Lottie fetched a blanket and draped it over her husband before returning to her own bed. The following morning, it was still there when she came down to make the tea. Tutting her head, she merely carried on with the morning routine as if it were just her in that room, without regard to noise or disposition. That'll teach him to fill up on Tetley's. Kettle for tea first. Milk bottle in.

"Mornin' Mrs Blacke." the very cheery postman greeted her.

"Mornin' Mr Matthews. Anythin' fer us this early?"

"Uh.. looks like a bill and a letter.. very nice handwrittin." Lottie thanked him and closed the front door louder than she needed to.