‘There’s no need for that. I won’t be taking much.’ The last thing she wanted was someone looking over her shoulder as she sorted out what to take with her.

Mrs Charlton looked doubtful. ‘You must remove only your own personal belongings. I shall be checking the room to make sure you haven’t taken anything that doesn’t belong to you.’

Jenny bristled at her tone. ‘I’m not a thief, Mrs Charlton!’

She turned and ran up to her room, closing the door with a satisfying thump. That woman had always had a snooty air about her. It was clear she was enjoying seeing the Winfords’ downfall. Wandering over to the window, she gazed out at the garden, now dressed in the last of the autumn shades as it prepared for the long winter ahead. A dry sob shook her slender body. What trials and hardships would this winter hold for her? Did she have the courage to go ahead with the plans she’d made? Would it be wiser to go to live with Albert Greaves for a while in order to give herself more time to plan her escape? But if she did come under his control there might not be a chance to get away in the future. Did she even have a hope of succeeding with this crazy plan of turning herself into a servant?

With hands clenched she spun away from the window. What choice did she have? It was either make a life for herself or go to live with Albert Greaves. No! That was impossible. She hadn’t known that he had a sister, but if she was anything like him, Jenny wanted nothing to do with her.

She scrambled on her hands and knees to reach to the back of her wardrobe and, after much tugging, pulled out an old battered suitcase. This would be perfect to take with her when she left. Her father had given her this when she’d been ten. He’d taken her to the seaside for two days: a rare treat and it had been so wonderful. The two had walked along Brighton seafront, explored the shops in the small alleys, and eaten fish and chips out of newspaper.

She ran her hands over the case and wiped a tear away as it splashed on the worn leather. That had been such a wonderful time, and she would always cherish the memory … Jenny shook herself out of her reminiscences. She had to get on. Her mother wouldn’t appear today – she’d never been able to face anything unpleasant – and it was a safe bet that she would keep to her room. Aunt Gertrude wouldn’t show her face until after lunch. Her plans must be put into action this morning while she had the chance to slip out unnoticed. If Aunt Gertrude discovered what she was doing, then she’d be locked in her room, and her fate would be sealed.