She lifted her eyes to Isabel Dumas, and saw mirrored there the same expression as her own. But she also saw the raw longing, the gnawing want that would never be fully assuaged.

Holding out the child to her, Briony smiled widely. ‘Look at him, Isabel, he’s beautiful.’

She took the child and sat on the edge of the bed with him.

Mrs Horlock watched the exchange and felt a surge of relief go through her. She had convinced herself that Briony would not let the child go. She bustled from the room taking Cissy with her, on the pretext of making Briony a strong cup of tea. The doctor patted the mother’s hand and walked from the room, ready to get his money and depart.

Alone together, Briony and Isabel looked at one another.

‘He’s beautiful, Briony.’ Isabel’s voice broke and Briony placed her hand over Isabel’s so both of them were holding the child. He stirred in Isabel’s arms and settled himself more comfortably. Staring at the two faces above his. Trying to focus on one and then the other.

‘You’ll look after him, won’t you?’

Isabel smiled and nodded her head vigorously. ‘I’ll look after him all my life, I promise you that. Thank you for giving him to me, Briony. Thank you.’

Satisfied, she lay back against the pillows, her face white and drawn. She felt so tired and so sore all she wanted to do was sleep.

Tommy waited until he was sure that Briony was safe and then left the house, telling Cissy he would be back the next evening.

Molly was the next to depart, then Mrs Horlock and Cissy both drank a large hot rum to celebrate the safe delivery.

Briony awoke at eleven in the evening, after sleeping for nearly two hours. Cissy was sitting by her bed and as soon as Briony was fully awake, went for Mrs Horlock.

The old woman brought Briony up a simple meal of coddled eggs and broth, knowing that hunger would have made itself felt by now. After a few sips of the broth, Briony looked at the wizened old face and smiled.

‘I feel much better now. Where’s the baby?’

Mrs Horlock put the bowl of broth on the bedside cabinet and sat beside Briony on the bed.

‘He’s gone to the mistress’s house, Briony.’

She sat upright in the bed, her face a study in disbelief.

‘What? Already? But I only saw him once. I want to see him again. Now!’ Her voice had taken on a strident quality and Mrs Horlock pulled her into her arms.

‘It’s no good, Briony. If you see too much of him at first you won’t be able to let go. I know, I’ve seen it happen before.’

Briony felt a hotness behind her eyes.

‘But he’s my baby, Mrs Horlock. I want to see him.’