‘So there you are then, Harry,’ Lizzie observed. ‘You do know, and that’s why he’s asked you. He doesn’t want businessmen on ’committee who look at figures on a balance sheet, he wants working men who understand ’needs of other reliable working men if a company is to be run efficiently. He has a role for you, but I can’t say what it is. So will you come?’

Harry glanced at Ellen, who gave him a nod of approval. ‘Lizzie’s family, Harry; we know we can trust her.’

‘Course we can. I’ve no doubts about Lizzie,’ he agreed. ‘It’s about myself where ’doubts lie.’ He gave a lopsided grin. ‘But with two such women on my side, how can I fail?’

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

When Anna next visited Ellen it was to tell her that they were moving in two days’ time. ‘Will you take care of children, Ellen?’ she asked. ‘There are people Filip knows from synagogue who will help us move, but I can trust you with children.’

‘Of course,’ Ellen said swiftly. ‘You know I’ll be glad to. You have helped me so often.’ She gave Anna a hug. ‘I’m so pleased that we met when we did and became friends, and glad too that our lives are improving at last.’

‘I am also,’ Anna said. ‘I told Mrs Brownlee that we are moving and she was sad, but I say it is too far to come. I must find something else to bring in a little money, but I did enjoy baking bread for her.’

‘I enjoy it too,’ Ellen agreed. ‘It seems important, doesn’t it?’ She hesitated for a moment. ‘I’ve had an idea, but I’ll ponder on it some more and then ask you what you think. Has Filip received a letter from Mr Tannerson?’ she asked, changing the subject.

‘Yes, he has.’ Anna was animated. ‘He is very excited about opportunity for him. It is great – erm, I don’t know the English word. It is important for him to show his – erm – for people to understand what he can do.’

‘Reputation? Prestige?’ Ellen asked. ‘Are those ’words you’re looking for?’

‘Prestiż, yes. That is the word I think. It is the same, yes?’

‘It seems so.’ Ellen agreed. ‘Harry is curious about the meeting. He can’t wait to get back to work, but I’m being careful with money as I expect ’new mill will take a long time.’

‘I don’t think so,’ Anna said. ‘Not the building of it.’ She shrugged. ‘The machinery perhaps, I don’t know. Mr Tannerson and Filip have been talking to a company called Rose who build these presses.’ She put her hand to her mouth. ‘Oh, perhaps I shouldn’t speak of it. I am sorry, my tongue it runs away with me.’