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round here time to have a go at him and his brothers for deserting the strike at a time when we need every man to show solidarity.’
    â€˜He told you,’ Victor pointed out angrily.
    â€˜Half an hour ago and only because I’m his landlord.’ Lloyd took the milk jug Sali handed him.
    Billy Evans had encouraged his sons to save and invest their money in property. Originally, all he had hoped for was to give each of them a mortgage-free house when they married, but over the years he had bought a dozen houses, which he’d put in his own and his sons’ names. When Lloyd had been left a legacy by his former employer, Sali’s father, years before they had become friends let alone lovers, he had followed his father’s example and used to it to buy several tenanted houses in Tonypandy, including the one next door. But as the strikers weren’t in a position to pay their rents, their investments were worthless and were likely to remain that way until the dispute was settled.
    â€˜He asked if I’d take the furniture in lieu of the rent he owes. After he paid his debts and passage for him and his three oldest boys he only had thirty pounds left of his life savings. And Megan’s father won’t take the two youngest for less than twenty because there’s no saying how long they’ll be living with him.’ Lloyd hadn’t bought any tobacco for weeks but, like his father, he pulled his empty pipe from his pocket out of habit and set it beside his teacup on the table.
    â€˜I’m going next door to see Megan.’ Victor pushed his chair back from the table.
    â€˜I wouldn’t if I were you, not just yet,’ Sali advised. ‘If she didn’t know that her uncle was emigrating, she’ll need time to adjust to the news herself. And, as she hasn’t seen her father in a long time they’re bound to have some catching up to do.’
    â€˜They’re doing that all right,’ Victor concurred bitterly. ‘When he found out who I was, he reminded her about the letter he wrote forbidding her to see me.’
    â€˜It’s too late for them to start travelling back to Swansea today,’ Lloyd said practically. ‘Why don’t you call round to see her later, or better still get Sali to do it? She’s more diplomatic than any of us and Megan’s father is likely to be more polite to a woman.’
    Victor sank slowly back on to his chair. Considering Ianto Williams’ venomous reaction when he’d found him alone with his daughter, Lloyd had given him good advice. But that didn’t make it any easier to take.
    â€˜I’ll go next door as soon as I’ve put Harry to bed. If I can, I’ll bring Megan back here. I’ll tell her father that I need her help to pin up a hem or something.’ Disturbed by Victor’s bleak expression, Sali laid her hand over his.
    Victor gripped her hand briefly, then finished his tea. ‘I’ll shut the chickens in the coop and check the dogs before it gets too dark to see your hand in front of your face out there.’
    â€˜Can I come, Uncle Victor?’ Harry asked eagerly.
    â€˜Not until you’ve finished your egg and drunk your tea.’ Sali looked at Lloyd and knew he was thinking the same as her. If Megan’s father had returned to take her home there was nothing any of them could do to prevent him. He was Megan’s legal guardian and until her twenty-first birthday Megan had no choice but to obey him.
    Oblivious to the hungry looks the children were giving Megan when she lifted the stew pan from the stove a second time, Ianto Williams held out his bowl. ‘It’s not as good as your mother’s cawl, but I’ve been all day on the road so I’ll have another spoonful.’
    Megan poured half a ladleful into her father’s bowl.
    â€˜I’ll have more than that, girl,’ her father complained when she split most of what was left