Ignoring his sudden lifting of spirits, she hissed contemptuously, ‘Because he found out about that blasted accountant and his report, that’s what – and he’s gone and dumped her, the swine. Now that the word’s got around, nobody is likely to ask her out.’
She dabbed her eyes mournfully. ‘What she wants is someone she can rely on with a good steady job, somebody she can trust.’ She brightened. ‘Then I thought of you.’
As her words sank in, Harry swallowed. ‘Steady on, Mrs M.’ He braced himself. ‘I think I ought to tell you…’
‘But you must, Mr Harry,’ she insisted, ‘you promised to help.’
‘I know I did,’ he admitted reluctantly, ‘but the truth is, I’m out of a job.’ Before she could stop him, the whole story came out in a rush. ‘So you see, I’m not much in a position to help her.’
‘Oh d
