‘They are, and what worries us is that they might have young children who can’t walk this far. I’ve seen some of them eat a couple of mouthfuls and then slip the rest of the meal into a bag to take away with them. We make sure their plates are filled again.’

‘Why don’t we make pies that they can take home and heat up for the children?’ Jenny stopped peeling the potatoes and frowned. ‘The trouble is, we could be besieged and wouldn’t know if the food was going where it was most needed.’

‘The committee have already considered something like that, but it would be undignified for people to have to show proof of their need.’

‘Where is the dignity in starvation, Mrs Stannard?’

At that stark question, Louise sat down and bowed her head. ‘Ah, you would know all about that, wouldn’t you, my dear?’ Then she looked up, a determined glint in her eyes. ‘Let’s try it! The only question they need to answer is how far they have walked to get here.’

‘Is there enough money for such a scheme?’ Jenny wanted to know.

‘We’ll find the money!’

‘I’d be happy to make a donation.’

‘No, that won’t be necessary.’ Louise gave a small laugh. ‘Many of our acquaintances have deep pockets, and I’m sure the committee can prise some more out of them.’

Ron, Ivy and Jimmy arrived then, followed immediately by two more of the committee. The idea was discussed and agreed on. Everyone went to work to provide the extra food.

By the end of the day Jenny was delighted with the way things had gone. The gratitude in people’s eyes was reward enough.

36

Spring! Jenny walked along the dingy narrow street of terraced houses. Everything looked grey – bricks, road, pavements and even the sky – yet she was smiling with happiness. There wasn’t a splash of green anywhere, but she could picture the oak-lined drive leading to the Templeton School, the young leaves on the trees bursting out of sticky buds and shimmering in a light breeze. She took a deep breath and could almost smell the carpet of bluebells clustered underneath outstretched branches, and yellow primroses dotted here and there in the bright green grass.

She sighed. It had been a beautiful sight and something she had looked forward to each year – the eagerness of new growth. Perhaps she would make time today to wander through one of London’s parks and enjoy the exhilaration of life bursting forth. Glancing up, she saw a small patch of blue sky. Yes, that’s what she would do.