‘Mo? I dunno,’ Jimmy had said vaguely. ‘Well, if I’m to do your washing as well as deliver the linen I’d best be off. And if you don’t come up with that tanner, Aunt Huxtable, it’s the last time I’ll run any errand for you, and that’s a promise.’

‘Don’t you threaten me . . .’ the woman had said menacingly, but perhaps there was something in the look Jimmy had given her which warned her that even worms will turn, so she gave a high, artificial laugh and actually smiled at him, though there had been little humour in the set of her thin-lipped mouth. ‘Awright, awright, you’ll get your perishin’ money, provided you do a good job, as I said. If you don’t, if there’s so much as one tea stain on one piece o’ linen, then you’ll not gerra penny. And bear in mind that me son’s ship docks at noon today; he won’t let me be cheated by a snivellin’ kid.’

At her words Jimmy’s heart had given a couple of extra beats. He and Mo hated and feared Cyril Huxtable, for the man was a bully and enjoyed giving pain. Jimmy had known Cyril’s ship was about to dock and wished he had remembered to warn his sister to steer clear of the man, until he recollected that Cyril was always first in at the pub door as soon as he was paid off. He would be in no condition to bully anyone for a couple of days at least.

Jimmy sloshed on, wondering whether he could get someone to give an eye to the washing once it was on the line. Maybe then he would still have time to cut some holly and make some real money, not just the measly sixpence which Aunt Huxtable had promised. But the sleet was turning to snow and Jimmy quickened his pace, seeing his destination ahead. He was looking forward to getting out of the wet, but when he reached the wash house he discovered that the steam from a dozen sinks and four enormous coppers made the atmosphere almost as damp as that of the street outside. Peering around him, he could not see one empty sink; every one seemed to be occupied. He looked for someone who might be ready to exchange their washing sink for a rinsing one, then turned as his name was called.

‘Hello, Jimmy. Wharrever are you doin’ in here? If you’re wantin’ for an empty sink you can take mine on once I’ve got these perishin’ sheets an’ that over to the rinser. Come to that you could earn me grateful t’anks by helpin’ me to move ’em. Normally I wouldn’t ask, only I’m that wore out wi’ a-scrubbin’ at the stains . . . here, put your lot on me drainin’ board, then no one else will try to take over the sink.’