There was something in his voice which concerned Olivia. ‘Nothing, only she put in for a transfer, and nobody knows why.’

‘Did you try asking?’

‘No, because I was in Liverpool when all this happened, but the girls did, and they said she wasn’t very forthcoming whenever they raised the subject.’

‘It’s not a crime to want to leave Shirehampton,’ Ralph said plainly.

‘I know, but she must be unhappy, don’t you think?’

‘Maybe she’s run out of men …’

His comment cut through Olivia like a knife. Why was he being so mean? Last time she spoke to him about Beth he had been singing her praises, so what had changed? She decided to take the matter in hand. ‘Did something happen between the two of you when you were in Pucklechurch?’

‘Like what?’ said Ralph, only Olivia could tell by the tone in his voice that he knew full well what she was getting at.

‘Did she make any advances towards you?’ The words left her lips in a rush. Hearing his silence, she twisted her finger around the telephone cord as she waited anxiously for his response.

There was a distinct pause as though he was thinking carefully. ‘I wouldn’t worry about it – I didn’t.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ said Olivia, almost dreading his answer.

‘I think she got carried away in the heat of the moment – kind of understandable. I expect she regrets it now, though.’

‘What did she do?’ snapped Olivia.

‘I’d rather not go into it and I expect she feels silly, and when all’s said and done, she can’t change the past. What’s the point of worrying when she’s already gone?’

‘Only she hasn’t gone anywhere,’ sighed Olivia, ‘because she got refused.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me that before?’ said Ralph, clearly annoyed. ‘I’d never have opened my mouth had I known she was still in Shirehampton.’

Olivia frowned. ‘What does it matter if she’s still here?’

Ralph appeared to falter before answering. ‘Because you’ve got to live with her knowing the truth, which isn’t going to be easy, and I daresay you won’t be able to leave sleeping dogs lie.’ He tutted loudly. ‘Honestly, Liv, talk about giving someone half a story!’

‘Like what you’ve given me, you mean?’ said Olivia sulkily. ‘I don’t even know what she did.’

‘Just as well, given the circumstances,’ said Ralph petulantly.

Olivia was confused. Why was Ralph annoyed with her? Surely she should be annoyed with him for not warning her about Beth’s indiscretion, whatever that might be. She said as much.

‘I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think it worth mentioning,’ said Ralph. ‘Are you saying you tell me everything?’