She had set up a bank account for the soup kitchen, leaving Ivy in sole charge. Ivy was to be paid a generous wage to ensure that things ran smoothly. Kate had said fond goodbyes to Ivy and to Annie, promising to return as soon as possible. Annie had begged Kate to contact her brother, Joseph, as she had not heard from him for many months, and Kate had promised with a heavy heart. It was going to be difficult enough to trace Ashok, let alone Private Joseph Blythe, but she would do her very best. Kate had grown fond of Annie, and had she been fortunate enough to have a sister, she would have chosen someone exactly like Annie, whose sweet nature and gentle sense of humour made even the most miserable days seem brighter.

Perry came towards them with a rueful smile. ‘Your luggage has gone on board, so I suppose it’s time to say goodbye, Kate.’

‘Thank you for everything you’ve done. It was good of you to go to all this trouble, Perry.’ Kate leaned over to brush his cheek with a kiss.

He clasped her hands, raising them to his lips. ‘You know where to find me when you return. I hope all goes well with you when you reach India, but please don’t take any unnecessary risks.’

She smiled. ‘I promise.’

‘They’re calling for all passengers to board, miss,’ Jenny said, tugging on Kate’s arm.

‘I’m coming. I won’t say goodbye, Perry. It’s too final.’

‘Have a safe journey, ladies.’ Perry stood aside, allowing them to hurry past him as they made their way to the gangplank.

‘If I had a young man who was so eager to please me, I don’t think I’d be getting on that boat,’ Jenny said darkly.

‘Perry is a good friend, nothing more.’ Kate negotiated the steep gangplank and was greeted by a steward, who showed them to their respective cabins.

Jenny opened the interconnecting door. ‘This is nice, miss. I don’t have to walk miles to get to you.’

Kate took off her bonnet and laid it on the narrow bunk bed. ‘I hope I’m doing the right thing, Jenny. Maybe my parents were right.’

‘There’s still time to change your mind, miss. The steward told me there is a bit of a delay before we sail.’

Kate slumped down on the bunk, shaking her head. ‘We’ve come this far so it would be foolish to walk away.’

An urgent knock on the door made them both jump.

‘Come in,’ Kate said sharply.

A steward poked his head round the door. ‘There’s a gentleman who wants to see you urgently, miss. He forced his way on board without a ticket, but he says he won’t leave until he’s spoken to you personally.’

‘Maybe it’s your father, miss.’ Jenny picked up Kate’s bonnet and handed it to her.