‘Oh, I doubt that, Matt. I’m sure you’re being alarmist.’ Luke glanced at John. ‘Do you think that man would be crazy enough to start a second world war?’

‘It’s possible. Like Matt, I have grave misgivings about what is happening in Germany. Fanaticism of any kind isn’t healthy.’ John reached out to pour himself a cup of coffee just as their mother came into the room.

‘Coffee?’ Luke asked her.

‘Yes, please.’ She sat down and took the cup from Luke. ‘I have some news, but I’m not sure whether to be pleased or even more worried.’

‘What is it?’ John asked.

‘I’ve just been talking to Mrs Douglas and Edna. It seems Jenny contacted Edna and they met this afternoon.’

‘Is she all right?’ Matt asked, feeling a surge of relief that Edna had seen the girl.

‘It seems so …’

‘Well, that’s good news, isn’t it?’ John said.

‘I agree it’s a relief to know she isn’t sleeping on the streets, but –’ She stirred her coffee, and then took a deep breath before continuing. ‘Edna said she was shocked when she saw her – “all skin and bones” was the way she put it. The poor child is obviously living a hard and frugal life.’

‘Where is she?’ Matt was on his feet. ‘I’ll go and bring her back here.’

‘Edna doesn’t know where she is living.’ She smiled sadly at her youngest son. ‘And Jenny said she wouldn’t leave the elderly woman she’s living with because she needs her.’

Matt sat down again, not trying to hide his disappointment. He’d really thought they were about to put right the wrong they had done her. Though why he was so worried about Eugenie Winford, or Jenny Baker, as she now called herself, was a puzzle he hadn’t been able to solve. Perhaps it was like the time he had found that emaciated kitten and brought it home for their cook to look after. The poor little thing was so helpless and needed someone to care for it. Jenny Baker had had the same look about her.

The door of the library opened and their father strode in. ‘I understand you have some news, Louise.’

His wife went through the story again. ‘So you see, Gilbert, there is very little we can do. As she obviously has to work, I would be happy to try to find her a place as a personal maid in some good household, and I’ve told Edna as much. She has promised to tell Jenny the next time she meets her.’

‘It isn’t likely she’ll agree,’ Luke pointed out. ‘I think she would find it very hard to trust us after the way we treated her.’