Matt was nearest to the decanter, so he poured a generous amount in a glass. Now he was dreadfully worried. The only alcohol his mother ever drank was an occasional glass of red wine.

When he handed her the drink, she gave him a wan smile. ‘You heard about Jenny coming to see me?’

‘Yes.’ Matt moved a small table near his mother for her to put her glass on. ‘Is she going to come to stay with us?’

‘No, she won’t leave the people she’s living with.’ Tears filled her eyes. ‘Oh, the poor dear —’

‘Louise!’ Her husband was now obviously alarmed at her distress. ‘Please tell us what this is about.’

‘She came to me for help. Not for herself, but for the people living in her area.’ Louise finished her brandy, pulled a face at the taste and put the glass on the table. She then told them the whole story.

There was a tense silence when she’d finished, then John cleared his throat. ‘So how can we help?’

‘I’ve been with Margaret Hunter and Jane Patterson for most of the day. We’ve formed a committee and we’re going to organize the centre Jenny wants in Lambeth.’

‘Well, you’ve enlisted help from two of the most dedicated charity workers, my dear.’ Her husband was still frowning. ‘But the whole bloody country is in desperate need. This will be helping only a few people.’

‘I know that, Gilbert, but the idea might spread to other areas. Think how many it would help then.’

‘I agree with you, Mother.’ John joined in the conversation. ‘Matt and Luke are trying to save the garage. That’s only a few jobs, but to those men it’s hellishly important, and worth doing. If you and your friends can get this going, it will help others.’ John looked at his father. ‘It isn’t much in the present climate of unemployment, but at least it’s doing something, Father.’

‘You’re quite right, of course, John.’

‘Mother,’ Matt said, sitting beside her, ‘do you have Jenny’s address?’

‘Yes, she gave it to me. I promised to let her know if I could do anything.’

‘You let me have it and I’ll go to see her in my lunch break tomorrow. It’ll give me a chance to see what her living conditions are like as well.’

‘Thank you, Matt.’ She looked exhausted. ‘Ask cook for some food to take with you. There are children and elderly there who are the most vulnerable.’