By the time you read this letter you’ll have discovered that me and Charlotte have gone. I’m sorry to do this to you but she is mine as well and I find it very hard to be in the same house as you so I’ve found me a job where I can take Charlotte with me. I hope you’ll understand and not try to find us. I promise she’ll be loved and cared for always.

Amber Ainsley

She was aware that it was very short but under the circumstances she felt the note said all that needed to be said, so after sealing it in an envelope and writing his name on it, she propped it up on the mantelpiece and went to wake Charlotte for an early breakfast.

Unusually the infant whinged and complained, almost as if she sensed what Amber was about to do, but Amber was determined and after wrapping the baby in as many layers of clothes as she could fit on her, Amber tied her shawl about her shoulders and strapped Charlotte into it so that she nestled against her chest. She then lifted the carpetbags and after glancing about one last time she slipped from the room and tiptoed down the stairs like a thief in the night, praying all the time that Charlotte wouldn’t cry and waken anyone.

She didn’t breathe freely until she had turned out of Greenacres’ gates on to the road. Charlotte had slipped into an uneasy doze with her head lolling against her mother’s chest so after glancing behind to make sure that they weren’t being followed, Amber set off on the long walk to Barstow’s farm.