‘And what ’ave you brought me?’ The pawnbroker reached for the package she was holding out. She had decided to pawn the lace and beaded dress. It didn’t fit now, and she wanted to hang on to the pendant for as long as possible. All the time she had that she felt a little more secure, knowing that it would bring in money when desperately needed. Things were bad and going to get worse – except for the pawnbrokers, who were doing very well for themselves. This one was so happy he was almost smiling!

After much haggling, she managed to get four shillings out of him. It was a scandalous amount for such an exquisite and expensive dress, but it was no use to her now. She pocketed the money and headed for the shops. This would feed her and Ma for a few days, if she shopped carefully.

21

After her visit to the pawnbroker’s yesterday, Jenny decided that she was going to make the councillors listen to her this time. But as soon as she walked into the Town Hall, it was obvious that it was hopeless. The place was already packed with people arguing or just standing around looking dejected. The noise was deafening as everyone tried to talk at the same time. Children were hanging on to their mothers and screaming, frightened by the raised voices.

Knowing that she didn’t stand a chance of seeing anyone in authority today, she was about to turn around and leave when she recognized a woman coming out of a room with a determined expression on her face.

Jenny pushed towards her. ‘Mrs Stannard.’

‘Oh, hello, my dear.’ She caught hold of Jenny’s arm. ‘Let’s get out of here. It’s bedlam.’

After a struggle they finally managed to make their way out of the building.

‘Phew! That’s better.’ Louise grimaced. ‘I’ve spent the last hour shouting at the chairman of the council, and trying to impress him with the name of every influential person on our committee.’

‘You’re going ahead with the centre?’

‘Of course.’ Her expression changed from exasperation to triumph. ‘We’ve finally got the go-ahead to use the hall Matt was shown.’

‘Oh, that’s wonderful!’ Jenny’s hopes soared. ‘When will it be open?’

‘We intend to have it running within a week, but it needs a lot of work done on it first. It’s in a terrible state.’

At the mention of work, Jenny said, ‘You’ll need to employ some men, then?’

‘About three.’ Mrs Stannard looked sad. ‘It will only be for a couple of weeks, but there won’t be a shortage of applicants, will there?’

Jenny shook her head. ‘No, they’ll be queuing up once word gets out. Would you give two from Forest Road first chance? There’s young Jimmy – his father died recently. Then there’s Ron – he’s an excellent carpenter.’