Christmas for the Halfpenny Orphans. Cathy Sharp

and other big cities. My firm is delighted to take every penny we can from them, but when it comes to deserving causes, I’m a different animal. I like to help those who need it – and I’m told you’re the same.’

      ‘I support good causes, but I don’t have the kind of fortune I imagine you have at your disposal.’

      The corner of Henry Arnold’s mouth lifted in what she took to be a superior smirk. ‘Not many do, Angela. My father gave me a damned good start and I’ve built on his work. I dare say I could live in comfort for the rest of my life without lifting a finger – but why should I? Particularly when I can use some of my money to help those that need it.’

      ‘I can’t think of a single reason,’ Angela conceded, realising she was beaten. He seemed insufferably arrogant, but she supposed he had every right to be given his wealth and his good works. ‘I suppose I must thank you for coming to our aid. Twenty per cent is a lot of money – but I intend to get those other estimates, Mr Arnold. I will specify exactly what we want, and I shall expect to get it.’

      ‘Naturally. I wouldn’t expect anything less of you. I’ve been informed you’re very efficient – a dragon lady, I’m told, when it comes to protecting your children at St Saviour’s.’

      ‘A dragon lady? I’ll take that as a compliment. I’m only too happy to go into battle for the home and do whatever I can to help Sister Beatrice. Now she is a dragon lady if ever there was one.’

      ‘So I hear. I know the builder you employed at St Saviour’s – he swears he’d never work for you again even if the alternative was going broke. Sister Beatrice questioned every last thing he did – and he caught the sharp edge of your tongue a few times, I believe.’

      ‘Indeed?’ Angela glared at him. ‘I merely pointed out various areas where the work was not up to standard and refused to pay until it was finished to my satisfaction.’

      ‘And will you do the same where I’m concerned?’

      ‘Certainly I shall.’

      ‘Good. If any of my men let you down, they won’t work for me again I can promise you. You’ll find my standards are as high as your own, Angela.’

      She was about to disabuse him of the notion that they were on first-name terms, when the chairman called everyone to take their seats so the meeting could begin.

      ‘I’ll call in and see you,’ Henry Arnold whispered to her as they moved towards the committee room. ‘I want to see where you work. I know you’re always looking for funds for your orphans and I might be able to help …’

      Angela did not answer. Something told her that he’d come to this meeting in order to meet her and yet she couldn’t for the life of her think why. Perhaps she was imagining it, but she felt he’d deliberately provoked her, trying to gain her interest. If so, his plan had backfired. She was in no mood for arrogant men who thought they were more important than everyone else.

      Suddenly a meeting that had promised to be dull and tedious had Angela alert and eager to hear every word. This man would bear watching; his promises sounded generous but all too often when something seemed to be too good to be true, it was. Well, if he thought he could pull the wool over her eyes, he was mistaken. She didn’t care if he were as rich as Croesus, when it came to St Saviour’s she would brook no interference.

       SEVEN

      ‘It’s so lovely to see you, Michelle,’ Alice said as she welcomed her into the ground floor flat that her husband had rented for them. ‘Bob’s away at the moment – the Army sent him to protect someone at a political conference in France – and it feels strange being here on my own with the baby.’

      ‘I expect you miss him.’ Michelle gave her the small posy of flowers she’d bought in the market on her way over. ‘How are you in yourself?’

      ‘I’m really well. I get tired when she cries all night, but I know all babies do that and it’s to be expected.’ Alice sighed, feeling scruffy and lacklustre, especially when she looked at Michelle, who was as slim and attractive as ever. Her blue-black hair gleamed with health, whilst Alice felt hers looked dull and lifeless. ‘My sister came by yesterday. She tells me I should be happy that I’ve got a nice home and a good husband, but Mave doesn’t understand how lonely it gets when he’s away.’

      ‘I can see how you would feel a bit miserable sometimes,’ Michelle smiled. ‘But you’ve got an adorable baby girl and a devoted husband, when he’s home.’ She laughed as Alice pulled a face. ‘Cheer up, love. Angela told me to invite you to the Church Hall on Saturday. She’s having another one of her clothing sales, and she’s putting food on. I said you might help out by making tea – that is, if you felt able?’

      ‘I’d love to,’ Alice said and hugged her. ‘Mave might lend a hand too, if I ask her. You could both come back here afterwards for a fish and chip supper.’

      ‘I’ll be on duty in the evening,’ Michelle said, ‘but I’ll have supper with you another time, when I’m back on days.’ Then, after a pause, ‘You are managing all right? I mean, you’re not short of anything?’

      The sudden question made Alice laugh. ‘Bob makes sure I have enough money. I’m better off now than I ever was at home, Chelle. Mave asked me the same, offered me a few bob, but I’m all right. I can cook and I’m good at managing my money – but I should like to learn to sew better. Mum couldn’t never be bothered to show us how to do it properly. I thought I might go to lessons at night – it’s two and sixpence a week, but that’s not too bad.’

      ‘Why don’t you let my mother teach you? She’s a trained seamstress. You could come round ours, chip in for supper – and then, if I’m home I’ll walk back with you.’

      ‘Would your mum teach me? I could pay her the two and sixpence …’

      ‘Do that and she’ll chase you off with a chopper,’ Michelle teased. ‘She might be little but she’s pretty fierce if you get on the wrong side of her. No, seriously, bring some fruit or cakes. You’re a good cook, Mave said so at the wedding; you can make cakes. Our Freddie never has enough of them.’

      ‘I’ll do that, then,’ Alice said. ‘You’re my best friend, Michelle. Thanks for standing by me through all this. Everyone from St Saviour’s has been so good to me. Nan has invited me for tea this Sunday.’

      ‘I love Nan. Everyone does, she’s like a second mother to us all – but Sister Beatrice … well, I respect her, especially the way she keeps going whatever …’ Michelle hesitated, then went on, ‘I know you won’t say anything – but I think she might be unwell.’

      ‘Sister Beatrice, ill? I don’t believe it – unless you mean a cold or something?’

      ‘No, it’s worse than that …’ Again, Michelle paused as if unsure whether to continue. ‘I’ve seen her flinch like she’s in terrible pain – and sometimes her face goes very white.’

      ‘Has she said anything? She ought to see a doctor if she’s in pain.’

      ‘I don’t know whether she has seen one or not,’ Michelle said. ‘I daren’t ask. You know what Sister Beatrice is like. And she’s so irritable lately, I’ll probably get my head snapped off.’

      ‘Well, she would be touchy if she’s in pain. Someone ought to say,’ Alice said. ‘Why don’t you mention it to Angela? She won’t mess about – if she thinks you’re right, she’ll go straight in and say.’

      ‘Yes, she would,’ Michelle agreed. ‘Where angels fear to tread, Angela charges in regardless. I’m hoping she can help my father get the job of caretaker. She hasn’t said she can for definite, but if his tests are all right, and he’s not got TB, he’s in with a chance.’

      ‘It’s