Sarah met her eye and gave her a knowing look without Tommy noticing. ‘Well,’ she said, ‘the thing is, the twins are gorgeous, of course they are, but they’re having trouble settling. It seems as if one of them’s always awake. It’s all right for Mam and Pop, they’re in the front bedroom, but my bedroom is right next to Violet and the babies and I can hear them crying all the time. I’m having trouble sleeping too, and it’s starting to affect my work. I can’t seem to make up the hours.’

Tommy looked concerned. ‘That must be awful,’ he said in his best man-of-the-world voice. ‘I know I don’t work as well when I haven’t slept properly.’

‘Exactly, I’m glad you understand,’ said Sarah seriously. ‘So, and this is the cheeky bit, I was wondering, if I could have your room while you’re away, Kitty?’ She looked at the two of them. ‘Even if it’s only for a night or two, that would let me break the habit. At the moment I just lie there even when they’re quiet, waiting for one of them to start again. If I was over here I could turn over and go back to sleep.’

Kitty raised her eyebrows. It was a clever idea. It would put her mind at rest, Tommy would think they were doing Sarah a favour and, in truth, Sarah probably could do with a couple of nights of unbroken sleep. But she couldn’t appear to leap at the idea or Tommy would smell a rat. ‘Well …’ she began. ‘It won’t be for long – are you sure it wouldn’t be more trouble than it’s worth?’

‘Don’t be silly, Kitty,’ said Tommy at once. ‘We have to help Sarah. Look at all the things she’s done for us. Now it’s our turn.’

Sarah looked hesitant. ‘If you’re sure I won’t be in your way …’

Tommy shook his head firmly. ‘Not a bit. You have to come and stay here. I insist.’

Kitty nodded. ‘Tommy, if you feel like that, then I won’t object,’ she said. ‘Sarah, you’ll be very welcome to my room. It’s all settled.’

‘It’s not fair!’ Georgie stamped his foot in an uncharacteristic burst of temper. ‘Auntie Sarah is going to stay with Tommy. I want to go too.’