The next weeks were cold, and the long dark nights were spent huddled around a small coal fire, trying to keep warm. But eventually the evenings began to draw out and there was a hint of warmth in the air at last as spring finally decided to put on a show. It was with a sense of relief that Jenny noted the signs. The three months since the start of 1931 had been worrying. Ma had been taken ill soon after Christmas, and it had seemed once or twice that they were going to lose her. However, Jenny had told her forcefully that she would not allow her to give up, and had stayed by her side, making her eat. All the neighbours had been wonderful. Fred and Stan had kept her supplied with vegetables so she could make nourishing soups; others had brought her wood and coal to keep the fire going. Jenny had insisted on paying them a small amount for each kindly gift, for she was well aware that they were depriving themselves in order to help. She was fortunate to still have the early-morning job, but many others were not so lucky. Unemployment was a great worry now, as she saw every time she walked past the employment exchange. The queues were getting longer each day, and many of the desperate people were resorting to the soup kitchens for something to eat. Her heart ached for them all. She couldn’t help wondering how many of her past acquaintances, sitting in their grand, warm houses, were aware of the suffering. Probably not many.

‘There.’ She tucked a blanket around Ma’s legs. ‘You’ll soon be able to have the front door open so you can see and talk to people again.’

‘I hopes you’ve been doing my step while I’ve been laid up.’ Ma glowered at Jenny.

‘It’s still the best in the street,’ she laughed. That sounded more like Ma!

‘Hmm, we’ll see. And how long is it since you’ve been out with your friend?’

‘Not for a while.’

‘Well, you should have. And stop poking that fire. I’m warm enough.’

Jenny sat back on her heels and gave Ma a suspicious glance. ‘Are you spoiling for a fight?’

‘Who me?’ Ma looked innocent.

Jenny giggled. ‘Yes, you.’

‘I’m just trying to say that you shouldn’t be here wasting your time with a crusty old woman. You ought to go back to that house you worked at … or even go home.’

Clambering to her feet, she stood in front of Ma with a determined glint in her eyes. ‘Are you trying to get rid of me?’

‘The way you’re living ain’t right. I don’t want you to feel beholden to me just because I gives you that brooch at Christmas.’