‘Ask them to open the door, luv,’ one man called. ‘It’s bloody taters out here.’

Jenny knew enough rhyming slang now to know that meant cold. She waved. ‘I’ll see what I can do.’

‘Jenny!’ Mrs Stannard greeted her with obvious pleasure. ‘How lovely to see you.’

‘I’m sorry I haven’t been before, but I don’t like to leave Ma alone.’

‘Of course you don’t. I quite understand. You go and have a look round. We’ve put a few finishing touches to it since you were last here.’

‘How long before you open?’ she asked. ‘Only there are people waiting and there’s a bitter wind blowing.’

‘We’re almost ready to serve the food, and then they can stay all afternoon if they like.’

‘That will be a blessing for them.’ Jenny started to explore and was more than thrilled. The kitchen was bustling with activity, and there was a wonderful aroma of cooking wafting through the dining hall. Someone had even put bits of greenery in jam jars for the centre of each table. Jenny smiled, immediately guessing that that was Jimmy’s handiwork. He must have pinched them from a park, because there wasn’t much in the way of plants in their back-to-back houses. She gasped in pleasure when she walked into the next room. There was a lovely fire burning in the grate, and chairs set around it. On a small table were newspapers to read, something the men would really enjoy. This place had been almost derelict. What an achievement! The doors were due to open in fifteen minutes, and then those poor frozen people could have a hot meal and linger by the fire to talk or just sleep. One small room was full of second-hand clothes for those who needed warm clothing.

‘This is lovely.’ Jenny walked back into the dining hall and smiled her pleasure.

‘Yes, it is.’ Louise gazed around with satisfaction. ‘We really feel as if we are doing something to help those who are finding it difficult to feed their families. Can you stay for a while, my dear? We are about to serve lunch.’

‘I’m sorry, Mrs Stannard, I must get back to Ma. She’ll be wanting her dinner, and Glad can only stay for an hour.’

‘Would you like to take some food back with you for Ma and yourself?’

‘No, thank you, we’re all right for today.’ With a wave to Ron and Jimmy and all the other helpers, Jenny went to the side exit as the people began to pour in through the front door. She turned back to Mrs Stannard. ‘My goodness, can you feed all these?’

‘We never turn anyone away. Fortunately we are getting funding from the council, and also generous donations from people we know.’

The tone of devilment in Mrs Stannard’s voice reminded her of Matthew. She grinned. ‘You mean you’re putting pressure on them?’