Slipping round to the servants’ entrance, Jenny pushed a note under the door for Edna. It was just to warn her that she was here. She hadn’t mentioned this visit to her friend, and she didn’t want her to be taken by surprise. Then she went back to the front door, straightened her hat and smoothed the creases from her coat. It was the same one she’d bought at the pawnbroker’s with Fred and Glad, and was even shabbier now, but she didn’t care.

After knocking on the door she stood tall and lifted her head as she heard footsteps approaching. She didn’t quite know when it had happened, but the feeling of being hunted had slowly ebbed away. The one thing on her mind was to try to help those in need. Bold action was needed. If she was coming begging, then she was going to do it openly, through the front door!

For a moment the butler didn’t recognize her, and before he had a chance to speak she said, ‘Mr Green, please tell Mrs Stannard that Eugenie Winford is here to see her.’ As she had come to the front door, it seemed right to use her old name.

‘Of course, Miss Winford.’ He stepped aside to let her in, obviously struggling to keep his composure, as a butler should.

Jenny walked into the hall, turned and gave Green a sly wink as a way of admitting her cheek in coming to the front of the house like this.

It was too much for him and his face broke into a wide smile. ‘Oh, it’s good to see you again,’ he whispered.

‘And you,’ she said, as her insides churned. ‘Do you think she’ll receive me?’

‘I’m sure she will. Wait here, I’ll tell her at once.’ He climbed the stairs in his usual dignified manner.

He was soon back. ‘Please follow me, Miss Winford.’ His tone was proper for an honoured visitor.

He took her to Mrs Stannard’s private sitting room. After opening the door with a flourish, Green stepped inside and announced, ‘Miss Eugenie Winford, madam.’

It was with great difficulty that Jenny kept a straight face, her nervousness vanishing as the butler swept past, giving her a wink this time.

‘Eugenie!’ Mrs Stannard came forward eagerly. ‘Please take your hat and coat off. I’ll order tea.’

‘Please don’t bother with tea, Mrs Stannard. I won’t take up much of your time.’ Jenny was sorry she’d been so abrupt when she saw Mrs Stannard’s disappointment. Her former employer really was pleased to see her! But she mustn’t worry about these things; she must concentrate on why she was here. ‘I’ve come to ask for your help. And I prefer to be called Jenny.’

‘Please sit down, Jenny, and tell me what I can do for you.’