Fred chuckled. ‘She’s got more savvy than you thought, hasn’t she?’

‘Another ten bob, that’s all I can go to.’

Jenny pushed his grubby hands out of the way and shoved the things back in her bag.

‘How much do you want, then?’ He had come from behind the counter now, obviously not wanting her to leave.

She could see the look in his eyes and knew he wanted the jewellery. She relaxed a little. ‘Five pounds.’

‘What?’ He mopped his brow in mock distress. ‘That’s bleeding robbery!’

‘Don’t foul mouth her,’ Glad scolded. ‘She ain’t used to our rough ways.’

The scruffy man looked her over very carefully, clearly pricing everything she was wearing. ‘What kind of trouble you in?’

These people didn’t know her, and if she didn’t mention any names … well, she might get a better price. ‘My father lost all his money in the Wall Street crash’ – her bottom lip trembled as she whispered – ‘and he killed himself.’

Glad dragged an old chair from a heap of furniture and made her sit down, standing beside her with her hand on Jenny’s shoulder. ‘Ah, I’m sorry, ducky.’

Uncle’s gaze became calculating. ‘You must have lots of nice things at home to sell.’

She shook her head. ‘The bank’s taking everything. This is all I’ve got.’

‘You must have family who’d look after you, though.’ Fred stooped down in front of her.

She looked into his kindly face and felt a single tear trail down her cheek. ‘My aunt is going to give my mother a home, but she doesn’t want me.’

Glad looked scandalized. ‘And what does your ma think about that?’

‘She’s so upset I don’t think she knows what’s going on, or cares. They’ve arranged for me to live with –’ She stopped. ‘To live with a man and when I’m old enough he’s going to marry me.’

‘And you don’t want to do that?’ Glad asked.

‘Oh, no, he must be fifty and he’s awful,’ she wailed in anguish. ‘I’m only sixteen …’

‘My God!’ Fred exploded. ‘I didn’t know this kind of thing still went on, did you, Glad?’

‘Disgraceful the way some of these high-and-mighty people carry on.’

Jenny gazed up at the husband and wife who had befriended her, giving a violent shudder. ‘I can’t go to him!’

‘Of course you can’t. Give her the fiver, Uncle, or I’ll break your mean old neck.’ Fred glowered at the pawnbroker. ‘You know the stuff’s worth that and more.’

‘Throw in the leather bag and it’s a deal.’ He didn’t appear too upset about the agreement.