‘It is most unlikely that I can find you a place that quickly. Have you tried applying for a job in a factory, or a shop? That’s where most of the young girls want to go these days.’

Jenny shook her head, shoulders drooping in disappointment. ‘I must find employment with accommodation provided.’ Her attempt at a cockney accent had all but disappeared.

The woman sat back, looking puzzled. ‘Where have you been working?’

‘I’ve been with Mrs Patterson-Hay.’ It was the first name that came into her head.

‘I don’t think I know the household.’ Mrs Dearing was obviously suspicious now.

‘You wouldn’t.’ Jenny’s mind was working like a steam train. ‘She lives in Kent. They’re shutting up the house and moving to Scotland.’

‘I see. Do you have any references?’

‘The mistress isn’t there. She didn’t give us none before she left. The servants are packing up the house.’

‘No references? Most irregular. I certainly wouldn’t send anyone there for a job.’ Mrs Dearing stood up, filled the kettle with water and put it on the stove to boil.

‘I’m sure you wouldn’t want to; it was very hard work.’ Jenny was getting into the swing of this now. ‘Not that I’m afraid of hard work; I’ll do anything.’

Mrs Dearing glanced back at her as she made the tea. ‘Tell me what this is all about. You are clearly well educated and trying to hide it.’

Oh, help! As soon as she’d become anxious, the pretence had slipped. This was going to take a lot of explaining. Then an idea shot into her head. ‘My dad was a great one for reading and he tried to bring me up properly. But he’s dead now.’

‘Recently?’ She handed Jenny a cup of tea.

‘Yes.’ At least that was the truth.

‘What about your mother?’

‘She’s dead too, and after tomorrow I won’t have a job no more.’ Don’t ask me any more questions, she pleaded silently. I’m running out of lies!

‘I understand your need for a job, then. What is your name and home address?’

‘Jenny Baker.’ She had remembered that, thank goodness. Then she gave Mrs Dearing what she hoped was a forlorn, pleading look, which wasn’t too difficult because that was just how she felt. ‘I lived in Lambeth, but with Mum and Dad dead that ain’t my home no more. When I leave Mrs Patterson-Hay, I won’t have nowhere to go.’