‘She’s an odd sort,’ Molly replied in answer to his question. ‘Her name’s Nelly… and she’s a sort of “companion” to Emma Tanner.’

‘Tanner?’ Mick was surprised. ‘The same Emma Tanner who’s wed to my boss?’

‘The very same.’

‘Well, I’m blowed… it’s a small world when all’s said and done!’ A thought suddenly occurred to him. ‘I remember you telling me that you had no time for the likes of Marlow Tanner… though you never said why. And here you are, working for his wife… or his wife’s companion.’

‘You’re right, Mick… I don’t have any time for the likes of Marlow Tanner.’ Molly had never explained why she felt this way towards Mick’s employer, and it was something she did not feel able to discuss with anyone. If the time ever came when she had to speak her mind about the way Marlow Tanner had deserted his own sister – the old dear who had raised her from a child – then it would be to the man himself. Oh yes, it would be interesting to see how Marlow Tanner reacted to her accusation. But she had no desire to exchange words with him, not on that shameful matter, nor on any other.

‘He’s always been a good employer to me,’ Mick argued. ‘Honestly, Molly, you’re a strange little thing and no mistake. What in God’s name has Marlow Tanner ever done to you, eh?’

‘He’s never done anything to me,’ Molly said truthfully. It was old Sal Tanner whose heart had been broken by his callous disregard for her. ‘And the reason I’m working for his wife’s companion is because I’ve got no choice.’ Molly’s gaze reached beyond Mick’s bulky frame in order to check that the children were not up to any mischief in the forward cabin. When she saw that they were happily playing with the small saucepans that Mick had given them, she relaxed into the seat and supped on the hot broth which Mick had dished up for all of them. The children had quickly finished theirs, before scampering off to lose themselves in the paraphernalia that cluttered the bulkhead quarters. Molly resumed her conversation. ‘If I don’t turn up every day at the big house on Park Street, this “Nelly” has threatened to persuade the gent to charge me after all… on top of which, the constable told her to let him know if I didn’t behave, because he released me into her custody and he’s taken her word that she’ll keep me out of trouble.’ There was anger and resentment in Molly’s black eyes as she looked up into Mick’s kind, handsome face. ‘Bloody cheek!’ she said. ‘I’m a grown woman. I don’t need no guard dog.’

Mick laughed. ‘Well, that’s a matter of opinion, me beauty,’ he said. ‘But how long does this Nelly expect to keep you working there?’ He also did not like the thought of Molly being made to report there against her will.

‘Three months, she said. We came to an understanding about it. I’m to work there as a general help for three months… after which time I’m free to leave, and nothing said.’ Here, Molly chuckled. ‘She thinks I’ll stay on, of my own free will, when the three months is up.’