7

Jasmine began talking to Evie after that first trip to school. She appeared to have settled in well and was eager to tell Evie about what they’d done in class each day, and proud to show off her drawings. Each afternoon, Evie made sure she was around when the little girl came home so she could hear her reading.

‘I have three friends.’ Jasmine said, offering their names proudly. ‘But Penny’s my best friend.’

‘And you like this school better than being with the nuns?’

The child nodded solemnly. ‘And I like sleeping here too in this house. It’s nice being with you.’

Evie was touched as well as relieved. At least Douglas could have no grounds to complain.

On Thursday afternoon, Evie set off to Miss Helston’s house with Jasmine. The teacher lived with her parents on the outskirts of George Town.

When Miss Helston answered the door, she seemed unduly pleased to see Evie. She ushered them inside. Turning to Jasmine, she said, ‘Penny’s already here. Go through to the garden. I’ve put some lemonade on a table out there and cake for you both to enjoy.’

Needing no further encouragement Jasmine scampered away into the garden to join her friend.

Mary Helston ushered Evie into a drawing room, with wide-open French windows giving on to the lawn. ‘It’s cooler in here under the fan and we can keep an eye on the girls. My parents aren’t at home. They play bridge on a Thursday.’ She paused a moment then said, ‘I’m so glad you came. I was worried you might not.’

‘Of course I came. Why did you think I wouldn’t?’

Miss Helston shrugged. ‘People are very cliquey here and I’ve never been one of the crowd. I thought one or other of them would have tried to poison you against me by now.’

‘I prefer to make up my own mind.’

‘Good. Because I’m hoping we’ll get along.’

‘I’m sure we will.’

They sat down to tea with home-baked scones and the conversation turned to Jasmine. Miss Helston confirmed that she had settled in to her new school and was already a popular member of the class. ‘Jasmine’s bright. A bit shy, but growing in confidence every day. She loves singing and is a fast learner. I’d be a happy woman if all my pupils were as delightful as she is.’

‘I’m sure her father will be pleased to hear that.’

‘I don’t know Mr Barrington, but I did know his late wife slightly.’

‘Really?’ Perhaps now Evie would get a different perspective on her predecessor.

‘I didn’t know her well, but you seem different from her. Felicity was part of a set – most of them weren’t my cup of tea at all. Talking of tea, can I top you up? Or offer you another scone?’

Evie declined. ‘I heard Felicity was very popular.’

Miss Helston raised her eyebrows. ‘Was she? I wouldn’t know, as I wasn’t part of that crowd. But I did hear she hated Penang. Terribly homesick for England. Some of the wives struggle to adapt here. Of course, it’s easy for me to say that, having spent most of my life here.’ She gave an apologetic smile. ‘But it’s hard to adjust if your heart is in another country. The climate can be trying for them – not just the heat and the humidity but the fact that it never changes. Always hot every day. Lots of the mems miss the seasons. And a few of them struggle to grasp even the few basic Malay phrases you need to get by here..’