Fear registered on Marjie’s face. Sibbie wanted to go to her, but couldn’t move. Her imagination was showing her the possibilities of what could have happened to dear Aunt Flors.

‘We had to interrogate your mother.’

‘No!’

‘She’s fine, and she wasn’t hurt in any way, but it seemed very strange that she should suddenly turn up, telling the story that she had escaped from France. That the Resistance had organized her passage to Switzerland and told her about contacts there who would help her. These contacts arranged a passage for her, on a flight with a diplomat who was being transported to the South of England. A great deal of suspicion surrounded your mother’s story, and questions were asked: Was she a collaborator? Did she know about your training? And then – when that was clearly not so – what could she tell us about operations in her area? To that effect, she has been very helpful.’

‘Wills, you’re talking about my mama! Not about a spy. How could you?’

Wills dropped onto one knee in front of Marjie. ‘Try to understand, darling. We had no choice. After your training, you should expect no less of us, and you know our ways. You will have to follow them yourself, no matter who the person is that comes under suspicion. The secrecy of our agents, and our organization, is paramount. You have to be prepared to shop even me, if you think I am acting suspiciously.’

Marjie was quiet for a moment. Then her expression changed. ‘Of course. I’m sorry . . . I was just shocked. Am I to be allowed to see my mama, and where is she living? Is she in her house in London?’

‘Marjie, we have to protect you and Sibbie at all costs. There is a lot invested in you. The job you are going to do will contribute greatly to the disruption of the Germans’ plans.’

Although Sibbie, too, was shocked, she did understand, but she knew how difficult it would be for Marjie, if permission wasn’t granted.

‘Is the answer “No”? Can you not even tell me if she is alone, or what has happened to the rest of my family?’

‘I can give you news, but whether you should have any contact is still being considered. I’m sorry, Marjie, so very sorry. Your mother knows you are well and, until a decision one way or the other is made, she has been told that your work involves you being on duty at all hours; that you are a spotter and plotter in Lincolnshire, whose leave is so short that you don’t have enough time to travel. That she can write to you, and will receive letters on a regular basis; and she has been assured that you are safe.’