‘Yes, sir,’ they mumbled in unison.

‘Take them, then.’

The governor held out the two envelopes. May stepped forward and bobbed a curtsy. ‘Thank you, sir.’

When Patty had taken hers the governor went on, ‘And I have one final small gift for each of you.’ He held out two small books. ‘If ever you feel alone or troubled, or if ever you are faced with a difficult decision, turn to this book; you will find it a very present help.’

They were copies of the Bible, in cheap bindings. May took hers and murmured thanks. She knew the governor was right and she should be grateful; but she just wished it had been a book with pictures in it.

The governor turned to Mr Baker, who was waiting near the door. ‘Send the boy in.’

Gus came in, looking uneasy and embarrassed, and the governor said, ‘Say goodbye to your sister. She is about to embark on life as an independent woman. Wish her good fortune.’

Gus lowered his head and looked at the floor. ‘Goodbye. Good luck.’

May stepped closer to him. The urge to put her arms round him was almost irresistible and it was hard to hold back tears. ‘Take care of yourself, Gus – and try not to get into any more fights.’

He looked up at her, then, and for a moment their eyes met. ‘I might have to – but I’ll be all right. Don’t worry about me.’

‘I’ll come to visit you, at the school, when I get a day off.’

‘All right.’

‘Now then,’ the governor said, ‘it’s time you two girls were on your way. That will be all, Augustus.’

Gus turned away to the door and May called after him, ‘Gus. I’m going to work for a Mr and Mrs Freeman. He owns a shop.’ He looked at her, puzzled. ‘Just in case you need to find me one day.’

‘Oh.’

‘Goodbye, Gus. I’ll see you soon.’

‘Bye.’ He did not look round and the door closed behind him.

The governor wished them goodbye and they were escorted to the front gate and found themselves out in the street. Spring had come but it was a day of fitful sunshine and a chill wind was blowing up from the Mersey. A trap had been sent for Patty, since Speke Hall was some distance from the city. It was driven by a brown-faced boy not much older than May. He greeted them with a grin as they emerged from the workhouse gate.

‘Right, then. Which of you lovely ladies is coming with me?’

‘I am,’ Patty said, smiling and blushing.

‘I’m Bill, by the way. What’s your name?’

‘Patty.’

‘Suits you! Pretty Patty!’ He lifted Patty’s box into the trap. ‘Jump in, then. We’ll get to know each other on the way.’