‘No, someone from the parish council, after the funeral. But if I recall, the trunk was practically full already.’ He thought back. ‘I was in no fit state for anything. Do you remember much from then, Shelly?’

She looked into his eyes and nodded.

‘I do know you’re still suffering, not just from your mother’s death, but from all that followed too. I feel bad about that, Shelly love. I’m ashamed of myself.’ He frowned, glanced at her, then the floor, then back to her. She had an odd feeling that she didn’t want him to say what was on his lips.

‘Don’t go there, Dad.’

‘I must, you see, I know it’s my job as your father, to advise you no matter how old you are; but I’m no bloody expert, am I? So, I have to say this in my own clumsy way. Have you thought about going for some kind of help, treatment, grief counselling, like?’

Deeply moved, she smiled softly. ‘I deal with it in my own way, Dad, don’t worry. I keep busy . . . and of course, I dive. Every time I dive, it sort of dilutes what happened a little; do you know what I mean? It’s a kind of therapy. Anyway, let’s drop the subject and get back to the trunk. You say the church people packed it?’

He shrugged and sighed again. ‘Not sure. It’s all a bit blurred. I was always going to go through it, but the time never seemed right.’

The rusty key refused to turn until Gordon sprung the lock.

At the next attempt, it popped open and they both stared at the contents.

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

GERTIE

Greece, 1916.

TO BE TOLD TO GO and collect my valuables from the cabin was surprising and contradicted the drill we’d been taught. Although there was a strong sense of urgency, there was no panic. I glanced at the portholes, praying nobody would notice they were gaping open. I marched to my quarters and snatched at things, while wondering what was going on. Had a boiler exploded? I couldn’t think of another reason. We were a hospital ship, therefore we wouldn’t come under attack.

I spun around in my cabin. What was important? Mother’s letters, documents, a lipstick, a clean uniform, my bible, my diary? They should have told us what’s classed as invaluable. I stuffed things into my pillow-bag, then hurried up top.