Glad patted her hand reassuringly. ‘We don’t want your money, Jen. You’re a nice kid and we want to help.’

‘What about Ma Adams?’ Ivy interrupted. ‘Since her old man died she’s alone in that house and needs some help.’

‘Of course!’ Glad beamed at her daughter. ‘Ma Adams would love to take her in for a bit of help with the cleaning, shopping and cooking. But Jen will need a job as well.’

‘I might be able to get her something with my lot.’ Ivy cast a doubtful glance at Jenny. ‘Do you mind charring? It’s hard graft, but we’re free after about ten in the morning.’

Jenny knew that a charwoman cleaned and scrubbed, and she’d been doing that kind of work as under housemaid. ‘I don’t mind what I do! I’d be very grateful if you could fix it for me.’

Ivy stood up. ‘I’m just off to my second job, so I’ll see what I can do for you.’

‘Thank you.’ Jenny began to feel more hopeful. If this Ma Adams gave her a room in her house, and Ivy could get her a job, then she’d be all right. And she wouldn’t mind staying with these kind people.

Having finished their bread and tea, the men also got ready to leave.

‘We’ll be home at the usual time.’ Fred kissed his wife on the cheek. ‘Take Jen to see Ma Adams.’

‘I’ll do that this morning. Do well today.’

‘We’ll ’oller until we’re hoarse,’ Stan told them with a grin.

When they’d gone, Jenny gathered up the dishes and began to wash up.

‘Thanks,’ Glad said. ‘I’ll just go and get the nipper dressed, and then we’ll pop along to Ma Adams; she’s only next door.’

The front door was open, so Glad, carrying baby Bert, walked straight in. Jenny followed. The room was identical to Fred and Glad’s, except it was badly in need of a good clean. An elderly woman sitting in a battered but comfortable-looking armchair smiled when she saw them.

‘Hello, Glad. My, but that kid’s growing fast. Here, let me have him while you make us a nice cuppa.’

The baby was handed over, and Ma Adams studied Jenny thoughtfully. Her faded blue eyes alive with intelligence. ‘And who’s this, then?’

‘This is Jenny. She’s in a spot of bother and needs help.’

‘Ah. Got yourself pregnant, have you?’

‘No, I haven’t, Mrs Adams!’ Jenny was indignant. ‘I’ve lost my job and had nowhere to go.’

The skin crinkled around the alert gaze as Ma grinned. ‘Don’t get on your high horse, ducky. I was just asking. Stop hovering in the doorway and come and sit where I can see you properly. And the name’s Ma.’

As ordered, Jenny sat opposite her just as Glad came back with the tea.