‘You’re a grown woman,’ Ivy said hotly. ‘Don’t let them bully you, miss. Your heart is in the right place, and in my book that’s all that matters.’ The baby began to whimper and Ivy unbuttoned her blouse and put the squalling infant to her breast.

Kate strolled over to the door and gazed up and down the street. Jenny and Ivy had seen the flaws in her plans and they were right, but to fail when she had got so far was unthinkable. She took a step backwards as a familiar figure strode up to the door, and Harry Trader walked in. He came to a sudden halt when he saw Ivy and the children.

‘Mrs Harris is a trained cook,’ Kate said hastily. ‘She’s helped me to make the first batch of soup, but we have a problem.’

Harry glanced round the room and nodded. ‘I was wondering when you’d notice the lack of furniture.’

‘I was so intent on getting the food ready that I forgot,’ Kate said reluctantly. ‘Perhaps I could hire some tables and chairs.’

‘Have you the funds to pay for them?’

She shook her head. ‘No, not really.’

‘I might be able to help. In fact, I can be of assistance. The meeting room upstairs is well-equipped. You can borrow what you need.’

‘Thank you,’ Kate said humbly. ‘That’s very kind of you.’

He laughed. ‘Not really, my dear innocent. As I said before, you and your charity are providing an excellent front for my business, which will keep the police away from here permanently, or so I hope.’

‘I thought you were joking. You’re actually using us?’

‘Of course, and you are taking advantage of my generosity. It works both ways, my dear Miss Martin.’

Kate eyed him warily. ‘Just what sort of business are you in, Mr Trader?’

‘It’s better for both of us that you know as little as possible about my interests. You might let something slip when speaking to your father.’

‘Does he know your name?’

Harry’s smiled faded. ‘Did you mention it?’

She shook her head. ‘I had the feeling that he might have heard of you.’

‘So what did you tell him?’

There was an edge in Harry’s voice that put Kate instantly on the defensive. ‘I’m not as naïve as you seem to think, Mr Trader. I told him that Augustus Spears was the owner of the premises, and my father accepted that without comment.’

‘You lied to your father to protect a villain like me,’ Harry said, laughing. ‘Miss Martin, I’m afraid you’re on the road to perdition.’

‘Well, at least I won’t be facing hellfire on my own.’

Harry shook his head and, still chuckling, he crossed the room and opened the door to reveal a flight of uncarpeted stairs. ‘Spears, bring a couple of tables to the shop, and benches.’