Albert listened to her. It was sad, rich and poor alike had to deal with the same problems, cruelties, and vices. In that moment, she was not the cruel employer who had unfairly dismissed the women he was sweet on, but an upstanding citizen of Whitby in need of help.  Bert tried to put his feelings aside for the job.  

"Do you have any family or acquaintances you can stay with, Mrs Carrington? There may be grounds to question your husband."