The Hidden Women: An inspirational novel of sisterhood and strength. Kerry Barrett

watching the ageing actor with barely disguised amusement. Our eyes met and she smiled.

      ‘Hello,’ she called, ignoring the fact that the actor was still going. ‘I wasn’t expecting you today.’

      Dora jumped up and down. She loved Lil. ‘Hello!’ she shouted. ‘’Lo, Lil!’

      Like a small bullet, she swerved the gesturing arms of the Shakespearean chap, and hurtled over to my aunt. I followed and sat down next to her.

      ‘Surprise!’ I said. ‘Careful of Lil’s legs, Dora.’

      Dora clambered up on to my knee and beamed at Lil. ‘’Lo, Lil,’ she said again.

      ‘Hello, my darling girl,’ Lil said to her, twirling one of her curls round her finger. ‘I think you’ve grown again.’