‘That’s right,’ said Olivia, feeling a flicker of annoyance at being interrupted when she was finding it so hard to tell him her thoughts. ‘And as we were chatting I remembered the name my dad wrote down – it was Greystones. I told Maude, and one of the cooks overheard, and it turns out she knows it well.’ She hesitated, gathering the courage to continue. ‘Greystones is an orphanage in Glasgow, and it’s on Edinburgh Road.’ She held a hand to her forehead. ‘It’s too much of a coincidence, Ted, to get the name of the orphanage and the road right. I don’t think Dad sent me off on a wild goose chase on purpose. I think he made a monumental error, inadvertently telling me the truth by accident.’ There was a lengthy pause before she continued, ‘Maude thinks Dad gave our baby to an orphanage, and I’m beginning to think she might be right.’

There was silence the other end. ‘Ted? Are you still there?’

When he spoke, his tone was quiet, his voice heavy. ‘I am.’

‘Well, say something, Ted, because I feel like I’m losing the plot!’

‘I’m not surprised, and if it’s any consolation, I don’t think I’m far behind you.’ He paused, then went on, ‘We both know what your father’s capable of, but rather than guess, I reckon we give the orphanage a bell and see what they have to say on the matter.’

Olivia felt relief sweep over her. She was normally so good at taking charge, but this was like walking over stepping stones when you know that some are treacherous, and she was glad to have Ted holding her hand. ‘Do you think they’d tell us?’ she asked doubtfully. ‘I always thought that sort of thing was confidential, a bit like adoption.’

‘All we can do is try,’ said Ted. ‘So, who’s going to ring Greystones? Me or you?’

Olivia knew this was something she had to do herself. It was her father, so her responsibility. ‘I’ll try them first thing in the morning, then let you know what’s what.’

‘I’m going off base for a couple of days from tomorrow,’ Ted said, ‘so I won’t be around to answer your call, but I can ring you at Shirehampton when I get back, if that’s OK?’

It was a shame she wouldn’t be able to talk to him straight away, but it couldn’t be helped. ‘Of course. I hope to have more information by then.’

The operator’s voice came down the receiver letting them know their time was up.

‘Give my best to the girls,’ said Ted.

‘Will do. And Ted?’

‘Yes?’

‘Thanks for being so understanding.’

She could hear the warmth in his voice. ‘I wish I could hold you.’

‘Me too,’ sighed Olivia.

‘Love you, Toff.’

‘Love you too, my darling …’