But no one can hear Tom from the other side of the room; he just let them get on with their jubilation.

Monday, 12th December and another letter from Ellen;

“Dearest Tom,

Last Tuesday I have had the baby, a little girl. I’ve called her Ivy”

Tom Looked up “Ivy, her name is Ivy” he continued reading

“I am suffering from exhaustion and so won’t be down for a while. However, here is a Christmas present to keep you going”

Tom looked down and opened the parcel. He pulled out a jar of jam. He laughed.

“…it’s home made jam, I hope you like it. Mother made it”

He put down the letter “a little girl” he says

Fred overhears him “you got a kid?”

“Oh yes, a little girl, Ivy”