Judy’s throat ached with unshed tears. Minnie’s kindness was disarming, and she obviously understood. It was a relief, and yet it made the pain in Judy’s heart even more acute. She inclined her head. ‘Yes, ma’am.’

Minnie leaned over to pat Judy’s hand. ‘I’ll come with you to Fieldgate Street and introduce you to Mrs Wood as a prospective tenant. I wouldn’t want you to work for her, but if you stay there it’s reasonably cheap and quite central, and you can look for a position elsewhere. What do you say?’

‘Thank you. I’d be very grateful.’

Minnie pulled a face. ‘I can’t say that she runs the best lodging house in the East End, but at least it’s clean and respectable. You’ll be safe there.’

‘Thank you, Mrs Marshall.’ Judy tried to smile, but she felt as though she was about to jump off the top of a cliff into the swirling sea of the unknown. London seemed so much bigger, noisier and dirtier than she remembered, and Little Creek was a haven of peace and tranquillity in comparison. Her first instinct was to rush back to the station and catch the next train home, but she knew that she must be strong and face whatever the city had in store for her.

Minnie rose to her feet. ‘I’ll go and fetch my bonnet and shawl and we’ll set off.’

The maid who let them into the house ushered them into Mrs Wood’s parlour.

‘Thank you, Aggie,’ Minnie said, smiling.

The maid bobbed a curtsey and backed out of the room. Judy eyed Mrs Wood warily – her first impressions were not favourable. Years of bullying servants and lodgers alike had left a network of lines on Mrs Wood’s face. Twin furrows between her brows gave her a permanent frown and her mouth was dragged down at the corners, stamping an expression of disapproval on her face, which lingered even as she attempted to smile.

‘Mrs Marshall, how nice to see you again.’

‘And you, Mrs Wood. You’re looking well.’

‘I might look good, my dear, but my rheumatics play me up something awful, particularly in winter. A life of hard work and service to others has told on my poor aching body.’

Judy shot a sideways glance at Minnie, who remained outwardly calm and smiling.

‘Your lodging house has always been deemed one of the best, Mrs Wood,’ Minnie said with a persuasive smile. ‘And for that reason I’ve brought my friend Miss Begg to see you. She’s in need of accommodation while she looks for work.’

Mrs Wood looked Judy up and down with a critical eye. ‘And what line of work is that, may I ask?’

‘I’m trained in all household matters,’ Judy said with a determined lift of her chin. ‘I was assistant housekeeper in my last position.’

‘So you’re looking for a job in service?’

Judy nodded. ‘Yes, ma’am.’

‘Might I ask why you left your previous employer?’ Mrs Wood’s eyes narrowed and her lips tightened. ‘I have to ask these questions, you must understand. I can’t afford to take in tenants who have left under a cloud, if you get my meaning.’