‘I don’t see that as a betrayal, Ella, and I knaw as no one else will. If it was just yourself that you were sacrificing, then that’s your choice; but you had no choice – you couldn’t sacrifice your child, and no one would expect you to. Talk to Aunt Mags, she’ll understand. And I’m sorry about your sister; there’s nowt more painful than losing your sister.’

They sat in silence then, holding each other and gazing out to sea. Two women joined in their grief, and by kindred natures, and each knew they had found a friend for life. For Ella, being with Rosie had released so much pain. She’d set out to help this young woman and, in doing so, had found help for herself.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The South of France

Sibbie and Marjie

Marjie’s head ached. There had been no word from Arnie by the time she and André had reached camp two days ago. She paced up and down, feeling on edge.

‘You can’t alter things by worrying about them, Marjie.’

‘I know, André, but why no word? It’s driving me mad not knowing if Sibbie and Paulo are safe.’ She wouldn’t say that part of her anguish was caused by fear over what Monty might do next. What if he led the Germans to this camp and she hadn’t done anything, after suspecting him? Hadn’t even discussed her concerns with anyone? But how did you do that, when you knew the outcome would be your own dear brother’s death?

‘Marjie, something spooked you – what was it?’

‘Please stop questioning me, André.’

‘You don’t trust me. That’s it, isn’t it?’

‘No . . . Look, I do have something on my mind, but I need to discuss it with Arnie first.’

A low whistle told them that Gisele was approaching. Marjie didn’t need to hide from her any longer, for Arnie had briefed Gisele and the two girls had met. Gisele had been just as pleased to see Marjie as Marjie was to see her, and they’d chatted and laughed together. But her approach heightened the already tense atmosphere in the camp, as this was the first time they’d seen Gisele since the betrayal.

André looked uncomfortable, and several of the men who’d sat apart from Marjie and André now became alert and hostile. One spat on the ground. Others moved away, making for their tents, or stood leaning on a tree, but not facing the group to greet Gisele, as they normally would.

‘André, fetch them back. Tell them that we must act normally. If Gisele is the traitor, we don’t want her alert to the fact that we suspect her. That could lead to her doing something desperate, to save her skin. Maybe even exposing the camp and having us all killed.’