Alice had instantly felt guilty. ‘Mary, I know you won’t believe a word I say, but believe me, love has to work both ways; if it doesn’t, it will only bring you years of heartache. Look, if you really want him to notice you, let’s make you unmissable. I suggest you start with a visit to Cindy and then we’ll get to your wardrobe. I was your size once and, honestly, I have some lovely clothes I brought back from America which just don’t fit me any more and never will again. We’ll see if there’s anything there, shall we? It’s good stuff too and will fit you a treat, but first, the hair! Let the transformation of Mary begin. Jimmy O’Prey, eat your heart out.’

Alice had held her cup in a mock toast and, despite her tear-stained cheeks, Mary had laughed as she picked up her cup and toasted Alice back. For the first time in her life she’d felt as though someone had not only noticed who she was, but could see her dreams and knew who it was Mary really wanted to be.

*

As she made her way back home, with the pawnbroker’s money safely in her purse, Peggy stopped and watched at the dock wall until the woman and the man she’d seen earlier emerged from the doorway, the deed obviously done. The man, who was well dressed and wearing a gaberdine mac, went away down the street while the woman walked over to another man who was leaning against a lamppost on the opposite side. She handed him what looked like money. He counted it and gave her some back and the woman walked away to the next lamppost swinging her handbag back and forth provocatively.

Peggy watched, mesmerised, then a voice behind her asked, ‘Fancy a go? Short of a few bob? I saw you coming out of the pawnbroker’s. That pram looks lighter than when you went in.’

Peggy almost jumped out of her skin. It was the pimp; he’d crossed the road while she stared at the woman. ‘What? No! I mean…’

He looked her up and down. He had customers who liked their ladies on the larger side and while she was bedraggled-looking, he would bet she scrubbed up decent. She was what? Maybe forty? ‘Look, my name’s Fred – you don’t need a second name. That there is Stella and she’ll show you what to do. You go home, love, have a wash and do something with your hair, then get yourself back here and it’ll be five quid in your pocket for each punter. It’s busy and I’ve got a couple of girls off so I could use you.’