Molly had been considering it long and hard. ‘There are three things that come to mind – the washing and ironing, dressmaking, but I’m not that good with a needle and thread, and there was one other thing…’

‘Go on?’ Intrigued, Rosie leaned forward in her chair.

‘I couldn’t really do it on my own though,’ the girl admitted. ‘Not with the children.’

‘I’m listening.’ Rosie wanted to help in any way she could.

Taking the last swig of her tea, Molly put the empty cup in the hearth, and outlined her plan. ‘Have you ever seen them old folk down the market – they buy their potatoes and such, and then can hardly walk upright, ’cos their bags are so weighed down.’

Rosie laughed. ‘I know what ye mean, lass,’ she said. ‘I struggled home with vegetables and fruit the other day, and it took me all the time to climb on to the tram, the bag was that heavy.’

‘What if you didn’t have to go down the market, or the greengrocer’s, or the bakery at the top of Cicely Bridge?’ Molly grew excited. ‘What if it were all brought to your front door? Would it be worth the price of your tram ticket, and sixpence beside?’

‘Well, I never!’ Rosie clapped her hands together. ‘Is that what you’re planning to do?’

‘I thought I could do all the shopping, and deliver it to their doors. Do you think it might work? Will folk pay for the service?’

‘Sure, I would, and that’s a fact.’ Rosie was impressed, but realistic. ‘But why would folks come to you, when there are already delivery vans going up and down the street?’

‘There’ll be a difference, Rosie. You see, I won’t just turn up at the doorstep with my goods. I’ll ask them first what they need, and I’ll go and fetch it for them. That way they’ll get exactly what they want, and not have to take what’s left by the time the delivery van gets to their door.’

‘A glorified errand girl, you mean. Well, me darlin’, I think it might just work, especially since some of these delivery men sneak yesterday’s leftovers in, and you can never get what ye want ’cos they’ve already sold it along the way. But how will you do it?’

‘I’ll buy a second-hand barrow. Old Tom Connor’s got a few standing outside his pawnshop on Ainsworth Street. Happen I could do a deal with him. And I’ve got a few bob put by.’ She paused, her voice falling quiet. ‘I were saving for me and Alfie’s wedding. I’ve got a few little bits that I bought an’ all – pillow slips and that kind of thing. Happen I won’t be needing them now.’

‘Oh, it can’t be altogether lost, surely to God!’ Torn between her fondness for Molly and the love of a mother, Rosie didn’t know what to say.

Molly sensed her dilemma. ‘I do love him, Rosie.’

‘I know you do, but that only makes it worse.’