The fine took most of May’s savings, but she resolutely refused to accept James’s offer to pay it. Outside the court, while Gus was expressing his thanks to Mr Weaver, James drew her slightly aside.

‘You told me you like music. There is a concert next Sunday afternoon, in St George’s Hall. I wondered if you would care to accompany me?’

May’s heart, which had just begun to regain its normal rhythm, gave a sudden thump. For a moment she was lost for words. What could this unexpected invitation mean? Dare she accept? She looked up at him and saw that his blue eyes had an intensity that surprised her. He really wanted her to agree and after all, she owed him a great deal …

She swallowed. ‘Thank you very much. I should like that.’

The warmth of his smile rewarded her. ‘Good. The concert begins at three. I’ll meet you outside the hall ten minutes before, if that is all right with you?’

‘Yes, thank you. I’ll be there.’

Fourteen

Next morning Gus presented himself at the White Star offices and was put into the charge of Leonard Lloyd, the chief clerk. He regarded Gus with barely disguised distaste.

‘You realise you are here on approbation? Mr Pilkington has taken you on as an act of charity and it’s up to you whether you stay or not. Well, I suppose we had better see what we can make of you.’

Gus clenched his jaw. A desire to punch the man’s supercilious face rose in him, but he forced it back and determined instead to prove that he was worth his hire and not an object of charity.

He was slightly disappointed to discover that White Star was not engaged in trade but was a passenger line, concentrating mainly on transporting emigrants to Australia; but the connection with that country was a consolation. He had had many long conversations with the crew members who had shipped on the Shenandoah from Melbourne and found their accounts of the gold rush fascinating, in spite of the fact that none of them had ‘struck lucky’.

He was given a desk and set to work checking the records of passengers who had booked their places for the next voyage, with the payments they had made or were due to make. The work was undemanding and he had time to wonder who these people were and why they were willing to submit themselves to the uncertainties and discomforts of such a long voyage.