‘Is there a key?’ Daisy asked anxiously. ‘I haven’t brought much with me, but I don’t like the thought of someone poking around amongst my belongings.’

Minnie shook her head. ‘No, Mrs Wood won’t allow us to lock our door. She says it must be kept unlocked so that the maid can get in to clean, although I think that’s just an excuse because you could make a fur coat from the dust balls under my bed.’

‘Well, I’m sure we can sort something out. In the meantime, what about something to eat? I’m really hungry and very thirsty.’

‘Then we’d better get to Old Joe’s coffee stall while it’s still quite quiet. He sells out quickly when he gets a rush on.’

‘But we’re not allowed to eat in our room.’

‘It’s all right as long as Mrs Wood doesn’t find out. You could opt for supper here, but take my tip and avoid her food at all costs. When you smell what’s cooking you’ll know what I mean.’ Minnie opened the door. ‘And if you do bring food into the house make sure that Gladys doesn’t see what you’re carrying or she’ll run to her mother and peach on you.’

‘I’ll be careful,’ Daisy said with a sigh. ‘Gladys sounds like a menace.’

‘If you think she’s bad you haven’t met the beast of Fieldgate Street.’

‘Good heavens. What could that be?’

Minnie shook her head. ‘Don’t ask. You’ll find out soon enough.’

Daisy followed her new friend from the room, closing the door carefully behind her. First she must eat and then she would concentrate on finding Toby, even if it meant posting a note through the door of his lodging house. It would be so good to see him again, and in all probability he would be in contact with Nick.

She hurried after Minnie, who had raced on ahead and, as she turned the bend in the stairs Daisy saw someone loitering in the passage leading to the basement stairs, but at the sound of her footsteps the watcher vanished into the dim region at the back of the house.

‘Someone was spying on you,’ Daisy said breathlessly as she caught up with Minnie.

‘That would be Gladys, of course. The young wretch.’ Minnie tossed her head. ‘She’ll be there again when we return. I’m certain she keeps a note of the time we spend indoors, and I wouldn’t be surprised to receive a bill for being in the house longer than necessary or wearing out the stair carpet. Mrs Wood is very keen on making a bit extra, as you’ll find out.’ Her expression changed subtly. ‘Don’t look now, but Ivy is coming and she’s got that strange fellow with her. I don’t know what she sees in him.’

Unable to resist temptation, Daisy glanced over her shoulder and her hand flew to cover her mouth. ‘Oh, no! I thought I’d seen the last of him.’

Chapter Thirteen

‘Do you know him?’ Minnie asked in a whisper.