‘Ma? Ma!’

Although her throat stung, Betsy managed to soothe Florrie, Daisy and Rosie. ‘Eeh, I’m all right, me lasses, I must have eaten sommat as didn’t agree with me.’

Oh God, naw. Naw. When did I have me last monthly? I’ve been that taken with what has been happening – the court case, the eviction, losing me ma, and Mags’s plight – that I’ve given it naw attention. Her mind began to calculate, and her heart sank as she realized she’d last seen her bleeding before she lay with Roford. Naw, naw – don’t put this on me, don’t!

But as she cried against it, Betsy knew it was upon her, and knew too this wasn’t something she could deal with. And what about Bill? He’d know. These last couple of nights were the first time in a while that he’d made love to her. The first night was a bit of a disaster, as it finished before it had hardly begun, and he was full of apologies. She’d held him and calmed him, telling him that what had happened had been lovely. But then last night Bill had been in control, and she’d felt as if she’d been transported to heaven as he took her not once, but twice. And he’d given her feelings better by far than those Roford had aroused in her.

Even the thought of that evil bastard repulsed her now. Remembering how she’d wanted Roford to touch her made a shudder of self-disgust ripple through Betsy. I’ve paid, haven’t I? Me one lapse, and I paid a heavy price for it. Don’t make me pay again, dear God, naw!

Tears threatened. They stung her eyes and weakened her, but somehow she had to cope. Getting to the school gates, Betsy took a deep breath as flutters began to turn her stomach once more. If she could drop the young ’uns off and get away quickly, she’d be out of sight before the sickness floated over her again. As the building came into sight, something caught her attention. Mrs Barker, the head teacher, was standing just outside. That wasn’t something she did as a rule. For some reason, Betsy knew she was there to speak to her.

‘Ah, Mrs Bainwright. May I have a word?’

‘Aye, I’ve got a minute.’ As she said this, Betsy willed her stomach to stop threatening to erupt again. ‘Go on in, our Daisy, and take Florrie with you.’

‘No. I’m sorry, but the children cannot go into school. Not today – not ever. Look, I wish it was different, but I received a notice from Mr Roford that anyone who was no longer working in any capacity for him, or for any of his mills, had to have their children removed from the school with immediate effect. He actually mentioned you and your children. I’m so sorry, Mrs Bainwright, but I know they will be accepted into the church school.’

‘Eeh, but that’s a long way for them to walk every day. By, he’s a spiteful . . . Oh, I mean . . . well, it’s of no matter. I’ll be on me way. Daisy, Florrie, come along. You’ve the day off school, me lasses.’