‘Cool.’ Jamie went to the door and picked up the football. ‘Oh, I’ve just remembered the other exercise Pete and I did. Starfish jumps. Look!’

Jamie threw the ball down and stood with his legs apart then stretched his arms out at his sides. He counted to three then jumped high in the air, arms wide. He did three then grinned and picked up the ball.

‘Did Sam do those too?’ Fiona asked.

‘Yeah,’ he said skipping out the door.

CHAPTER 13

Chapter 13

Wednesday 31 December 1879

The door to the refreshments room on platform one was shut, a policeman standing at the door.

‘Ladies, can I help you?’

Lady Cruickshank raised her chin.

‘I have been asked to identify the body. Lady Cruickshank of Kirkmichael.’

Ann glanced at her. There was a rare tremor of emotion in her voice.

‘If you would care to take a seat on the platform here, ladies. Dr Anderson is with the families in the waiting room, he said he would accompany you.’

‘Thank you,’ said Aunt Euphemia, heading along the platform for the bench.

Ann lingered to speak to the policeman. ‘Excuse me, where are the passengers’ possessions, the things washed ashore?’

‘They’ve been taken to the first class waiting room. But you can only enter if you’re a relative.’

She nodded. ‘I am.’

‘Sorry for your loss. Tell Donnie on the door.’

‘Thank you. I shall first accompany my husband’s aunt.’

Ann followed Lady Cruickshank down the platform and took a seat on the bench beside her.

‘Have you ever seen a corpse, Ann?’

Ann darted a glance at her aunt. ‘Yes, I have. Why?’

‘Many ladies these days have not. Caroline and I were with dear Francis when he died at home.’ She took out her handkerchief. ‘So you know not to come too close. Besides, I am the one who must identify. Not you.’

‘Lady Cruickshank.’ A gentleman dressed in a black frock coat approached. He pulled off his tall hat as they stood up, stretching out his hand. ‘I am Dr Anderson, from Broughty Ferry.’

Aunt Euphemia reached out her hand and inclined her head. ‘This is my nephew’s wife, Mrs Ann Craig.’

Ann inclined her head. ‘You perhaps know our neighbour, Dr Archibald Donaldson?’

‘Indeed I do. And in fact I have had occasion to visit their house on Magdalen Yard Road.’

‘This is no time for pleasantries.’ Lady Cruickshank interrupted. ‘Tell me what to do, doctor.’

‘Please follow me, ladies.’

* * *

The policeman unlocked the door of the refreshments room and stood aside. Ann was aware that her hands were shaking as she withdrew a handkerchief from her coat pocket. The room was cold, extremely cold. There stood a large oak ice box at the far end of the table, on which lay a body, covered in a rough woollen blanket. She stood at the door and watched Lady Cruickshank shuffle towards the table, her handkerchief over her nose.