They laughed together and Flors knew in that moment that her beloved son was going to be all right. Now she just needed to feel the same about her other beloved sons, Freddy and Monty, and especially her beloved daughter Marjella, for whom she felt great fear. Please, God, if you never do anything ever again for me, look after them all . . . please.

By the time Cyrus was back with them, having been given two weeks off before he started working as an advisor of strategy, responsible for planning operations in southern France, Randie was coping much better and was talking of returning to France and joining the Resistance.

When he retired after dinner, saying that he would be in his room as he needed to think his future through, Flors felt dread that Randie would announce that he was going for sure and ask his father to arrange it.

‘Is it possible Randie will be allowed to go back?’

‘It is, darling. After what happened, Paulo’s group is very much depleted. I have much to tell you, darling, and I can’t say how glad I am that I am able to. M told me that as you had been vetted and had signed the Official Secrets Act, it was all right for me to discuss these concerns with you and seek your advice. He thinks highly of you, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he isn’t planning on recruiting you to work alongside me.’

‘I would like that. I need to do something, but I have been occupied first with settling myself and then dear Ella, and finding this place, and now with taking care of Randie, though he has made remarkable progress.’

‘That’s your magic, darling.’

‘Well, I hope it is a bit of that, but it’s also his own strength. This time away from France and in safety has given him a clear head, to think through what happened and come to terms with it. I also think he realizes it was no mean feat to escape from a prison camp and survive weeks of being hunted, and having to fend completely for himself. This is what is leading him to want to return. It breaks my heart, but I would support him in whatever he decides.’

Cyrus reached for her hand. ‘It will be difficult, but we must.’

Sighing in a meaningful way, Flors said, ‘I know. Now, what did you want to tell me, darling?’

Coming to terms with what Cyrus told her about Sibbie and Paulo’s capture was extremely difficult, but although Flors felt like screaming and crying out her anguish, she remained calm. ‘Can I be the one to tell Ella and Susan?’

‘No. I’m sorry, darling, but we cannot tell anyone, not even Randie. He did ask, but I said that details hadn’t yet come in. You see, there is a suspicion hanging over everyone.’

‘Surely not their own mothers, and Randie?’