‘Crawfie, Crawfie!’ The Princesses were waiting for her and ran to hug her.

‘Don’t squeeze me so tightly,’ she gasped, thrilled by their affection. ‘Let me look at you both.’

They let go and stood back for her review. It surprised her, sometimes, how grown up they were getting. Lilibet was thirteen now, and Margaret had turned nine last month. She had been with them for so many years now; they had become such a huge part of her life. ‘I see you have grown, Margaret. And Lilibet, your hair is a little longer.’

The girls beamed.

‘We have missed you,’ they said.

‘And I have missed you.’ Marion crouched down and took them both in her arms. These precious girls who she had known for more than seven wonderful years were now in her care.

The faith their mother and father had in her both gave her confidence and made her question whether she could do it. She would lay down her life for the Princesses, she knew that. Their warm bodies were so trusting. She slowly let them go and as they stood before her, she stroked their curls from their foreheads. ‘What fun we shall have.’

The girls giggled before Lilibet added quietly, ‘Why are Mummy and Papa going back to London? Do you think the Germans might come and catch them?’

Crawfie smiled, fighting down a lump in her throat. ‘No chance.’

Balmoral, 3^rd September 1939

Darling Joan,

So, the balloon has gone up. I sat with the King and Queen, drinking tea – so very British – to listen to Mr Chamberlain’s wireless announcement. The Queen was in silent tears.

Afterwards she said, ‘My last cup of tea in peace. My last bath at leisure.’

They are going to London tomorrow, and I will go with them.

The King has ordered that Queen Mary must be immediately evacuated to Badminton House for the duration, for fear she may be kidnapped.

Balmoral Castle will be closed down and the Princesses and their necessary staff are to be moved to Birkhall, a smaller, very cosy house on the estate, where they will be less likely to attract attention. The plan is to make things as familiar as possible for them. The stalwart nursery staff, Alah and Bobo, are with them, and Miss Crawford has just arrived this afternoon. They make a formidable trio – exactly what is needed for the girls at this time. You met Miss Crawford in Windsor once. Tall for a woman, rather shapeless and with a generous nose? But she possesses a quick mind and a true heart. Alah is getting on a bit now – in her seventies, at my guess – a strict but loving martinet in the old Victorian way. Bobo is something of a child although in her mid-thirties: kind, caring and utterly loyal.

I want you to come to London just as much as you do, but I can’t yet see the perfect solution. I think it is safer for you to stay in the country than to join me in the city.