Sibbie smiled at them, but didn’t hang around. She skipped up the steps, feeling happy for Marjie, but a little lonely at the same time.

When the two joined her a few moments later, Wills told them that he was on official business. ‘I’ve come with news of your posting. You’re scheduled to be dropped into France, but not until the fifth of January.’

‘Where in France?’

‘I’m not party to that yet, Sibbie. Some sensitive information is held back until the last moment; and sometimes, even then, the agent isn’t told until they are in the air. But I have your reporting instructions here. You’re to report to Baker Street for a final briefing on Monday the fourth at ten a.m. Take nothing with you but dress warmly – jumpers and that kind of thing. Some essential wear will be delivered to you: overall-type clothing, with lots of useful pockets. You’ll be given secret weapons and items that you have been trained to use and assemble – such as the pen that is really a transmitting component for the wireless that you will take with you. The Resistance group you meet up with will put the wireless in a secret place and then, when you need to send a message, you only need to carry the pen on you. This means that if you are apprehended and searched, nothing will give your mission away. Without the component, the wireless is useless, so if it is found it cannot be used.’

Excitement vied with fear in Sibbie. ‘Marjie, it’s really happening, at last.’ Marjie didn’t respond, as she and Wills held each other’s gaze. ‘Look, I’ll leave you two to it. I could do with an early night,’ Sibbie went on.

‘No, Sibbie; I have more to tell you and, well, Marjie may need you.’ Wills shuffled in an uncomfortable way before moving closer to Marjie. ‘Sit down, Marjie. I have some news for you.’

Marjie sat on the sofa, her movements zombie-like, her wide eyes staring up at Wills.

Sibbie felt the fear of the moment. She took a deep breath, but what Wills said wasn’t the terrible news she was expecting to hear. ‘Marjie, your mother has been in touch. She is here in London.’

‘Oh, Wills, that’s wonderful news. Where is she? Is my father with her, and Aunt Ella . . . and . . . What is it, Wills? What’s wrong?’

‘Your mother wrote to the War Office asking to be put in touch with you. She said you were in Lincolnshire and wanted permission to visit you. Look, Marjie, what I’m going to tell you will be a great test for you. I want you to open your mind as to why what was done had to be done.’