‘That may be the way of it in some of these big houses. But if your employer is expecting you to bring them their morning tea and answer the door to their guests, they can hardly pretend not to see you, can they? That’s my point. If you go into a house where there are not a lot of servants, you may have to work hard but at least you have the chance of getting noticed. You’re a bright girl, and nice looking. If you behave yourself you have a good chance of being promoted. Now, as it happens I know of a family that is looking for a girl like you. Mr Freeman owns a shop selling gentlemen’s clothing, but he’s looking to expand his business and open a department for ladies’ dresses. I know Mrs Freeman. I used to make dresses for her before she was married. I know she’s looking for a maid of all work who is handy with a needle and thread, to make alterations and repairs. If you were to go there I think you might find all sorts of opportunities opening up for you.’ She took a purse from her reticule and laid some coins on the table. ‘Now, we must go. I promised you a ride on an omnibus, didn’t I?’

Three

Nothing more was said about May’s future for several weeks, but she did not worry. Her head was full of wonderful pictures of all she had seen in that one magical afternoon. She did her lessons automatically and stitched away at her uniform in a dream, and it was only the fact that the work came easily to her that stopped her from being reprimanded or worse. Then one day Mr Baker, who was in charge of the boys, called her over as she left the dining hall.

‘Your brother has made a decision which I think he should discuss with you. He’s waiting for you in the classroom.’

He led the way down the stairs to the boys’ classroom. May followed, her brain churning. What sort of decision could Gus have possibly made? The room smelt different, a smell of sweaty feet, somehow indefinably male. Gus was sitting on one of the benches. He jumped up as they entered and Mr Baker said, ‘Now, Augustus. Tell your sister what you told me this morning.’

‘I want to go to the Industrial School, to learn how to be a sailor.’

‘To go where? Where is it?’

‘It is in Kirkdale, not far away,’ Mr Baker said.

‘But I won’t be able to see you …’ May protested.

‘You’re going away, anyway, soon,’ Gus said. ‘We won’t be able to see each other.’

‘I’m sure, May,’ Mr Baker said, ‘that when you have a day off from wherever you are employed you will be able to go and see your brother.’