It seemed, however, that she had reckoned without his dogged determination to get his own way. He arrived in Totty Street one evening armed with a bunch of flowers which he presented to Granny, and asked very politely if she would spare him a few moments of her valuable time. Hetty and Jane exchanged amused glances, fully expecting her to send him packing, but she surprised them by saying she would be happy to speak to such a well-mannered young man. Hetty and Jane were banished to the back yard and they had to wait until Tom emerged, smiling and triumphant, with permission to call on them whenever he was passing by. ‘How did you do it?’ Hetty demanded in astonishment. ‘Granny doesn’t approve of gentlemen callers.’ ‘I said I had looked out for you since you was a nipper and that I had no intention of abandoning you now.’ Tom winked and tapped the side of his nose. ‘That’s all you need to know, but Mrs Huggins and me have come to an understanding.’ Jane rushed over to give him a hug.
