‘I see. What is it that has concerned you now?’

‘It’s the very sensitive matter we touched upon before. It’s not something that can be ignored any longer.’

‘Go on, Muriel. I will need the full facts, though.’ He raised his eyebrows.

‘She’s a strange child—’

‘There are no strange children, Muriel. Only troubled ones.’

Muriel shook her head impatiently. ‘Yes, well, troubled then. In any case, I’ve been keeping an eye on her behaviour: the way she doesn’t, or can’t, interact with the other children her age, the things she says, the things she plays with – and giving me the most concern, the way she plays with things – is not normal.’

‘Have you spoken with Eliza since our last discussion?’

‘You mean, have I asked direct questions about her home life?’

‘I mean, have you asked her anything at all about this?’

‘I have, yes.’

Reverend Farnley shuffled his feet; his face became solemn. ‘And?’

‘I think there is abuse, Reverend,’ she whispered.

Reverend Farnley took a step back, his face blanching. ‘Right, I see. That accusation cannot be made lightly, Muriel, and not without evidence. I thought we’d spoken of this.’

‘I think there is evidence. I just need your help to ensure she’s safe.’

‘I’m not sure I follow.’

‘Everyone knows Billy Cawley isn’t going to win a father-of-the-year award, and no child has ever been allowed to go and play after school with Eliza. He keeps her to himself – I’m surprised he allows her to come to Sunday school, but then I think that was due to your encouragement, was it not?’

‘Yes, I did work rather hard to get her included,’ he said, running his fingers along the edge of his smooth chin.

‘There are bruises on that girl—’

‘All children of her age get bruises from playing, Muriel. That in itself doesn’t mean anything.’

‘It does when the bruises are on her wrists, as though she’s been restrained.’

‘I’m worried we’re jumping to conclusions here.’

‘I asked her earlier about why she pulls the heads and limbs off her dolls. And do you know what she said?’

‘Go on.’

‘She said it makes her feel better if the dolls suffer too. She doesn’t feel as alone. How terrible is that?’

‘I agree that is very troubling. We should keep a closer eye on her.’

‘No. We should do more than that. We need to make sure he can’t hurt her.’

‘How?’

‘We’ve already got it planned and I’ve been able to put some things into action … but I’m going to need your help for the next bit, Reverend.’

‘I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me to get involved in this, Muriel.’

‘Oh, I think it is, Reverend.’

Muriel stared at his face – at the worry etched in his features.

‘Sit down, Reverend. We need to discuss this now.’

Chapter Thirty-Four

2019

Anna

Sunday 14th July

The three women sat around the dining table, now on their second cups of coffee.