Lottie was surprised by the hug. For a girl determined not to be part of the Blacke family, Anne was showing affection like she belonged.

"Oh that's alright dear, ye deserve it. What I'm 'ere for."

They'd been upstairs so long the tea was now bitter and strong - good for a navvie to swing a pick, but less so for a mother and daughter having a chat. Lottie rested the mug down and spied the gilded hairbrush from earlier.

"Oh, didn't ye not want something? A ribbon wasn't it?Or have ye changed yer mind?"