The time flew by, and Jenny was sad when it was time for her friend to return to work. It had been really lovely to see Edna again, but it had also made her acutely aware of just how lonely she was. ‘Can I ask you a favour, Edna?’

‘Of course, anything.’

‘My mother’s living with Aunt Gertrude in Bloomsbury, and, although she didn’t seem to care what happened to me, I’d like to know how she is getting on. Do you think you could find out how she is?’

‘Should be easy,’ Edna told her. ‘I know a girl who works round there and is bound to have heard gossip. You leave it with me; I’ll find out how your mum is.’

‘Oh, thanks. It would be a relief to know.’

‘You’re a strange one, Jen.’ Edna shook her head. ‘Your mum don’t deserve to have you worry about her after the way she’s treated you. I wouldn’t dream of bothering to find out how my mum is. I left for good reasons, and, as far as I’m concerned, that’s the end of it.’

‘I wish I were more like you, Edna, but I can’t just dismiss her like that. She is my mother, and if I knew she was all right, it would put my mind at rest.’

‘You leave it with me.’ Edna patted her hand and stood up. ‘I’ve got to get back now.’

Once outside the tea shop Edna hugged her. ‘Let’s meet again. You write when you’re free. Perhaps we can go to the pictures next time.’

‘I’d like that.’ Jenny watched her friend hurrying to catch her bus, then she headed for her own bus stop, already looking forward to their next meeting. She’d have to try to save enough for the pictures.

‘Miss Winford?’

Jenny stopped and spun round to face the man who had called her, cursing herself. She should have kept walking as if she didn’t know the name. Too late now. It was their old footman, Gerry.

He hurried up, a big smile on his face. ‘You caused a lot of trouble by disappearing like that.’

‘Hello, Gerry,’ she said politely. ‘Have you found another job?’

‘Only as a footman again, but it’s a nice enough household. What about you? Where are you living?’

Jenny had to think quickly. He would know about the reward, so it wouldn’t be wise to tell him anything. ‘I’m with friends just around the corner in Great Cumberland Place.’

‘I know it. I’ll walk you back, shall I?’

‘You don’t have to go to all that trouble.’ Now she was worried about the calculating look in his eyes.

‘It’s no trouble.’ Gerry took hold of her arm and steered her in the right direction, talking amiably about his new job.