‘Will they be all right? Will the baby die?’

‘I can’t answer that one, Judy. I’ll do what I can, but it might be too late for the youngest child. Very few children survive up to the age of five in this area. They either die of malnutrition or one of the many childhood diseases.’

‘Where is the woman’s husband?’

‘As far as I can gather he was killed in an accident on the docks. It happens all too often.’ Sarah peered into Judy’s face. ‘Are you all right? You’re very pale.’

‘My father died in a street accident in Whitechapel when I was a child. This brings it all back to me.’

‘I’d offer you a cup of tea, but I gave the last of the milk to the little ones.’

‘No, thank you,’ Judy said hastily. ‘Perhaps I can do something useful while Ben is treating the sick? I can see that you’re very busy.’

‘There are chamber pots to empty in the privy at the end of the back alley. Or are you too much of a lady to do such work?’

‘I worked briefly as a ward maid at the London Hospital, which is how I met Ben. I’m more than happy to help.’

It was dark by the time they reached Sidney Square and the street lights cast a warm glow on the pavements. Men dressed in the formal attire of city clerks were arriving home in time for dinner, and scenes of well-ordered domesticity were clearly visible through windows where the housemaids had not yet drawn the curtains. It was not a particularly rich area but the contrast between this place and the poorest parts of Limehouse was quite shocking.

Minnie was in the parlour saying good night to her twin girls, who were in their spotlessly clean nightgowns, their faces pink and healthy and their eyes bright with mischief as they pleaded to be allowed to stay up for a while longer. The scene, lit by warm mellow gaslight and a roaring fire, brought tears to Judy’s eyes. This was how life should be for all children, but she could not forget the vision of the poverty-stricken family she had seen in Limehouse. She blinked and forced a smile.

‘Good night, girls. Sleep tight.’

‘And don’t let the bed bugs bite.’ Lottie, the boldest of the twins, gave Judy a cheeky grin.

‘Where did you learn that vulgar saying?’ Minnie demanded.

‘Sukey says worse than that, Mama.’ Evie eyed her sister warily. ‘Well, she does.’

‘Don’t start arguing now it’s bedtime. I’ll come upstairs and tuck you in soon,’ Minnie said, giving them each a loving hug and a kiss. ‘Papa will come up too when he gets home.’ She waited until the door closed after them before turning to Ben. ‘Well, how did it go in Limehouse? Did Sarah have any suggestions for you?’

‘I’m going to stay there for a while,’ Ben said slowly. ‘Sarah’s desperate for help.’

‘But surely she can’t afford to pay you?’ Minnie gave him a searching look. ‘How will you survive without an income, Ben?’