The doctor’s words cut through Betsy’s heart. Bill was troubled. So very troubled. But she mustn’t go down that route, or she’d be lost. She’d remember the night he made love to her, before she realized she had her belly up. Yes, that would be her focus. How he danced in a silly fashion, showing how his leg was working so well. How he swung her round and round and they fell onto the sofa. How he kissed her and undressed her, telling her of his love for her, and expressing his thanks for the way she’d got him through everything. And how he never mentioned the rape, and she thought he’d come through the black patch that had taken him over that. Yes, she’d remember that night as the last night she’d known happiness with her Bill.

They walked towards the church gates. Roford stood on the pavement. He stepped forward. ‘Mags, may I speak with you, please?’

Dr Lange spoke before Mags could. ‘I don’t think that would be wise, as you have caused a lot of harm, Roford. You’ve broken lives since you arrived amongst us, and none of us want anything more to do with you. You will be hearing from Margaret’s solicitor.’

Roford’s face changed. Betsy thought she’d seen evil in him before, but now he was inhabited by the Devil himself. He raised his hand and within seconds an ambulance screeched round the bend. Two men jumped out and, on Roford’s instruction, grabbed Mags and dragged her towards the vehicle.

‘What the hell? Roford, what do you think you are doing? Tell those men they are to release Margaret at once. She is booked to return to the hospital tomorrow. Who are these men?’

‘They are orderlies. My wife is sick and needs to be in the asylum.’

Dr Lange dashed over to the men. ‘Let Mrs Roford go at once, do you hear me? I am her doctor and she is in my care.’

One of the men let go of Mags and looked at Dr Lange in astonishment. Mags saw her chance and pulled away from the other one. As Betsy saw him go to grab Mags again, she shouted, ‘Come on, our Ciss.’ Ciss didn’t need telling twice; she stood with Betsy in front of the men, and between them and Mags.

‘Look, Missus, I don’t knaw what’s going on here. We were called to pick up an escaped patient, that’s all. This gentleman came for us and told us his wife was sectioned and had escaped, and he knew where she was. I checked and he was telling the truth, so we came here.’

‘Well, you ain’t having her. She’s staying with Dr Lange, and that’s that. It’s all a lie, cooked up by him!’ Betsy turned, but Roford had gone. At that moment he needed to vanish, as the whole village had now crowded round, baying for blood.

‘Look, we don’t want any trouble. I’m sorry, Mrs Roford, we were only doing our job.’