‘Eeh, I’m out of breath, having to run over here. I’ve already run through the rain to get to work. But not long now, lass, afore I’ll never have to do it again.’

‘That depends on your message. Oh, Iris, please don’t say that David – I mean, Dr Lange – has changed his mind?’

‘Naw, but there has been a development. He’s put it in a note, but I daren’t give it to you. I feel increasingly that since the doctor visited I am being watched, so I read the note and will tell you about it, while looking as if I am trying to persuade you back in. So keep shaking your head and walking away from me while I do so.’

The first part of the message was just to tell Mags that all had gone smoothly with David’s visit to her solicitors, and they would have the money she requested ready for him in a couple of days. They sent a message wishing her luck and were glad to be of help to her. She knew she could trust them.

‘But sommat else happened, lass.’

Mags listened with growing incredulity to the tale of Susan, and what she’d told the doctor. Montel? Yes, she remembered him. And something lit inside her, at the thought of the Frenchman and his dark eyes, which seemed to pull her into his soul. But Montel declaring his love for her! She couldn’t believe it.

‘The doctor wants to know if you do have any feelings for this Montel, and if you want him involved in your rescue. For some reason that he can’t explain, he trusts Susan; and if you trust this Montel, then the doctor says he would feel safer if you had him by your side when you are travelling across France. Particularly as Montel is French.’

‘It’s preposterous, and I cannot understand David even giving any thought to this. For goodness’ sake, I only met Montel once. He’s married to my husband’s mistress! Yes, I did find him attractive and may have given him that impression, but you know what they say about Frenchmen: give them half a nod and they are in bed with you.’

‘Do they? Eeh, I didn’t knaw that. Maybe I can meet him and give him half a nod, as my old man is useless.’

Mags had to turn away, as this made her laugh out loud. ‘Oh, Iris. If they see me laughing . . .’

‘I knaw. Ha, I could double over. Fancy me saying owt like that, and me not having thought about sex in this good while.’

‘Stop it! Oh, Iris, you are funny. But if anyone sees us!’

‘Don’t worry, they all knaw me. I’m allus having them laughing – though I don’t talk of such things, never have done . . . It’s just, well, you feel more like a friend than a patient.’

‘I am, Iris. I will always remember you and I will never be able to thank you. You’ve made my life in here bearable. One day we will meet up again. Maybe you can come and visit me? Or I might be able to come back here. Who knows. I’m sure all that will happen to you is that you will be sacked, and you don’t mind that, do you?’