Once again, Roz became aware that she was staring, so she lowered her gaze rather than offend her new family, because even though they were obviously rough around the edges, they were offering Roz a home, and for that she should be grateful. She looked at Mr Jones, wondering how he thought they could possibly be described as ‘good news’. She could see however that he was just as doubtful as she, but beggars couldn’t be choosers, and if Roz turned this family away, she might not get another opportunity, especially one that hailed from Liverpool. She shrugged inwardly. Perhaps all people from Liverpool looked like this, and just because they looked rough around the edges didn’t mean that they were bad people. If anything, it might mean that they were hard-working and honest … Her mother had always taught her not to judge others, but Roz couldn’t help it when it came to the man. There was something decidedly shifty about his manner, as though he couldn’t wait to get out of there.

Reggie indicated the family. ‘Roz, this is Lilith Haggarty, her son Callum and his daughter Susan …’ He stopped mid-sentence as the younger girl shot him a withering look.

‘It’s Suzie, not Susan!’ she snapped sullenly.

‘Sorry,’ said Reggie, his eyes flickering towards Roz briefly before correcting himself. ‘Suzie.’

Roz smiled doubtfully at the small ensemble. ‘Hello.’

Callum grunted a response as he locked eyes with her briefly before turning his attention outside.

The older woman scowled at Suzie, obviously willing the girl to converse, but Suzie clearly wasn’t interested in making small talk, and only said ‘hello’, after receiving a sharp nudge in the ribs from her grandmother.

Roz’s gut feeling cut in, and she was just opening her mouth to say that whilst she was grateful for the offer, she thought it would be better if she stayed at Dovercourt, when the grandmother started to speak.

‘My son and granddaughter are a little shy, but they’ll soon come out of their shells once they get to know you better.’ She gave Roz an encouraging smile. ‘We’re all very much looking forward to you coming to stay with us.’

Roz eyed Callum and Suzie with some uncertainty. They didn’t look shy, especially Suzie who hadn’t been afraid to correct Reggie when he got her name wrong, and if they were looking forward to Roz coming to stay, they were certainly hiding their feelings very well.

Lilith glanced briefly at Reggie before continuing. ‘Mr Jones says you’re eager to move to Liverpool because that’s where your folks are going?’

Roz nodded. ‘The Liver Building, have you heard of it?’

The woman’s grin broadened. ‘Heard of it? Why, we don’t live more than five minutes’ walk away.’