Pulling the little girl against her chest, Evie said, ‘I promise I won’t be like that. I’d love to play with you and I promise not to be mean.’ She hesitated, circumspection battling with honesty, then decided honesty should prevail. ‘My mummy was often mean to me too, so I know how horrid that is. And I don’t have any friends here in Penang, so I’d be really pleased if you’d be my friend.’

Jasmine considered for a moment, before saying, ‘But I don’t want to call you mummy.’

‘Then why don’t you call me Aunty Evie?’ She held out her hand.

The child put out her own small one and they shook. As they sealed their new friendship, the car glided to a stop in front of a large white building surrounded by palm trees. Benny walked round and opened the door. Evie got out, offering her hand to help Jasmine. ‘Come on,’ she said, ‘Let’s go and see what this place is like. Please wait for me, Benny. I’m going to talk to Jasmine’s teacher.’

Jasmine’s new teacher was a smiling redhead with a freckled face and warm eyes. She bent her knees and squatted in front of the little girl. ‘Pleased to meet you, Jasmine. I’m Miss Helston.’ Standing up, she addressed Evie. ‘And pleased to meet you too, Mrs Barrington.’ They shook hands, then the teacher called to a girl around Jasmine’s age. ‘Penny, this is your new classmate, Jasmine. Please take her and show her the playground. Don’t forget to introduce her to the other children before Assembly.’ Penny took Jasmine’s hand and the two small girls slipped away. Miss Helston sighed. ‘Children are so accepting of each other at that age. Don’t worry about your little girl, she’s in good hands here. Do you have a few minutes?’

‘As long as you need. That’s why I’m here.’

The woman looked relieved. ‘I’m so glad you came. Mr Barrington told the head that Jasmine would be brought here by your syce, but I so much prefer to meet the parents. Let’s sit down over here in the shade. I have about fifteen minutes before I’m expected at Assembly.’ She gestured towards a wooden bench under a jacaranda tree. ‘Please tell me about Jasmine. I understand she’s been boarding at the convent in Butterworth?’ Her face was puzzled.

Evie felt herself starting to blush. It was embarrassing explaining her circumstances. ‘Jasmine’s mother died some years ago. Her father thought she’d do better being cared for by the nuns. He’s a rubber planter and his work is very demanding of his time.’

Miss Helston was listening intently. ‘Yes, I know Mr Barrington.’

‘He and I have only just married.’ She hesitated, the blush intensifying. ‘Yesterday in fact.’

‘Oh, my goodness. How terrific! Congratulations.’ Miss Helston’s smile was generous and genuine. ‘I’d no idea.’

‘I’ve only been in Penang a couple of weeks so I’m still feeling my way. And I’m afraid I know little of Jasmine. She’s frightfully shy and I’m trying to gain her trust.’