‘That must be hard on the people living round here.’ Kate shuddered at the sight of two rats fighting over a scrap of food in the back yard, and she slammed the door, turning the key in the lock. ‘This place needs a good clean up.’

‘I don’t think we’ll be staying long enough to raise a duster,’ Jenny said in a low voice. ‘This ain’t the sort of area for you, miss. My ma would have a fit if she knew we was here now, let alone starting up a soup kitchen.’

‘Soup kitchen?’ Spears moved a step closer. ‘Is that what you had in mind, miss?’

Kate winkled her nose. It was obvious from the odour that hung about him like a greenish cloud that Augustus Spears was a stranger to soap and water. ‘Yes, it is. That’s if I decide to take on this premises at such an exorbitant rent.’

‘It ain’t up to me. I just do what the owner tells me.’

‘Then I suggest you tell that person that I’ll pay six shillings a month and his premises will be put to good use feeding the destitute.’

Spears shook his head. ‘I dunno if that will make any difference, miss. Ten shillings is the going rate.’

‘You won’t know until you try, Mr Spears.’

‘Who shall I say is asking?’

Jenny nudged Kate in the ribs. ‘I wouldn’t tell him if I was you, miss.’

‘You’re right, of course.’ Kate moved towards the door that led out into the street. ‘A lady, is all he needs to know. I’ll call by tomorrow afternoon for his response.’ She opened the door and was relieved to find the cab still waiting, although the horse was pawing the ground as if eager to be on the move.

‘Finsbury Square, please, cabby.’ Kate climbed inside followed closely by Jenny.

‘Are you sure about this?’ Jenny asked urgently. ‘Look around you. Half these buildings are near derelict, and the gangs that old man spoke of might object to our presence.’

‘We’ll be helping people,’ Kate said firmly. ‘That’s the only thing that matters to me. Having seen that poor family yesterday has made me determined to put my time to good use. If the owner refuses to let the place to me, then I’ll look elsewhere, but I won’t be put off, not for a minute. I’ve no money to give those less fortunate than myself, but a full belly will help to keep body and soul together.’

Kate had expected an icy reception when she reached home, but her father greeted her with a genuine smile and her mother seemed to have forgotten their difference of opinion earlier that day.

‘Guess what, Kate?’ Arabella said, clasping her hands together. ‘Your papa has been appointed as judge in the Central Criminal Court. Isn’t that wonderful?’

‘Congratulations, Papa. I’m sure you deserve the honour.’