‘Has her mother asked her to return home and live with her?’ Ma spoke to the aunt again, calmly this time.

‘Of course not! She’s far too content with her new life to be bothered with a wilful daughter.’ Mrs Osborne glared at Ma. ‘Though I can’t see what business it is of yours.’

Ma ignored that last remark and winked at Jenny. ‘If her mother don’t want her, then unless you’ve got something written on paper to say you can take her away, you can get out of my house. But we’ll let Jen say what she wants to do, shall we?’

‘I’m staying here. If my mother wants to talk to me, then I’ll listen, but you’re only my aunt and can’t force me to do anything against my will.’

Albert Greaves went red in the face with anger. ‘Be quiet, and do as you are told!’

As he grabbed at Jenny, Ma rapped three times on the floor with her stick. Glad and Ivy immediately appeared.

‘You having a spot of bother, Ma?’ Glad asked.

‘Me and Jen want this pair chucked out, please, Glad.’

‘I’ll go and get the men, shall I, Mum?’ Ivy suggested.

‘No, don’t bother.’ Glad eyed the two interlopers. ‘I’m sure we can manage them between us.’

‘Eugenie’s not staying in this hovel.’ Greaves was now shouting loud enough to alert some of the neighbours, and the pavement outside was becoming quite crowded.

Jenny almost laughed out loud. Her aunt and Greaves didn’t stand a chance. If they didn’t leave soon, they would be marched away. She rounded on Greaves. ‘Stop calling me by that ridiculous name. I’m called Jenny, and I’m not coming with you – ever!’

Ma hauled herself out of her chair again, glaring at Gertrude Osborne. ‘You’ve heard her. Get out, and take that blob of lard with you.’

‘You haven’t heard the last of this,’ her aunt called, as they left.

There was silence in the small room for a few moments, then Glad chuckled. ‘The neighbours are following them to make sure they leave the street.’

Jenny gave Ma a cheeky glance. ‘I didn’t know you knew anything about the law.’

The familiar cackle was a welcome sound. ‘I don’t, but I figured those two don’t know much about it either.’

Jenny laughed in delight and immense relief. ‘That’s the last I shall see of them. They won’t risk coming here again.’

Glad pursed her lips and frowned. ‘Don’t be too sure, Jen. Those two must be desperate to get you back.’