‘Anyway’ – Madelaine looked at her watch – ‘it’s nearly eleven. I’d better be on my way. Up at six tomorrow, sorting out the boys.’

‘They’re a good bunch of kids, though, aren’t they?’ Jenny smiled. ‘I always say, St Stephen’s turns out polite, well-adjusted children.’

‘Well, there’s always a few bad apples in any school,’ Maddy replied bleakly.

‘Charlie Cavendish, you mean? He was in your house, wasn’t he? You must have been interviewed by that Inspector Hunter. Did you tell her what a nasty piece of work he was?’

‘Rest assured, I told her exactly what I thought of him.’ Madelaine stood up and walked to the rack in the hall to pull down her coat. ‘And now, of course, we have Rory Millar missing. Not surprised he’s run away, with all the problems at school, and at home. His dad might be a drunk, but at least he isn’t a bully. Poor little mite.’

‘It’s hard for single mothers, though, Maddy. You know that yourself. And Mrs Millar is devoted to Rory.’

‘If she’s so devoted, she should put her son first and be careful whom she chooses as a boyfriend.’ Madelaine sniffed. ‘Anyway, thank you for a lovely evening. Shall we do this again next week? Maybe go out for a meal in town? Or perhaps I could drive us to the Royal in Cromer?’

‘Ooh my goodness, I’ve not been there for years. Since Harry Gurney took me. Remember him? He was a terrible kisser.’ Jenny giggled in delight.

‘I’m off next Tuesday night,’ said Madelaine. ‘Shall we go then?’

‘I’d love to do that. Shall I see what’s on?’

‘Yes. I’ll see you in the canteen in the meantime.’ Madelaine hugged her old friend. ‘It was worth coming back just to see you.’

‘I’m so glad you did. I’ve worried about you for all these years, when I didn’t hear from you. Seeing you in the hall that day was like seeing a ghost.’

Madelaine took Jenny’s hands in hers. ‘I’m real, I promise. Bye, Jen, probably see you at school tomorrow.’

Jenny shut the door and went into the kitchen to clear up from supper. Her heart was light with happiness at the return of her old friend. She finished the washing-up and secreted everything neatly in its rightful place. She made herself her usual hot chocolate, went to the bathroom, then climbed into bed. She sipped her hot chocolate thoughtfully.

Two simple country girls, and yet they’d both been through so much.

She’d wanted so badly to tell Maddy about Hugh’s death, but she knew Mr Jones had entrusted her with a secret and she must keep it until it was public knowledge.

Poor, poor Hugh . . . Tears pricked the back of her eyes. She would miss him so much.

But then . . . what God took away, he also gave . . .

And perhaps Maddy had been sent back to her just at the right moment.

Thora Birtwhistle was worried. It was half past nine in the evening and the young lad and his father had still not returned to her bed and breakfast. She wouldn’t normally worry about her guests staying out; a lot of them went for something to eat in town. But Mr Millar had made a point of saying before he left they’d definitely be back for supper. She’d told him she would have it ready for eight.