Ellie nodded.  She led the way to the ancient, narrow, crowded alleys in Whitby's heart that made up the Cragg. Ellie made an effort to avoid the deep puddles and tried desperate to ignore the stares of some of her neighbours and the people she grew up with. She reached her house, the window was open, the smell of something baking wafted through the opening.  Maybe she could slip in and leave a note. 

A well built woman appeared in the window. No such luck. It was her mum.  Mrs Russell was about 40, thin, and though her looks had softened with age and hard labour, traces of youthful beauty remained.

"Ellie?" she frowned "I thought you wore black this mornin'?"

"Hi mum." the girl answered from the step. Turning to introduce Christine. "This is Miss Pennyfeather. She's offered me a job. Can we come in?"

"Think you'd better." the older woman answered, her frown deepening. Mrs Russell didn't wait for her daughter to sit down. "I wasn't expectin' guests.  Explain yerself young lady. I don't understand, you have a job. In Argle Street."

'Well, - I sort of gave notice this mornin'" Ellie answered quickly. She looked at Christine. Jump in any time Miss please.