Finally John pushed some papers towards her and held out a pen. ‘We need your signature in the places I’ve marked with a cross. I realize you’ve been using the name Jenny Baker, but the money is in the name of Eugenie Winford, and you’ll need to sign in that way, please.’

She had become so used to the name she had used since she’d run away that it was strange to sign her proper name. When the four documents were signed, she put the pen down and pushed them back across the desk.

John immediately stood up and went over to her with his hand out, smiling broadly. ‘Welcome to the Stannard Bank, Miss Winford. We are delighted you have chosen us, and I assure you that we shall look after your affairs diligently.’

They all laughed at the formal greeting, even John, who perched himself on the edge of the desk. ‘I expect you have questions?’

‘Erm … well, yes. How much is $25,000?’

‘It will depend on the exchange rate, but it should be in excess of £7,000.’

Her mouth dropped open and she drew in a shaky breath. ‘That much?’

John nodded. ‘It would have been more, but in September the gold standard was abandoned and the pound devalued from $4.86 to $3.49. We’ve set up an account that will earn you interest as well.’

She looked at Matthew and wiggled her shoulders in delight. If she’d been standing, she would have done a little jig. It sounded exciting! After living on the breadline she now had money of her own. He grinned, joining in her pleasure.

‘What are your plans?’ John asked, claiming her attention again.

‘Well,’ she spoke eagerly, ‘I want to see if I can buy the house I’m living in. Luke is already looking into this for me.’

‘You could afford something better,’ Matthew pointed out gently.

‘No,’ she said, shaking her head, ‘that’s my home for the moment. I’m not going to go mad. I need time to let this sink in.’

‘Very wise.’ John nodded in approval. ‘From what Matt has told me about the house, it should be a sound investment.’

‘There is an alternative, Jen,’ Dwight said. ‘You know you can come back with me to New York. Gracie told me she would love to have you stay, for always if that’s what you wanted.’

Jenny didn’t miss Matthew’s sudden movement beside her, and his sharp intake of breath. ‘I can’t make a decision that big at the moment, Dwight.’ She dived into her pocket and took out an envelope. ‘I wrote a letter to Gracie this morning; could you please deliver it for me?’

‘I’ll do that.’ Dwight put the letter in his case. ‘You would have loved Christmas in New York. The whole place is ablaze with coloured lights, with a Father Christmas on every sidewalk and in every store.’