‘We might not have much,’ Stan said, ‘but we do have our pride. Fred told us about meeting you and how brave they thought you was.’

‘That’s right,’ Fred told her. ‘We don’t care who you are. We took a right liking to you when we showed you how to deal with the pawnbroker. Now you’ve come to us for help and we’ll give it willingly.’

‘You must be fair worn out,’ Glad said with a smile. ‘You can bunk down with our granddaughter Alice tonight. There’s room for you two little ’uns in that bed, and in the morning we’ll decide what to do, eh? Does you want something to eat?’

Jenny shook her head, tears very close to the surface again, but tears of relief this time. ‘No, thank you, I’m not hungry, just very tired.’

‘One thing’s for sure, my girl.’ Fred gave her a stern look. ‘You’re not going back to become that man’s wife if you don’t want to. Is that understood?’

She nodded again, beyond words now for the kindness they were showing to her. Then she stood on legs feeling like pieces of wet rag, and let Ivy lead her up the narrow stairs to where her daughter slept. The room was small and dark with room only for the bed and a cot in the corner, but it looked like heaven to Jenny.

‘You have a nice rest now and you’ll feel better in the morning.’ Ivy handed her the case she’d brought up with her. ‘Have you got everything you need?’

‘Oh, yes, thank you.’ Jenny trembled. ‘I thought I was going to have to sleep outside tonight.’

‘You did the right thing by coming to us. My mum and dad haven’t stopped talking about you and wondering how you was getting on. They’re right glad to see you and pleased as punch that you came to them for help.’ Then she left and went back downstairs.

I’ll never forget this, Jenny vowed as she got in the small bed. One day I’ll repay them for their kindness.

10

Exhaustion swamped Jenny as soon as she put her head on the pillow, and the next thing she knew it was morning, with five-year-old Alice sleeping peacefully beside her. She marvelled at the attitude of these people. Alice hadn’t seemed at all perturbed about sharing her bed. The cot was already empty, and she could hear the baby crying downstairs. If he had cried in the night, she hadn’t heard him, but she’d been exhausted and doubted if anything could have woken her up.

‘Ah, you’re awake.’ Glad bustled into the room. ‘Up Alice, or you’ll be late for school.’