‘And if she calls you Bessie again, don’t tell her no different.’ Glad patted Jenny’s arm. ‘It’ll make her happy to believe she’s still got her daughter. But keep an eye on her.’

‘Oh, I shall.’ Jenny had been out nearly every day trying to find work, but she would stay close to Ma until she knew she was all right. This muddled thinking was so unlike her, and very worrying.

When Glad and Ivy had left, Jenny went back to the front room and stood gazing at Ma, sleeping peacefully. ‘Don’t you worry, Ma.’ She spoke softly. ‘I won’t leave you, and if you want to call me Bessie, then you go ahead. I’m honoured to be your daughter.’

Later that evening, when Ma was in bed, Jenny used every kettle and saucepan to boil water. With her clothes steaming nicely in front of the fire, it was time to clean herself up properly. Hoisting the old tin bath from its hook in the outhouse, she dragged it into the kitchen and managed to fill it enough to have a decent soak in warm water. She settled in with a sigh of bliss.

Leaning back, she closed her eyes, letting her mind drift, thinking of nothing in particular. Only when she realized that the water was nearly cold did she spur herself to wash her body and her hair. She then used one kettle of warm water to rinse away the soap, stepped out of the bath and dried herself.

It was a laborious task emptying the tin bath, but she’d done it a few times and had got the hang of it now. Once most of the water had been bailed out, she dragged it into the yard and tipped it up to remove the rest. By the time the bath was back on its hook, Jenny was tired – but clean.

Hoping she hadn’t woken Ma, she crept upstairs and listened at her door, pushing it open just a little. The gentle snoring told her that Ma was fast asleep, so she went to her own room, leaving her door slightly open as well. Tonight she wanted to make sure Ma was all right. She had obviously been upset, and for a while had become confused.

Once in bed, Jenny gazed up at the ceiling, eyes wide open, deep in thought. She was weary, but doubted if she’d get much sleep – her mind was in a whirl. She felt so helpless being out of work and not being able to contribute to the everyday expenses. She could only guess at the anguish mothers must be feeling as they struggled to feed the children. That thought brought her mind back to the centre. Thank God something was going to be done!

22