Emma was beautiful, her grey eyes entranced him, her voice like music when they were alone, like a harp playing. When she was with others, she laughed as hard and as raucously, and when she was angry, the sounds that came from her tiny frame did not match her normal demeanour.

‘Will, help me get some water for a wash for the children, it’s been weeks, and the fleas will be the death of me. I can wash a few clothes then.’

‘Emma, it’s far too much today. I’ve got to meet Jimmy at the pub. Do you want to join us?’

‘Aye, it can wait another day.’

Barnardos’s Headquarters 1915 Stephney Way, Bethnal Green.