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 the Kallinskis? 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 she would 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. And at first she had 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. Emma had stayed virtually silent on the tram ride to Whingate Junction, while Blackie had done his best to bring her round to the idea of moving out to Upper Armley, painting a rosy picture of its shops and park and amenities.

But it had been 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 her to unpack. Settling her in the room upstairs that had been her 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 equalled 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 judgement. I’ll never think of him again, she promised herself and, as it was, she kept that promise.