Many diverse thoughts were suddenly running through her head. She would not countenance the idea of adoption or the orphanage. But her heart ached at the thought of giving the baby to her cousin Freda, in Ripon, as she had arranged, and only visiting at weekends. Should she go back to Leeds every day to work for Kallinski’s? Laura had arranged for her to work three days a week at Thompson’s Mill, nearby, learning to weave. But the Kallinskis were unique. She missed them, especially Janessa, who had mothered her, shown her such affection and love. Blackie was against it. He believed she was better off in Upper Armley, and had asked her in January where would she live in Leeds, if she stayed there? “Not in that attic!” he had exclaimed. He had been annoyed on that cold January day when she had told him she didn’t want to live with Laura, share her house, after all. And she refused to go on the tram.

He had exploded in temper, which was not at all like him; he had badgered her and bossed her until she had given in. They had ridden in silence to Whingate Junction, and had not really spoken until they reached Laura’s house, just off Town Street.

It was Laura’s character and lovely warm personality that had made Emma change her mind. She thought of that now. She had never met anyone like her before. So gentle, sincere and compassionate, with the face of the Madonna. Peace and calm seemed to shine all around her, like a halo. And she was welcoming, insisted on helping Emma to unpack. Settling her in the room upstairs that had been Laura’s parents’ room, with its comfortable brass bed.

Emma let out a deep sigh. She was genuinely relieved she was living here, glad that Blackie had ranted and raved at her, made her come. Upper Armley also offered safety. And shops.

Yes, here she would have her first shop, perhaps even her second and her third. She would work every minute of every day to achieve the success she craved. Success equaled money. For her little daughter. She must protect her always.

Unexpectedly, she thought of Edwin Fairley, and looked down at the baby. She was also part of him, the weakling, the coward who had deserted her. No, them. Because the baby was his. She cursed him under her breath, and then abruptly stopped. She must put Edwin out of her mind. Now and forever.

The baby was innocent, and she could not let bad feelings about him cloud her judgment. I’ll never think of him again, she promised herself, and as it was, she kept that promise.

“Hello! Hello! Anybody home?” The loud voice and knocking on the door made Emma sit up with a start. She had been dozing.

Blackie came marching in, his hair looking blown about by the wind, a giant smile on his face.