AND FROM THAT DAY FORWARD, Jenny had jam sandwiches for breakfast every morning.” Margaret finished her story and smiled at the cluster of children sitting in a semicircle on the floor. There were eighteen today, three more again than on her last visit. “Now, since you have all been so very well-behaved, there are jam sandwiches for you, too, and milk, over on the table in the corner.”

Scrabbling awkwardly to her feet, she made her way across the hall to join Susannah and the children’s mothers, but before she could sit down, Sally Jardine thrust a squirming, wet, and very, very smelly bundle into her hands.

“Miss Scott, would you mind changing Alfie’s napkin, there’s a dear. Only I’m just about to have my tea.”

Before she could stop herself, Margaret screwed up her nose. “Pooh.”

“Yes, sorry about that. He’s teething, got a bit of an upset tummy.” Sally didn’t look in the least bit sorry. “Course if you’re too posh to get your hands dirty, I’ll do it myself.”

Sally knew Margaret had a sensitive nose, because Sally had taken great delight, the first time they met, in ridiculing Margaret for carrying the lavender sachet that Susannah had given her. Margaret had very nearly succumbed to tears, and Sally had noticed, of course.

Margaret knew better than to show weakness now. “Come along then, Alfie,” she said, deliberately snuggling him close and smiling over at Sally. “Let’s see if we can make your bottom half match up to that sweet little face of yours.”

Swallowing hard to prevent herself gagging, aware of the damp residue seeping into her gown, Margaret carried the baby over to the small table where Susannah kept a supply of fresh napkins and cleaning cloths. Her first attempt to change a napkin, on her first day here, had been a disaster, ending with both the child and herself in tears. Through the jeers and laughter Verity had come to her aid, gently talking her through her second attempt, earning herself a few cheers and a smattering of applause. Persistence had paid off. She was rather proficient now, and most of the women had warmed to her. Alfie, however, and his mother, were determined in their own way to challenge her. She could sense everyone watching as she gingerly removed the pins.

“Come on, Alfie, let her know who’s boss,” Sally called.

Desperate not to be found wanting, Margaret gritted her teeth, took shallow breaths, and proceeded to clean up the revolting mess. To her profound relief Alfie was too delighted to be pristine and dry to do anything other than coo. Handing a fresh, smiling baby back to his mother ten minutes later, she made an extravagant curtsy. A cup of strong tea was thrust into her hands, and a chair patted for her to sit on.