We had done it. We were safe and on our way to London. But we were dirty, hungry, and exhausted.

Birdie ate her scone, gave Pippet her bread, and I ate mine, but they seemed much smaller and less filling than they had at the bakery. We had no water, no friends, and sooner or later, the cops would be back.

A woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties walked past, but stopped when she saw us.

"Goodness me, what are you two poor dears doing all alone? My, my, look at your clothes! Where have you been? A coal mine? Oh no no no, this will not do, not at all. Up you get, come, come!"

We weren't sure what to make of this, but when we didn't move, she paused and sighed. "I don't bite! Silly me, where are my manners? My name is Harriette. Now, come along, let's get you changed and washed up and fed. Poor things..." and then she walked away, giving us hardly any choice but to follow.

Birdie, Pippet, and I left the compartment and followed her to her first class car. There was a table with the most delicious-looking food, steaming meats and vegetables and desserts, tea and water and juice stacked upon it.

But she led us away to a separate room, with a washbasin, and told us to clean our hands and faces. Once we had, she led us back to the table, and let us eat.

"What are your names, darlings?"

"I'm Jane, and this is my daughter, Birdie. This is our dog, Pippet," I said, wrapping my arm around Birdie and then scratching between Pippet's ears, causing her tail to wag.

"Beautiful names! What do you do, Jane? Do you mostly cook and clean, do you teach your daughter, do you work?"

"I do a little bit of each, actually. I am a scientist, and teach Birdie about nature, and animals, and the world in general. I used to only stay home and do housework, however, I also enjoy traveling. I'd like to take these two to the London Zoo!"

She smiled. "That sounds lovely. My husband owns this train company, so I do get to travel quite a lot, but honestly, I never do anything! It is quite relieving to know there are women doing great things, especially right now. The world needs all it can get, wouldn't you agree?"

"Completely."

The table went quiet after that, but once everybody was filled, I spoke up.

"Thank you, ma'am. This is really very kind. You truly did not need to-"

"Oh, nonsense! And please, call me Harriette." She tossed a large piece of chicken to Pippet, who caught it in her mouth and began chewing her heart out, her tail flying back and forth. "Where are you heading?"

"Nowhere in particular. Just a friend who lives in London."

"You must come with me until everything is sorted out properly. I'm sure they won't mind if I keep you for a day."

"Oh, no, I really appreciate that, but it's okay. We've had quite a day, and-"

But just then, the whistle sounded, and my sentence was cut short. Harriette did seem rather kind, and Pippet seemed to be quite fond of her, but I was keen to see Sarah as soon as possible.

The train stopped, and Harriette clapped twice. Two men appeared in the doorway, packing the rest of the food up in boxes.

"Please," she said, "I really do insist you come with me. I know there are many unfriendly people in this world, but I assure you I am not one of them. I really do want to help, I promise you. If you do not wish to come with me, then you needn't do that. However, I would greatly appreciate the company, and I would like to get you both situated in London and have one of your first faces be a friendly one."

I took a minute to consider. "Okay. Thank you, Harriette."

"Of course, dear. Now, come along!" She gently put her hand on my shoulder and guided me out, Birdie holding my hand and Pippet picking up her bone and following us out.

We walked the streets of London, loud and crowded and frightening. But people moved out of our way as soon as they saw Harriette. Nobody bothered her.

"Do you not have a car or a carriage?" I asked her.

"Oh, I do, I simply prefer walking. I like to stay in shape and stretch my muscles."

Rather soon, we reached a large house, red bricks making up the walls, greenery and flowers making up a beautiful garden, a tall iron gate surrounding the property. A small golden-brown dog came to the gate, barking, her tail flying.

"Shush, Honey, shush! Let me in, you silly girl!" Harriette shrieked, laughing. She opened the gate, the dog jumping as high as her small legs would let her, and then switching her attention to Pippet, the two sniffing and barking excitedly.

"Okay, okay! Settle down! Let me in, you lot, come on!"

The dogs moved away, and we walked into the garden, walking along a stone path to the front door. There was a beautifully intricate stained glass window on each side of the double doors, both made of a dark wood that contrasted delightfully with the bricks along the house.

Harriette pulled a key from under a stone, unlocked the door, and then placed it back. She opened the door, and we all walked in.