With just a few coins left in her purse, Judy went to seek Minnie’s help and advice.

‘I haven’t come to borrow money,’ Judy said hastily when Minnie automatically reached for her reticule.

‘I can lend you enough for next week’s rent.’

Judy shook her head vehemently. ‘No, Mrs Marshall. Thank you, but I want to find work and I was hoping you might have heard of something. I’ll do anything.’

Minnie looked up at the sound of the door opening and her husband strolled into the parlour. ‘Judy is finding it almost impossible to find work, Toby. Can you help her?’

Dr Toby Marshall bore a striking resemblance to his sister, Daisy. It was a likeness that Judy had not noticed before, but it was something about the eyes and the kindly smile that reminded her of Daisy, and of home. She felt tears threatening to overcome her and she took a deep breath.

‘I’ll do anything within reason, Dr Marshall. I’m a good worker, but I can’t seem to convince anyone to give me a chance to prove myself.’

Toby went to sit beside his wife on the sofa. ‘Have you tried the hospital, Judy? They’re always looking for domestics. Or would that be too menial?’

‘No, sir. Of course not. I have to support myself.’

Toby exchanged worried glances with his wife. ‘Jack Fox has a lot to answer for,’ he said gruffly. ‘You should be with your family in Essex. Never mind what Jack told you.’

‘It is difficult, dear,’ Minnie said quickly. ‘You probably can’t remember what it was like when we first knew each other, but it’s a delicate balance.’

Toby shrugged. ‘The fellow has been leading you on, Judy. I’m fond of Jack, but he’s too much like his brother, and we all know that Jay behaved abominably towards Daisy.’

Judy lowered her gaze. She was not in a position to argue with someone so closely involved in the old family scandal, and she held her tongue, although she wanted desperately to leap to Jack’s defence.

‘That’s not helping, Toby,’ Minnie said, frowning. ‘I think you ought to take Judy to the hospital and put her forward for a position. With a good reference from you, I’m sure they will snap her up.’

‘Why not? I’m going there now, Judy. Would you like to come with me?’

‘Yes, please, Dr Marshall. If I don’t find work in the next day or so I’ll have to go home, and I’d rather not do that. Not yet, anyway.’

‘I like to see enthusiasm in my staff.’ Toby rose to his feet. ‘Best foot forward, as Aunt Eleanora used to say.’ He leaned over to kiss his wife on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you at dinner, darling.’

Minnie smiled up at him. ‘Try to get home before the twins’ bedtime, Toby. They always want their papa to kiss them good night.’

‘I will, but you know how things are. I’ll try my best. Come along, Judy. Let’s see what we can offer you at the London.’