‘I must not arouse suspicion,’ she firmly told herself. ‘If I behave in any way that is uncharacteristic, people are bound to ask questions, which could be awkward. I need time to think and plan my departure carefully. This isn’t just about accepting a new job and living a new life with Charles; it is about disappearing completely. Edith Mann must die in order for another woman to live. If I’m to take on a new identity, not a single thing must be left to chance.’

36. Return Journey

After tracking down Ronnie, who had run away and was found hiding behind a bus stop, Sybil spent a considerable amount of time persuading the two nervous children that she only meant well. Coaxing them into the Lyons’ Corner House that she had only just left, Sybil gave a cheery smile in an attempt to break the frosty atmosphere.

‘Now, then, what would you like to eat?’

Ronnie, sitting on the edge of his chair looking like he would run a mile at the slightest provocation, muttered, ‘Spam fritters, mash potatoes, bread and butter – and gravy.’

Sally gazed longingly at the large sticky buns a waitress was serving to customers at an adjacent table.

‘One of them, please, and some cocoa,’ she replied with more manners than her brother.

After ordering the food and tea for herself, Sybil carefully chose her words. ‘I know we got off to a bad start at Mary Vale,’ she admitted.

‘You can say that again,’ Ronnie grunted.

Ignoring his rudeness, which in the circumstances was perfectly justified, Sybil continued. ‘I came to find you because we’ve all been so worried about you. And your mother needs you – she’s ill.’

Both children looked alarmed. ‘Sicker than she was before?’ Sally asked nervously.

‘She’s very poorly indeed,’ Sybil explained.

‘Why? What’s happened?’ Ronnie demanded.

Sybil trod carefully. ‘The baby has made her very sick – the only thing that will really cheer her up and make her better is seeing you two.’

Sally asked with an incredulous smile, ‘Can we really make her better?’

‘For certain,’ Sybil assured the little girl. ‘But it means you have to come back to Mary Vale with me as soon as you have had something to eat.’

Suspicious Ronnie glared at Sybil. ‘How do we know you’re telling the truth?’

‘The truth is I really want to help your mother, whom I am extremely fond of,’ Sybil answered with all sincerity.

‘You were never nice to us all the time we were in the Home with Mum – why are you being nice to us now?’ Ronnie snarled viciously; then, turning to his sister, he grabbed her arm. ‘Don’t listen to her, Sal, you can’t trust this lying bitch as far as you can throw her.’

Not convinced, Sally resisted. ‘I want to go back to the Home and make Mum better, Ronnie,’ she pleaded.