to break free. Even then, however, being conscious of the fact that he was under the influence, she must be careful not to make him lose his footing. A tumble down the stone steps and into the flagged yard could easily prove fatal.

As it was, Molly found herself struggling more to keep Joe Watson upright than to ensure her own escape. ‘For God’s sake, Joe… let me pass!’ There was a moment when the pair of them nearly went headlong. But instead of giving Molly the leeway she needed, Joe Watson was determined not to let his moment go. With a laugh, he swooped her to him and before Molly could even object, he kissed her full on the mouth – a long, demanding kiss that filled her with alarm.