‘They’ve been residents here for years, and they’re quite nice when you get to know them, but they keep themselves to themselves, and that’s fine with me.’

‘Have you lived here long?’ Judy asked in a low voice.

Phyllis gave her a pitying look. ‘I’m thirty-five – well and truly on the shelf. What choice do I have?’

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.’

Mabel stood up and stretched. ‘I reckon I’ll go for a walk. I can’t face a whole evening in that dreary front parlour. Are you coming, Phyllis?’

‘No, love. I’ve got a pile of books to mark. My pupils keep me so busy that I don’t have time to do it in school.’

‘Where do you teach?’ Judy’s interest was aroused. Maybe she could help in the school, if they were willing to pay her a wage.

‘It’s the ragged school in George Yard,’ Phyllis said, sighing. ‘Poor little devils, half of them turn up barefoot, even in the winter. If I can teach them to read and write and add up, I’m doing well, but most of them are put to work by their parents, if they have any. It’s time the Government stepped in and made education compulsory, at least for those under the age of ten. It’s heartbreaking to see little ones on the street selling matches or bootlaces.’

‘Or, even worse, ending up picking pockets,’ Mabel added, shaking her head. ‘I’ve seen mothers selling their little daughters to old men for their pleasure. You learn to be thankful for what you’ve got.’

Fanny pulled a face. ‘I’m tired of being grateful for everything. I want to marry a rich man who’ll pamper me and shower me with gifts, and I’ll never have to work in that bakery again.’

‘At least you get free cake,’ Mabel said, patting her flat belly. ‘I’d be fat as a pig if I was let loose amongst the pies and pastries.’

‘We get the sack if we so much as lick our fingers.’ Fanny tossed her head. ‘No chance of getting podgy when you work for old Sour Puss. Anyway, I’m meeting Ronnie in ten minutes so I’d better go upstairs and make myself presentable.’ She hurried from the room, leaving a waft of lavender cologne in her wake.

‘Let’s hope Ronnie comes up to scratch,’ Mabel said, pursing her lips. ‘Poor Fanny has been let down too many times in the past.’

‘She’ll bounce back; she always does.’ Phyllis headed for the door. ‘Must go and get those books marked. Good night, Judy. I’ll see you at breakfast.’

‘Maybe,’ Judy said doubtfully. The cost of the meals did not sound much if said quickly, but added up over a month it would come to a tidy sum, and unless she could find work she might be forced to return home.

‘It’s always hard at first, love.’ Mabel reached out to give Judy’s back a gentle pat.

She stood aside as the two older women made for the door. One of them gave Judy a nod, but her friend walked on without acknowledging either Judy or Mabel.