‘It don’t seem to matter how much I eat, ma’am, I stay like this anyway. But I am hungry and the soup smells wonderful. You must be a good cook.’

Ivy puffed out her chest. ‘Well, I have been told that before. Anyway, I’d best be going now. I don’t like leaving the house empty in case me older kids get home before me. I don’t want the fire to go out. Coal and kindling costs money.’

‘Thank you for everything you’ve done today, Ivy,’ Kate said as she caught two-year old Charlie by the hand and passed him to his mother. ‘Will you be here at the same time tomorrow? Bring your other children, if possible.’

‘Yes, if you need me. I will.’

Kate put her hand in her pocket and took out a sixpenny piece, which she pressed into Ivy’s hand. ‘You’ve earned this today. I wish it could be more.’

‘Ta, miss. It’s much appreciated.’ Ivy herded her children out into the street and they disappeared amongst the crowd of passers-by.

‘I hope we will soon become known,’ Kate said, glancing out of the window. Rain was falling heavily now, trickling down the window like tears.

‘You need to let people know you’re here.’ Annie lowered herself carefully onto the bench. ‘You might have one already, but I think a big sign in the window would help.’

‘I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. That’s what I should do.’ Kate stood aside as Jenny bustled into the room carrying two bowls brimming with hot soup.

‘There’s yours, Annie. And you should eat too, miss. Sit down and I’ll bring some bread.’

Kate took a seat opposite Annie, who was tucking into the soup with evident relish. ‘How do you know Harry Trader, Annie?’

‘We’re cousins,’ Annie said, sighing. ‘Our side of the family were poor, but my brother, Joe, and Harry were good friends. They joined the army together, but Harry sold his commission and Joe’s regiment was sent to India over a year ago.’

‘Do you know where he’s stationed?’ Kate asked eagerly. Of course it was a slim chance. Annie’s brother might be stationed anywhere in that large country, but she was desperate for news of Ashok. ‘I was in Delhi until a few months ago.’

‘I haven’t heard from Joe for a long time. I don’t know where he is now.’

The small ray of hope that Kate had felt vanished like morning mist. It was highly unlikely that there might be any connection between Annie’s brother and Ash. ‘I hope you hear from him soon,’ Kate said automatically. ‘Have you got family living in London?’