Looking nervous but excited, Rosie added, ‘And I could tell him how often I’ve heard the Brigadier threatening to publicly denounce Lady Veronica and Marigold if she ever considered leaving him.’ Her voice faltered as she said, ‘But will a proud man like Lord Stow believe us?’

‘I’m quite sure he must have an inkling of what Monty’s up to; after all, he’s not stupid and London’s a hotbed of gossip.’ She paused before she added, ‘If we can convince Lord Stow that we’re speaking the truth and give him enough accurate information, he would be sufficiently galvanized to approach Monty.’

‘Hopefully when his lordship discovers how big a bastard his son-in-law is he’ll turn the tables on the Brigadier.’

Sybil popped her friend’s little bubble of excitement. ‘Fingers crossed he does see it that way, Rosie; knowing Monty, he might just sit tight and ride it out.’

Rosie gave a dismissive snort. ‘I bet if Lord Stow offered him enough to go, he would go.’

‘Lord Stow has clout; he could subtly drop a word here and there about Monty’s abuse of trust and, you never know, Monty might do the right thing and back off gracefully.’

‘Leave gracefully!’ Rosie hooted scornfully. ‘The brute will stick it out until he’s pushed out.’

Sybil turned to indignant Rosie, whose cheeks were burning bright red. ‘You hate him almost as much as I do, don’t you?’

Rosie didn’t hesitate in replying. ‘I’d do anything that would help her ladyship get rid of him.’

‘Then,’ said Sybil, ‘we had better start planning a trip to London: what we’ve got to say can’t be done in a letter; it needs to be face to face.’

Rosie gulped nervously. ‘I suppose there’s no other way.’

‘I have to take a mathematics examination in London soon,’ Sybil told Rosie. ‘Perhaps we can travel down together if you can arrange to come with me.’

‘Let me know when and I’ll clear it with the kiddies and Mrs Larkin.’

Sybil gave a slow smile of satisfaction. ‘Then we’ll be on our way and Monty won’t know what’s hit him!’

41. Short-staffed

Nobody had a clue that Sister Mann had left Mary Vale until Matron, the following morning, went in search of her usually punctual nurse.

‘Sorry to bother you, Dora,’ Matron said, as she hurried through the nursery, where her colleague, helped by residents on the feeding rota, were busy with the hungry babies. ‘Have you seen Sister Mann this morning?’

Looking up from changing Sybil’s hefty son’s nappy, Dora shook her head. ‘No, but I’ve only been here in the nursery since I clocked on.’

‘Can you keep an eye on the wards while I check her room?’ Matron asked. ‘I shouldn’t be more than five minutes.’