The morning passed with no communication from my friends. I realized I’d have to go out to buy food and decided this would be a good time to make the acquaintanceship of the baker’s wife and see if I felt comfortable leaving Liam with her. Then, if there was still no word from Sid and Gus, I should go and find Reynold Bryce and see if he knew anything or could tell me where I’d find Willie Walcott.

I struggled down the stairs again with Liam and went across to the bakery. It was now shut but I banged on the narrow door beside the shop window and it was answered by a buxom young girl.

As soon as I explained who I was her face lit up. “My husband tells me that you need help,” she said. “I am Madeleine. Come upstairs, please.”

She led me up to a neat little room. A bassinet stood in the corner. The baby in it had a mass of dark hair and a little old man’s face. “He’s beautiful, is he not?” she said. I agreed that he was.

She poured me coffee. We chatted although I found it hard to keep up with her rapid French. “I would be happy to watch your child for you,” she said. “And if he gets hungry, do you give him the bottle?”

“No, I’m feeding him myself.”

“No problem. I have plenty of milk to spare.” And she emphasized this by hoisting two impressive breasts.

This was overly generous, I thought. I hadn’t anticipated hiring a wet nurse for him. “I will be back in time for when he needs to eat,” I said, “but thank you for the offer.”

We agreed on a very reasonable price. I kissed Liam and told him I’d be back very soon. I heard him crying as I went. I lingered at the bottom of the stairs, not sure about leaving him, but the crying soon stopped and I went about my errands. I asked where to send a cable and was directed to the telegraph office just beyond Pigalle. Then I returned to the Rue des Martyrs and bought vegetables, eggs, and some ham, returning with my string bag full to find Liam sleeping happily on the baker’s bed with pillows around him.

“He is so content. You can leave him longer if you wish,” Madeleine said.