‘Ah, well, she wouldn’t. They probably haven’t said much to her, so as not to worry her. Get some suet and flour for dumplings. That’ll fill a corner up.’

Just then Glad came in. ‘The whole street’s going to get together this evening. Nearly everyone here have lost their jobs, so we’re going to band together and see if we can help each other out.’

‘Good idea, Glad.’ Ma nodded approval. ‘Me and Jen’s just been racking our brains as well.’

‘Where are you going to meet?’ Jenny asked. ‘I’ll try and get Ma there.’

‘We’ve already thought of that. Ma, you can sit in your doorway and we’ll all gather outside here.’

‘You mind they don’t trample on my step.’

‘I’ll warn them.’ Glad was laughing as she left.

‘You and your step. You’re a saucy old devil, do you know that?’ Jenny bent and kissed Ma’s cheek.

A wicked chuckle was the only answer to that.

Jenny set off to see how much food she could buy for the least amount of money, feeling ridiculously lighthearted, considering the dire straits they were all in.

She could hear Fred and Stan hollering their produce at the tops of their voices when she was still quite a distance from them. How anyone understood what they were saying was a complete mystery to Jenny. By the time she stopped in front of them she was giggling. Cockney slang was hard enough, but the costermonger’s language was even worse.

When Fred saw her, he beckoned her to come behind the stall they were serving from, and Stan, who was dealing with a customer, gave her a cheeky wink.

‘Jen, my pet.’ Fred hugged her, then held her away from him so he could look into her face. ‘Ron’s just come and told us you and Ivy have lost your jobs. I’m right sorry. But you’re not to fret. Something will turn up.’

‘Of course it will.’ Jenny gave what she hoped was a confident smile as Stan came over. ‘How’s trade today?’

‘A bit slow,’ Stan said. ‘But that’s only to be expected. People are counting the pennies now, but we’re getting by.’

‘Good.’ Jenny studied the stall, deciding what would be best to buy. ‘I’d like two pounds of King Edwards, please. A couple of carrots and onions …’

‘You going to make a stew?’ Fred asked, as he weighed the potatoes.

‘Yes, and I’ll put some dumplings in with it. If I make a large pot, then it will do for a couple of days.’

Fred tipped the vegetables in her basket, and then dived in a box under the stall. ‘I’ve got a swede here. It’s a bit past its best, but will do nicely in a stew.’

‘Thanks, Fred.’ Jenny sighed as she looked at the produce. ‘Now, what can I have for greens today?’