She realized now she had never really believed that Ellie wouldn’t be part of the future. She had always imagined Ellie with her in her fledgling business, maybe talking to clients and taking measurements and making tea, things like that, because Ellie had never been any good at needlework at school. She’d always pricked herself with the needle so many times her fingers had resembled a pin cushion, and working the little sewing machine the class had taken turns on had filled Ellie with dread.

She shut her eyes tightly but still hot tears spurted beneath her lids and squeezed down her cheeks. She couldn’t believe that Ellie wasn’t in the world any more, that she would never see her again. It seemed impossible. And the way she had died . . . But she couldn’t think of that now. She had to carry on and if she thought of Ellie’s last days she wouldn’t be able to, it was as simple as that. And the baby, oh, the baby . . .

She got up swiftly and walked over to the window, opening it wide in spite of the flurry of snow that blew in her face and breathing in the cold air. Help me, God, she prayed silently. Help me to find a way through this. Help me to believe that Ellie and that tiny little girl are in a better place and that this life down here isn’t just some monstrous terrible joke, where the evil win and the innocent lose, because that’s what it feels like right now. Help me, God, because I feel like I’m losing my mind.

Chapter Fifteen

Edward Forsythe stared aghast at his sister. ‘What on earth were you thinking of to let her go back by herself?’

‘Edward, I’m Ruby’s friend, not her keeper.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me what she intended to do?’

‘Truthfully? Because I knew you would react exactly as you are doing now and Ruby didn’t need that on top of the distressing death of this girl, Ellie. I made it clear that I would be glad to accompany her and be at hand if she needed someone, but she was adamant this was something she had to do alone. She’s a grown woman, Edward, and one who has proved she is perfectly capable of looking after herself as you know full well.’

‘Oh, believe me, Clarissa, I’m under no illusions in that regard.’