‘I’m not disputing that. I feel a bit uncomfortable about it, that’s all. I’d ask my dad, but I think he’s put all his hard-earned cash into doing up their place in Spain.’ He sighed. ‘I’ll have to put in some extra hours at the practice, then we’ll be able to pay it off quicker.’

‘But you’re working overtime as it is. She said there was no panic to have the money back – I think it’s just sitting there gathering dust, from the way she spoke.’

He gritted his teeth. It wasn’t often that Jack got angry, but the muscles in his cheeks had begun to twitch. ‘Look, I don’t like having debt hanging over me, all right? We’ll pay it back as soon as possible. I don’t want to feel beholden to her, or anyone else.’

I raised my hands in exasperation. ‘You’re making it into a big deal. We need the roof fixing. End of. I’m not delighted about owing anyone money either, but it was a lovely gesture and you’re turning it into a massive fucking problem.’

I could feel myself welling up. Jack relented.

‘Hey, I’m sorry. Don’t get upset about it. We’ll sort it, don’t worry.’ He pulled me to him. ‘We’ll get a standing order set up straight away. I’ll go round later; get her bank details.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘Maybe we should have her over for dinner one evening or something, to say thank you.’

I brushed the tears away with my sleeve and tried to smile. ‘Yes, that would be nice. I think she’d appreciate it.’

But his troubled eyes and the tilt of his head told me Jack still wasn’t happy about the situation. And if I were to put hand on heart, I felt slightly uneasy about it all too.

*

We both went round to see Mrs Barley later that evening. She seemed distracted, saying she was tired and about to have an early night, so she didn’t invite us in. Jack thanked her for her offer of help and asked for her bank details so that he could transfer some money to her. She claimed not to hold with financial institutions, and waved a dismissive hand at our suggestion of setting up a regular payment.

‘Just pay me as and when. It’s not as if I’m going to miss the money – Frank left me well provided for, and I’ve never been extravagant. If you’d feel happier paying me back more quickly, you can give me a few pounds whenever you’re flush. I don’t want a leaky roof any more than you do, and it makes sense if the man can do both houses as a job lot.’