Edward certainly did, at any rate.

‘I expect he’s gambling again,’ Nellie said.

‘Who?’

Nellie gave one of her earthy laughs. ‘Eddie, who d’you think?’ She pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. ‘I happen to know Billy Willis had a game going last night. I daresay that’s where Eddie will be, sitting round the table with his new pals, acting like the big shot.’ She shook her head. She might have been younger than Anna, but life and experience had made her older than her years. ‘’Course, he’s in over his head with that lot. He might think they’re all pals together, but I know Billy Willis’ crew. They’re taking him for a fool. They’ll string him along until they’ve had every penny he’s got, then they’ll be done with him.’ She looked around. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if Billy ended up owning this place.’

Anna let the tray fall with a crash. ‘Over my dead body!’

Nellie laughed. ‘Don’t speak too soon, love.’

Anna was silent, taking it in. She could only hope Edward didn’t try to treat Billy Willis the same way he treated her.

‘Why don’t you leave him?’ Nellie asked, surprising her.

Anna turned on her. ‘So you can move in, you mean?’

Nellie laughed. ‘Oh, no, love. I wouldn’t take your place for all the tea in China. Listen, I’ve had an old man who knocked me about, and I ain’t interested in going back to that, believe me. Besides, Eddie’s worse than my Frank ever used to be. Frankie used to use his fists, but Eddie – well, his sort of cruelty don’t leave a mark, does it? Except up here.’ She tapped her temple. ‘I’ve seen what he’s done to you. He’s a nasty swine, and no mistake.’

‘That hasn’t stopped you wanting him, though, has it?’

Nellie smiled knowingly. ‘We’re different, you and me. I’ve got the measure of him, and he knows it. We’re just a bit of fun for each other, that’s all. I ain’t so foolish as to fall in love with him like you did.’ She paused. ‘You ought to leave him, y’know,’ she said at last. ‘It ain’t going to get better for you, believe me. Now he’s got what he wants, Eddie ain’t got no use for you. He’ll keep on being cruel to you until he drives you out.’

‘Is that what he told you?’

‘Not in so many words, but it don’t take a genius to work it out. I reckon even you must have an idea what’s going on in his mind.’

Of course she did, but she didn’t want to admit it. She turned away, back to her work.

‘I’m just worried about you,’ Nellie said.

Anna laughed, a harsh sound that filled the kitchen. ‘You didn’t feel sorry when you were down here kissing my husband!’

Nellie’s cheeks turned red. ‘Like I said, it was a bit of fun,’ she mumbled. ‘But believe me, I ain’t the reason your marriage is in trouble. You should never have wed him.’