Be assured, Edith, none of the candidates were of your calibre and integrity. After going through the tedious procedure of interviewing several very unsuitable young women, I put my foot down and absolutely insisted that I could only work with a real professional – i.e. you, dearest. I stated that it was imperative to my job, and essential for the good name of the nursing home, that we appointed somebody of the highest professional standard to the post and I would brook no further argument or delay.

‘Oh, Charles, dearest heart!’ Edith murmured adoringly.

I asked expressively for you, using the name Emily Edgecombe, as we agreed, saying I had worked with you previously and had the highest esteem for you. I personally vouched for your character and produced references which I had procured previously from the Leeds nursing home, which I took the precaution of adding your new name to. You officially start working alongside me at your earliest convenience.

Thinking she might faint with sheer joy, Edith gripped the door handle to steady her nerves.

I feel confident that, now you have been officially appointed, albeit under a false identity, we can complete our transference plan as pre-arranged and sail off into the sunset together.

‘Oh, please God,’ Edith earnestly prayed.

Please write and let me know when you might take up the post. Meanwhile the bungalow awaits your arrival. I enclose terms of employment and your salary scale.

Yours devotedly,

Charles

P.S. Beryl’s condition remains stable. I have district nurses visiting her on a daily basis.

Edith folded the letter and locked it in her desk drawer, making a note to herself that she really must clear her office very soon of all her personal possessions. Even though she wanted to run out of the Home, jump in the car and drive away at top speed, Edith knew she had to practise caution and pick her time carefully. If she were to leave not a trace of herself behind, she now had to roll out her very complicated plan.

40. Auntie Sybil

Sybil was increasingly uncomfortable about Ronnie and Sally dashing back and forth between her hospital bed and their mother’s and was therefore relieved when the visiting Mary Vale doctor discharged her. Back in her room, unpacking her small bag of belongings, Sybil was pensive. So much had happened since she had last been there. She had been back and forth to London, rescued two lost children, had a baby and was in the process of applying for entirely new war work. In such a short space of time everything had changed, and she had lost the only friend she had ever had in Mary Vale.

‘I really don’t belong here any more,’ Sybil thought to herself.