Bill was relieved. "Aye... please," he said and he moved towards the table and sat down. He pulled his hands across his face for a moment. "I'll talk to 'im. Talk, not shout," he promised. 

He watched her prepare tea. She looked tired. They both were. He wished he could say something to her to make her feel better. They weren't happy. And what with John gone, causing them so much anxiety. And Ruth... Selfish girl. Did she know what pain she was causing to her mother? And now today Joe in the dock...

He wanted to say something to her that would make it alright. But he didn't know what to say to her. He hadn't known for years. And so not saying anything had become the habit, and all he said was "Thank you", when she handed him the tea. 

When he had finished, he went to Joe's room, knocked, and opened the door.