It was while Crawfie was buttering a toasted teacake that Dr Mackay found her. ‘I am so sorry,’ he said.

Crawfie dropped her knife. ‘No? You don’t mean—? No! She can’t be gone?’

‘We did all we could, but the pneumonia was too far advanced.’

Crawfie stared at him in horror. She almost fell back into her chair, barely able to stand, as she felt tears well in her eyes.

The nursery, when she returned to the Palace, was peaceful and quiet. Bobo was waiting for her and when Crawfie had delivered the terrible news, they clung to each other, their tears flowing freely.

Later, Crawfie washed Bobo’s face and hands and put her to bed. ‘You must get some sleep, Bobo. Grief is tiring. See you in the morning.’

Bobo closed her eyes obediently. It didn’t take her long to fall asleep, and when she had, Crawfie tiptoed out of the room and closed the door silently.

Back in the nursery, she plumped up the cushions on Alah’s chair and opened the big window to let her spirit free.

Outside, London rumbled past. From Green Park the scent of plane trees, mown grass and the song of a blackbird assaulted Crawfie’s senses, as she sent a prayer to Alah, giving thanks for all the times they had shared, the laughs, tears and tiffs. She would miss her so dearly.

On her way to her bedroom, she hesitated outside the closed door of Alah’s room but couldn’t bear to go in. That would be for tomorrow. Now she had to write a reply to George.

My dearest George,

Thank you for your letter. Please never doubt my love for you. I hate it when we have misunderstandings. You have waited so patiently for me, I know, but I really am determined that we will be married soon. I just hope I am worth the wait.

I want so much to build a little home together. We may not be rich, but we will be happy.

I have made up my mind to talk to Queen Mary before I speak to the Queen. I hope she might discuss it with the Queen so that it won’t be such a shock when I announce our plans. I know that sounds rather feeble of me, but I hate to upset them. In many ways, yes, they are my family and leaving them will be difficult. I shall explain that I won’t be leaving them entirely after we are married – not just yet. I have to see it out until the end. I know you will understand. I will let you know the moment I have the royal assent.

With all my love, darling,

Marion xx

P.S. Dear Alah died today. I haven’t the wherewithal to write more about that at the moment. I am too tired and too sad.

Chapter Forty-Six

Buckingham Palace, 11^th July 1947

‘Come in.’ Tommy was sitting at his desk.

P-T, his loyal secretary, popped her head round his door. ‘Miss Crawford to see you, sir.’