Kate took a sixpenny bit from her reticule and placed it on the table next to Spears. ‘That should feed you for a day or so, and I’ll speak to Harry about finding you somewhere safer to stay. That’s if I find him.’

‘Good luck, miss.’ Spears gave her a tipsy grin, waving to her as she let herself out of the shop.

Kate headed towards the river. She knew Nightingale Lane, of course, which was where she had first met Ivy and the children, and it was easy enough to find the pub that Spears had mentioned. However, she was not prepared for the hostile reception she received from the men, mostly dockers and seamen, who crowded round the bar. She pulled her cloak more tightly around her and pushed her way through to speak to the barman.

‘This ain’t the sort of place for you, miss.’ A burly man with shaggy red hair and tattoos on his forearms and neck, leaned towards her. ‘Unless you’re touting for business, of course.’ He roared with laughter, as did the men around him.

‘I’ll give you a penny for it, love.’ A younger man wearing workmen’s overalls and a woollen hat over his forehead, laid his hand on her shoulder.

Kate pulled away, glowering at him. ‘Go away and bother someone else.’

‘Ho, we’ve got a lady in our midst.’ The tattooed man raised his glass to her. ‘How much d’you charge, your ladyship. I ain’t never had a lady.’

‘And you won’t now,’ Kate said, edging away towards a young serving girl, who was collecting glasses.

‘I’m looking for a friend,’ Kate said in a low voice. She took a silver shilling from her reticule under the cover of her cloak. It would be fatal to let the present company see that she had money on her person.

The girl eyed her fearfully. ‘I don’t know your friend.’

‘His name is Harry and I was told that he’s lodging here.’ Kate pressed the coin into the girl’s hand. ‘Can you help me?’

‘I dunno.’

‘But you do know Harry?’

‘Maybe.’ The girl glanced fearfully at the barman, but he was busy serving ale, and her gaze flicked back to Kate. ‘Who’s asking?’

‘Is he here now? If he is, tell him it’s Kate.’

‘I can’t promise nothing, but you’d best get out of here. If they lay hands on you I don’t fancy your chances.’ The girl jerked her head in the direction of a group of rough-looking labourers, who were obviously the worse for drink. ‘It’s low tide, wait at the foot of the old stairs.’ The girl picked up her tray and headed for the back of the bar, leaving Kate with little alternative but to make a hasty retreat.