A thin woman in her thirties patted the empty chair beside her. ‘This one’s free, love. Miss Wentworth left yesterday and she won’t be coming back. I’m Phyllis Dean, by the way.’

Judy smiled. ‘Judy Begg.’

‘Wentworth is the lucky one. She’s found a man to marry her.’ A younger woman with mousy hair and freckles gave Judy a weak smile. ‘I’m Mabel Field. You’re new here, Judy.’

‘I arrived yesterday.’ Judy sat down beside Phyllis. ‘I’m looking for work.’

‘It’s not easy to find a job where the boss doesn’t expect you to stay after hours, if you get my meaning.’ A strikingly pretty girl snatched up a bread roll and tore it into small pieces, shoving them into her mouth one after the other. ‘I’m blooming starving. Where’s the damn food?’

‘Don’t take any notice of Fanny,’ Mabel said, giggling. ‘She don’t mean half of what she says.’

Before Fanny could respond, which would have been difficult anyway, considering the amount of bread she had stuffed into her mouth, the door opened and Aggie staggered in carrying a large tureen, which she placed in the centre of the table. She picked up a pile of soup bowls from the dresser and put them in front of Phyllis.

‘Help yourselves.’ Aggie left the room, slamming the door behind her.

Fanny chewed and swallowed the last mouthful of bread roll. ‘That person needs to learn some manners.’

‘Have a heart, Fanny.’ Mabel reached for a plate. ‘I wouldn’t like to work for Mrs Wood. I’m sure she bullies poor Aggie.’

‘Never mind her. I could eat the carpet I’m so damn hungry.’ Fanny elbowed her out of the way, grabbed a bowl and helped herself to the thick slices of boiled beef and chunks of carrot in a thin gravy. ‘I hope this tastes better than it smells. I think the ox died of shame.’

Phyllis stood up, filled two bowls and took them to the two older ladies, who were chatting to each other in low voices. ‘There you are ladies. Enjoy your meal.’ She returned to her seat. ‘Best help yourself, Judy. These gannets will devour the lot while you’re sitting there being polite.’ She passed a bowl to Judy before serving herself. ‘Take a roll before they all go, too.’

Judy concentrated on her food. It was not good, but at least it was edible and she was too hungry to be fussy. There was silence while everyone demolished their meal, and it seemed to Judy that she was not the only one who was starving.

Phyllis piled up the empty bowls and rang the bell for Aggie, who cleared the table and they had to wait until she returned with a treacle pudding and a jug of custard.

‘It’s not bad for ninepence,’ Phyllis said as she finished her portion. ‘I’ve tasted better, but at least it’s filling.’

‘Yes, I agree with that.’ Judy stared at the two older women. She lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘Who are those ladies, Phyllis? And why do they sit on their own?’