‘The poor woman’s troubles aren’t over yet, I’m afraid. The surgeon in charge is keeping a close eye on her. If the wound doesn’t show signs of healing soon it will mean amputation.’

‘That’s terrible news.’ Daisy stared into her empty teacup. ‘How will she support her children? If she can’t find some sort of employment it will mean the workhouse for the whole family.’

‘Daisy, you can’t take the woes of the whole world on your shoulders. I’m afraid that’s one thing you’ll learn when you work in a hospital. There’s suffering all around, but you can only do your best.’

She managed a weak smile. ‘I’ll bear that in mind.’

‘Enough of sad talk. If we hurry we will just catch the show at the Pavilion. What do you say to an evening’s entertainment, Daisy?’

Chapter Eighteen

After the show Daisy and Toby strolled back to Fieldgate Street, arms linked and in perfect harmony with each other. It was dark now, but there was a hint of approaching summer in the air, and the cold winds and April showers were fading into a distant memory. Daisy was feeling at peace with the world until they reached Fieldgate Street, where she saw Ivy struggling to free herself from Jonah Sawkins’ clumsy attempts at an embrace. Daisy broke into a run.

‘Let her go,’ she cried angrily.

‘Mind your own business, Miss High and Mighty.’ Jonah attempted to drag Ivy away but she was doing her best to fight free.

Toby strode up to them. ‘Don’t speak to my sister like that, Sawkins.’

‘You ain’t nothing to me now, Master Toby.’ Jonah tightened his hold on Ivy. ‘I remember when you was a snotty-nosed nipper.’

‘Let me go,’ Ivy pleaded. ‘I told you I wasn’t having any of it, Jonah, but you wouldn’t listen.’

‘You heard the lady.’ Toby moved closer, hands fisted. ‘Let her go or I might forget that you’re a cripple and sock you on the jaw.’

‘You just try it.’ Jonah released Ivy so suddenly that she stumbled and fell against Daisy. He made vague punching motions in Toby’s direction.

‘On second thoughts, you’re not worth the trouble.’ Toby turned away. ‘Get back to the hole you crawled out of, Sawkins, and don’t bother this young lady again.’

‘Young she may be, but she ain’t no lady.’ Jonah spat on the ground at Ivy’s feet and sidled off towards Whitechapel Road.

Daisy slipped her arm around Ivy’s shoulders. ‘Are you all right? You’re trembling. Did he hurt you?’

‘He tried to put his hand up my skirt,’ Ivy whispered. ‘He called me a whore and said I owed him a favour for all the drinks he’d bought me. But I only had a glass of cider and I told him I don’t like public houses, but he insisted on taking me to one.’

‘I wish I had thrashed him,’ Toby said angrily. ‘It’s time someone put that little worm in his place.’

‘Forget him, Toby.’ Daisy guided Ivy to the front door and knocked. ‘I’ll look after Ivy. Thanks for the meal and the show. It’ll be my treat next time.’