‘Crikey, Ivy, that’s some shiner you’ve got there. Whatever have you done?’ Holly asked with concern as she squeezed past her into the room. She had the impression that Ivy was none too pleased to see her for some reason.

‘I, er … walked into a door when I got up to go to the toilet in the night,’ Ivy told her but somehow the words didn’t ring true and Holly gazed at the girl’s bruised face suspiciously.

Glancing around the room Holly saw that Ivy was alone and asked, ‘Jeremy out, is he?’

Ivy nodded. ‘Yes, he’s working. Would you like a cup of tea? I’m afraid I ain’t got no milk. I forgot to get some on the way home from work.’

‘That’s all right. I can drink it without,’ Holly said pleasantly as she settled into a rather worn armchair. There was something not right here, every instinct told her so but she kept the smile on her face. ‘So you’re still working then?’

Ivy nodded as she filled the kettle at the sink. ‘Yes, just for the time bein’ till I start to show. But how are you managin’?’

‘Fine, although I’m missing you terribly, Ivy.’ Holly smiled at her affectionately. She then went on to tell her about Miss May’s sister and that she would soon be nursing full-time and Ivy looked pleased for her.

They sat with their tea in front of them and as Holly sipped at the scalding liquid she asked casually, ‘Have you set the date for the wedding yet?’

‘Er … no, not yet. Jeremy’s always so busy, you see? We will very soon. But how do yer feel about workin’ full-time at nursin’?’

Ivy was clearly keen to get off the subject of Jeremy and marriage, which only added to Holly’s worries about her.

‘Oh, I quite like the idea now that I’ve got used to it,’ Holly answered, glancing around the shabby room. ‘And I had a letter from my mother yesterday. Everything seems to be all right at home, thank goodness. Perhaps the next time I go for a visit you could come with me and go to see your mum too?’

‘We’ll see,’ Ivy said cagily and they went on to talk of inconsequential things for a time. But Holly could sense that Ivy was on edge, and the conversation was stilted, so she gathered her things together, but before she left, she took Ivy’s hand and stared earnestly into her eyes. ‘Please, Ivy, promise me you’ll come to me if ever you need me. I miss you and you know I’d do anything to help you.’

She hoped her words would encourage Ivy to confide in her, but although Ivy squeezed her hand and tears came to her eyes, she remained silent, so, with a sigh, Holly left and made her way back home through the rancid-smelling streets, feeling more than a little concerned.

She could understand why Ivy wouldn’t be thrilled for her to visit. She probably didn’t want her to see the state of the place they were living in, but it was the black eye that was giving Holly the most cause for concern. Walked into a door indeed! And yet she would rather believe that than the alternative, she didn’t think she would be able to bear it if she found out that Jeremy was ill-treating her friend.