Ma stood up, hobbled over to her easy chair and sat down, a deep rumble of amusement coming from her. ‘I enjoyed that,’ she said. ‘Now I’ll have that glass of stout.’

Jenny poured Ma her drink, made herself a cup of cocoa and then sat down. ‘Do you want me to read to you?’ she asked.

‘Not tonight.’ Ma tipped her head to one side and examined Jenny with deliberate care. ‘You shouldn’t be spending all your time with me, much as I like your company. Ain’t you got no friends?’

With a shake of her head, Jenny looked away from the discerning gaze. She didn’t know how old Ma was, and, although she was frail in body, there was nothing wrong with her mind. She was very shrewd and her sharp eyes didn’t miss a thing.

‘You’re lonely, ain’t you? Don’t you know anyone your own age you could go out with and have a bit of fun?’

‘There’s only the two girls from No. 20, but they’ve got their own crowd.’ Many times she’d seen them walk by, laughing, and had longed to be invited to join them. ‘I had a friend at the house I worked in. Her name was Edna, and we used to go out whenever we could get time off together.’

‘Why don’t you write and ask her to meet you one day? I’m sure she’d like to see you again.’

Jenny chewed her lip. ‘Oh, I’d love to, but I’m not sure …’

‘Jen.’ Ma leant forward. ‘It ain’t right, you shutting yourself away like this. You’re seventeen now and should be out enjoying yourself a bit. So what if your family finds you? You can refuse to go back with them. No one can make you do something you’re set against.’ Ma gave her an encouraging smile. ‘If they drags you to the altar, all you’ve got to do is say “I don’t”, instead of “I do”.’

Jenny giggled at the thought. She could just imagine what an uproar that would cause. She got up and kissed Ma. ‘You’re a wise old devil, even if you do cheat at cards. You’re probably right about not hiding any more, but I was so frightened, Ma, and still am.’

‘I know, ducky, but take an old woman’s advice and get in touch with your friend. You’ve got this whole street on your side. We’ll see you comes to no harm.’