‘In the form of Miss Corbett,’ he continued. ‘Who, fortunately, can swim and is very brave. She launched herself into the freezing water and Mr Maguire, arriving back from Home Guard duties and presumably feeling very gung ho, leapt in to assist. He managed to pull them both to the shallow end, even though he can barely swim and, he tells me, once had rheumatic fever.’

Gwen patted his arm and left her hand there for a moment or two. ‘How awful,’ she murmured.

‘You know,’ Joseph said, ‘I should have trusted my instincts about that young woman. A few nights ago, unable to sleep, I came over to the office and I heard the most almighty din coming from the drawing room. Sarah was holding court and a group of them – men and women – were leaping on and off the armchairs. Apparently, every piece of furniture was an “island” and the carpet was “shark-infested waters”. Why are you laughing?’

Gwen bit her lip in an attempt to stop. ‘Sorry, Joey. It’s the way you said it. How do you know about the sharks?’

‘I hauled Maguire in the next day to explain and told him morale-boosting had possibly gone rather too far.’

‘Oh, Joey.’ Gwen’s eyes were shining. ‘They’re young. Remember that?’ She became more serious. ‘But there was absolutely no excuse for the way she neglected that little boy. Disgraceful. It doesn’t bear thinking about – he could have drowned. What’ll happen to him now?’

Joseph grimaced. He’d been pondering that ever since the doctor had confirmed that Rudi would make a full recovery. He’d have to find the child another host family. He hated the thought of Rudi being passed around like a parcel but he couldn’t see any other option.

Gwen touched his arm again, as though to remind him she was still there. ‘I’ve got an idea, Joey,’ she said. ‘If you think it would be acceptable …’

* * *

Later that morning, Miss Corbett arrived for Joseph’s German lesson.

On his instruction, she’d spent yesterday in bed and had meals brought to her on a tray. Now, she looked pale but otherwise, she, too – thank God – seemed none the worse for her ordeal.

As much as Joseph enjoyed the intellectual challenge of the lessons and Miss Corbett’s quiet competence, today there would be no teaching.

‘I wanted to inform you,’ he told her, ‘that Rudi will be lodging with Mrs Nicholls from now on. She’s offered to take him and I approve wholeheartedly. He’ll get the care and attention that has been sadly lacking in recent times and that, without your brave intervention, Miss Corbett, could have resulted in a terrible tragedy.’

She nodded. ‘That’s a wonderful idea, Sir. And Sarah? Miss Jewell?’

He grimaced. ‘Gone. Let’s talk no more about her. More importantly, how are you feeling?’

‘I’m fine, Sir. My secret’s out though.’

‘Which one?’