Next morning, accompanied by Jenny, Kate took a cab to the magistrates’ court. It was still early and there were plenty of spare seats in the public gallery. Jenny admitted to being nervous, but Kate was eager for Ted Harris’s case to begin. She sat on the edge of her seat during the proceedings, which were pitifully short, and despite Perry’s eloquent words the magistrate sentenced Ted to nine months’ hard labour. The mitigating circumstances had been ignored and Ted’s punishment was obviously intended to be a warning to others. He left the court room with his head bowed. Perry looked up as he was about to leave the court room and he acknowledged Kate with a weary smile before making his way towards the exit.

They met outside on a pavement bathed in late spring sunshine, but Kate felt a cold shiver run down her spine as she thought of Ivy and her children.

‘It doesn’t seem fair,’ Kate said angrily. ‘Poor Ivy. How will she manage?’

Perry shrugged. ‘It’s the law, Kate. I did what I could, but Ted knew the risk he was taking, and he was guilty of theft. You know that I’ll do everything I can for Ivy.’

‘There must be some sort of Parish Relief she could apply for.’

‘I’m afraid not. The Poor Law Act put a stop to that, and Ivy’s only alternative would be the workhouse, which is why I’ll do my utmost to support the family. The older children do their best. I just hope they don’t fall into the hands of ruthless men who will exploit their innocence and their need to help their mother.’

‘Can they read and write? Surely they should attend school?’

‘Crikey, miss. You don’t know much about being poor, do you?’ Jenny had been silent until this moment, but she spoke suddenly, causing both Kate and Perry to turn their heads. ‘I don’t wish to speak out of turn, but only the better off can afford to let their young ’uns go to school, even if it’s for free.’

‘You’re right,’ Kate said ruefully. ‘I’m shocked by what I’ve seen and heard, but there must be a way to help people like Ivy and her children. If they could get an education they might find better jobs, with higher wages. Don’t you agree, Perry?’

‘Of course, I do. But one has to be realistic, Kate. Families such as my cousin’s live hand to mouth. What little the older children earn means the difference between paying the rent or being evicted; between eating enough to keep body and soul together or starvation.’

Kate shook her head. ‘I understand what you’re saying, but there must be a way to help them.’