On Sunday morning she missed church and went down to the docks with Gus. Her heart felt like a lead weight in her chest, but she was touched by his obvious excitement as he showed her round the White Star Line’s only steamship. When the O’Dowd family came aboard she went with him to greet them and see them settled, and managed to behave politely to Kitty. Seeing the accommodation they had in steerage, the long rows of beds without privacy or comfort, she felt pity and was thankful that she was not travelling with them. She retained her dignity until the call went out – ‘All ashore that’s going ashore’ – but then she clung to Gus and burst into tears.

‘I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.’

He shook her gently by the shoulders. ‘Come on. I’ve only been around for just over a year. You coped all right before. You’ll be fine.’

She drew back and stifled her sobs. ‘Yes, of course I will. Do take care of yourself, Gus. And write as soon as you can. I hope you find what you are looking for.’

‘I don’t know what it is yet, but I’m sure I’ll find it somewhere. And you take care of yourself. Remember, it’s only for a year. We’ll see each other again then.’

The Royal Standard sailed with the tide and May stood on the dockside and waved her off. Then she turned and trudged miserably back towards Nan’s house.

As she came in sight of it, she saw a familiar figure standing outside the door. She caught her breath and hurried forward.

‘James! What are you doing here?’

‘Where have you been? I looked for you at St Barnabus’s and when you weren’t there I thought perhaps you were ill, so I came to see.’ He looked at her more closely. ‘What’s wrong? You’ve been crying. Whatever’s happened?’

‘Gus has gone to Australia. I’ve just seen him off. He … he’s not coming back.’ And suddenly she was in his arms, sobbing into his chest.

He held her tightly, rubbing his cheek into her hair and murmuring, ‘Oh, poor girl! Poor girl! I’m so sorry.’

After a few minutes she collected herself and drew back to look at him. ‘Why are you here? I told you it was all over.’

‘I got your letter. That’s why I came. Can we go inside?’ She opened the door and led him into the cluttered sitting room. She went to remove a pile of sewing from an easy chair so that he could sit, but he caught her arm and turned her to face him.