Margaret shook her head. ‘I have no time to linger, Ann. I simply came to see you to let you know I shall be away for a few days. I think you might recall me telling you my sister in Glamis was having problems with her health. And so now it seems that, although she is most definitely out of danger and is becoming stronger every day, she is in need of my company, for we are close. I intend to read some novels to her and perhaps play some Chopin, her favourite composer.’ Margaret smiled. ‘We loved doing these things together as children.’

Again, Ann could not help but feel resentment. She did not have a sister, but even if she had, she could never imagine finding pleasure over a book or music. Their memories would be of the dust and stour in the jute mills clogging their eyes and noses, and of the fatigue of having to get up at dawn each day, from the age of eleven, to set off for the mills.

‘I am sorry she is still not strong but what good news that she is recovering well.’

Margaret continued speaking about what she would do at her sister’s house and Ann’s mind began to whirr. When her companion had stopped talking, she said, ‘So how many days do you anticipate you must be away?’

‘I hope not more than four days but if the weather sets in, it might be longer.’

‘Might we assist with the children in any way?’

‘Oh, how kind, Ann. But that will not be necessary. They are coming with me. Helena has the most wonderful governess for her two children and she insisted the twins come too and join classes there.’

Ann smiled, perhaps too eagerly. ‘That is wonderful, what a pleasant trip that will be, Margaret.’ She felt round the back of her head to pin up a stray lock of hair into her loose bun. ‘And Archibald? Will his mother move in again to take care of him?’

Margaret got to her feet. ‘Goodness me, no. He has in fact stated that he will only visit her for tea, he would never have time for his patients if she were at the house all day and night. No, he will be alone, he says it will be a chance for him to catch up with work. As you know, he is still assisting at the mortuary and there is much to be done there. Have you heard there are now many more bodies recovered? Archibald said last night the count was twenty-two.’

Ann’s mind raced. She raised her shoulders so that she appeared even taller beside the dumpy figure of her neighbour.

‘Shall I have Jessie fetch your cloak?’