A lump stuck in Jenny’s throat as Ma’s words made her realize just how fortunate she was to have such stalwart friends. At that moment it felt as if a heavy weight had fallen from her. She would still try to keep out of her scheming Aunt Gertrude’s way, but perhaps she could make some discreet inquiries about how her mother was. She had never been outgoing and affectionate towards her, but she was, after all, her mother. Edna might be able to help there.

Her head came up and she gave Ma a gentle smile. ‘I’ll write the letter tonight.’

‘That’s the idea, ducky. It’ll do you a power of good to have a gossip with your friend.’

As soon as Ma was tucked up in bed and snoring contentedly after her glass of stout, Jenny set about the letter. She knew Edna had a couple of hours off on a Wednesday afternoon, so she told her that she would be in Hyde Park next Wednesday at two o’clock, if Edna could make it.

Then she sealed the envelope and placed it by her bed, ready to post in the morning.

14

Would Edna come? Jenny was excited and apprehensive at the same time. She’d left without saying goodbye to her friend and perhaps she might not want to see her again. She’d been tempted to give Edna her address this time, but, for all her brave words to Ma last week, she was still wary of anyone knowing where she was.

Jenny reached Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, where she’d suggested they meet, and gazed around, worry gnawing away at her insides as she paced up and down. Had Edna received the letter in time? Perhaps this hadn’t been such a good idea – she was going to be very disappointed if her friend didn’t come.

‘Jen.’

She turned round at the sound of the voice behind her. She had come!

‘Oh, Jen.’ Edna rushed up and hugged her. ‘I’ve been that worried about you.’

They were both laughing with pleasure at seeing each other again.

‘I’m sorry I rushed off without seeing you first, Edna, but I panicked.’

‘I understand.’ Her friend stepped back so she could see her better. ‘Oh, my, you’re all skin and bones. What have you been doing to yourself? You look as if you’ve had a rough time.’

‘It has been hard,’ Jenny admitted.

Edna slipped her hand through Jenny’s arm. ‘Let’s find a café and I’ll buy us a pot of tea and some buns.’

They walked arm in arm to Oxford Street, and Jenny listened avidly as Edna gave her all the news about the other servants. It was wonderful to hear her friend’s bright chatter and laugh again. It was then that she realized how right Ma had been to urge her to get out.