Since then, in her hibernation, Cwen has thought it over. She’s had long enough to come to certain conclusions. What she thinks is that everyone should be offered at least one chance for the necessary transformation. She has had time to practise. But even so, it’s not as easy as it was.

Cwen shuts her eyes again. The island sleeps.

The men took it out on her later, anyway.

The next metamorphosis

—will take all the strength she has.

Near to Britain are some islands where the women ... Perform sacred rites for Bacchus, Wreathed with clusters of dark-leaved ivy.

Dionysius Periegetes, Description of the Known World (Greek), second century AD

3
Jen

The judge stated:

The remit of this inquiry is fourfold: to determine whether, as has been claimed, Eva Harcourt-Vane was exploited by the politically-motivated women around her; to establish whether the charity she set up was properly constituted and governed; to determine whether crimes were committed; and to ascertain whether there were conflicts of interest between Eva’s, and her colleagues’, charitable, social, political and business roles in this island community.

At the beginning, Inga counted up the witnesses they could rely on: Alice, Zoe, Jen, Camille, Mariam, Lucija, Stella, Nina?, Tara, Ruth?, Inga herself. Twelve women, including Eva, some angrier than others. Plus grateful supporters, such as Sister Geraldine, Edna Reynolds and Lucette Smith.

In the middle were women like Felicity, from the museum, and Ursula, from the paper, who refused to come to Cwen or acknowledge any links with Eva’s operation.

On the anti-side were Colin Grieves and the men from the council, Eva’s sons, and various men in entrenched positions of island power, such as the Methodist minister, the lord lieutenant, men from the Masons, the head of the Young Farmers, and the entire board of Archipelago Fisheries.

ANNE: It’s absolutely appalling how Eva has treated my poor nephews. My dear Harry would be turning in his grave.

During the Cwen sessions, Inga counselled the women on appearing in public. She was used to it – had been coached by Eva in the early days – but she knew how devastating it could be for those women who weren’t used to having their every action and appearance scrutinised for imperfections. ‘For example,’ she said, ‘they rarely if ever mention men’s hair colour. But they’ll describe me as blonde, they always do. They can’t help it. Even I think of myself as blonde. You young ones won’t care,’ she said, nodding to Stella and Tara. ‘But how about you, Lucette? And Jen?’