My grandmother pursed her lips and gave a disdainful jerk of her chin. ‘I cannot imagine what or who you’re talking about, Beatrice. You know how I feel about those word weevils. Constantly trying to burrow into my personal business. I’m very tired now. It’s been lovely to see you but I’m going back to sleep. Goodbye.’

She snapped her eyes closed, a fierce furrow creased between her brows.

‘Well, that told you,’ Henry mused as we took the stairs back down to the car park.

‘It told me that she definitely remembers him and has good reason for pretending she doesn’t.’

‘You’re sure you don’t want to let this go, at least while she’s still recovering?’

‘Of course I’m not sure!’ I groaned once we reached the main entrance. ‘Am I sure that I want to do everything I can, leave no stone unturned in trying to save Charis House? On the one hand it’s an obvious yes. But if it could break our family apart – then I’m not at all sure. Isn’t a family worth more than a house? Mum and Dad will find a way to keep the school going, even if they have to set up a marquee in the forest or hire a barn from a neighbouring farmer. Won’t they?’

‘It’d be a major feat, starting again after the devastation of losing the house.’

‘Their house, the charity. Mum’s history and identity. Let alone having to let all the students down.’ I was marching furiously towards the car, driven by agitation and anxiety. ‘Right. I’ve decided. We’re definitely going. If it’s a dead end, then I’ll know. If there’s any hope at all, then I can work it out when I come to it. One step at a time, right?’

‘Okay.’ Henry unlocked the car and we climbed in.

‘Unless… except… ugh. The look on Nana Joy’s face. Am I going to break her heart? She’s in hospital, for goodness’ sake! She’s eighty-seven!’ I leant forwards and buried my head in my hands. ‘I need to talk to Jed.’

‘How about we stop off halfway and get something to eat, then we can re-evaluate?’

I wanted to reach out and grab onto Henry’s calm and level-headed demeanour. Who was I kidding? Spiralling into panic, I wanted to reach out and grab onto Henry.

I looked up. ‘Make a list of the pros and cons?’

‘If you like. You also might want to figure out what you’re going to say when you reach this address.’

‘Crap.’ Another wave of alarm rushed up my chest. ‘Be honest: is this whole idea utterly absurd?’

Henry looked at me, his face serious, eyes gentle. ‘How many people in Hatherstone thought that opening an alternative provision school was absurd? Giving these lost kids a chance?’