‘I’m quite sure you are aware, Miss Harwood, that Mary Vale, which is a charitable foundation, accepts unmarried mothers awaiting the birth of their babies, and since the outbreak of war we are obliged by the government to accept evacuees too,’ Matron patiently explained. ‘We have welcomed family units of evacuees in the past when they have turned to us for help, just as we welcome the Pickles family now.’

‘But the children are running wild, and the mother appears to be completely ineffectual,’ Sybil pointed out.

Matron actually agreed that Ronnie and Sally were indeed running wild, but there was no way she was going to allow high and mighty Miss Harwood to crack the whip over her authority. Without doubt they would settle down once they got used to the House and the countryside; after all, they had been cooped up in a bombed-out city for some time now. Matron didn’t want to think about the fact that if Mary Vale were to be requisitioned by the Army, they would all be out on their ear very soon, the Pickles family included.

‘Mrs Pickles suffers from a rather grave condition of continuous morning sickness, which has left her weak and anaemic; we’re hoping that a better diet and good care will ease her situation and she will improve as her pregnancy progresses,’ Matron informed Sybil, who, looking sulky, continued with her list of grievances.

‘It’s thoughtless and irresponsible to allow people like them to live under the same roof as decent, upright, law-abiding citizens.’

‘We were instructed to accept them,’ Sister Ann retorted sharply. ‘Are you suggesting that we go against government instructions?’

‘I’m told the brats have lice too!’ Sybil added grumpily.

‘That’s being dealt with,’ Sister replied.

‘Who is actually responsible for them while they’re charging around the place unsupervised?’ Sybil icily enquired.

‘Sister Mary Paul and Sister Theresa keep an eye on the children, and some of the residents,’ Matron added pointedly. ‘They have kindly offered to help while the mother is incapacitated.’

Thinking she would rather take a gun to herself than babysit the uncouth brats she was presently cohabiting with, Sybil raised a cynical arched eyebrow. Thinking that now might be the time to inform Matron of her new plans, she continued in a casual manner. ‘By the way, I should inform you that, because Mary Vale is soon to be requisitioned by the Army, I’m making plans to move back South, to another nursing home closer to my family. As a consequence of the arrival of the Pickles family,’ she virtually spat the word out, ‘I now plan to go sooner rather than later.’

Matron looked genuinely surprised. ‘As far as I know at this point in time Mary Vale is just one of several large estates under consideration.’

Sybil waved a dismissive hand in the air. ‘It’s perfect for the Army’s purposes.’