‘Well, there is a “but”, I’m afraid. Randolph has now finished his training, and to an exceptional standard, and it is being proposed to exchange them.’

‘Oh no. When will it ever end?’

‘Darling, it won’t until men like Randie and Freddy make it end. They are the right ones to fight this, not Marjella and Sibbie. I hate the idea of giving one of our children in exchange for the other, but Marjella has done so much. We need her home, to care for her.’

‘Yes, I know you are right. But I just don’t want any of our children in danger. I can’t bear to lose any more of them.’

There was another silence. Flors wanted to scream that Monty was their child, no matter what he’d done, and how did they know that he hadn’t been forced to become a traitor by the Germans? But she remained quiet, locked in a cocoon of grief that felt like a knife twisting in her heart. It was as if she wasn’t allowed to grieve, and that she should be glad her son was dead.

‘I can only say, Mrs Harpinham, that this is what is happening all over the world. Mothers and fathers are grieving over their sons and daughters, and children are grieving over lost parents. It sometimes feels as though the whole world is crying.’

‘I know. I’m grateful to be getting Marjella home. Thank you.’

‘I wasn’t totally responsible. M was much more so. But I am very happy, as you know how much I love Marjie. It is agony to have her in danger.’

‘Well, my boy, Marjella has made a wise choice in you. Both Mrs Harpinham and I are very happy at the prospect of one day welcoming you into the family.’

‘Thank you.’

Flors caught the look that Wills gave her. She didn’t want to confirm what Cyrus had said; she didn’t want anyone to take her Marjella away from her ever again. Wills might do that. He was the son of a lord; he would be a lord one day. There was an estate to care for, and he would be responsible for that and for taking his place in the House of Lords. Marjella wouldn’t be able to live in France with them – that’s if it ever came about that they could live in their beautiful home again.

Cyrus coughed. ‘Can we offer you some refreshment, Wills?’

‘No, thank you.’ Then, as if he knew her thoughts, he said, ‘I – I, well, I want to reassure you that although Marjella and I will live at my home when we are married, we will travel to see you at least three times a year. I would never keep her away from you.’

Flors decided to fill the silence. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. ‘Thank you, Wills. Forgive me, I’m not myself.’