‘Of course you would.’ She looked up at the clock. ‘Now, it is only ten minutes before Baxter is due to bring the children to the house. Shall I wait and accompany them myself?’

‘Oh, yes, that is kind. It is now becoming more than simply an inconvenience Miss Graham taking this week off work.’

‘Yes, but Ann, my dear, you are so fortunate to have such an excellent governess. Our Miss Bryden is, I fear, rather too lenient with the twins.’

That is because you are so strict with them, Ann thought, standing up. ‘Your kind offer means I can set off earlier for the station with Baxter. I intend to apprehend Mr Smith and find out what is going on.’

Margaret frowned. ‘You know they are setting up the refreshments room as a…’ She swallowed. ‘A morgue. Are you sure you want to do this?’

‘Yes, I must.’ Ann pushed her fingers through her long wavy tresses. She knew Margaret was looking at her, judging. She had overheard one of Margaret’s Women’s Guild friends whispering to her that Ann Craig was coquettish. Well, so be it, at least I don’t look dowdy, she thought, tipping her head back to shake out her loose hair.

‘But first I shall go upstairs to finish my toilette. I shall send the children down presently.’

Watching Ann rush to the door, Margaret put her hand to the back of her head, clamping her fingers over her tightly braided chignon.

* * *

Ann and Baxter approached Tay Bridge station and stopped at the edge of the crowds. A policeman stood by the entrance, barring people from entering.

‘Go and ask what is going on, Baxter. Surely they must let relatives go down into the station.’

Donald nudged his way though the crowds, tipping his hat as he pushed past any women. Ann watched him speak to the policeman then wend his way back through the throng.

‘All relatives are allowed in. Follow me, Mrs Craig.’

He held an arm out at right angles as he jostled his way through the throng, so that Ann did not have to shove people aside herself. She strode on, head held high, the exotic plumes on her hat making her a foot taller than everyone around her.

‘This is the lady I told you about, sir,’ Baxter said to the policeman.

The policeman pushed the heavy wooden gate behind him open. As she passed, she heard him whisper, ‘Sorry for your loss.’