This frightened Mags, and beside her David shifted in his seat. ‘Mrs Roford is a born campaigner, in particular where women’s issues are concerned, so you had better watch out, Jenkins – she has a nasty bark when she is roused.’

Mags took the hint. ‘I’m sorry, Doctor, I know how difficult it must be. Maybe the staff can be cautioned to be a little less heavy-handed, though?’

‘I will look into your allegations. Now, I think we will bring this to a close. I am satisfied that you are now recovered and of sound mind. And I discharge you as of today, with no further treatment advised.’

Mags gave a sigh of relief. Happiness flooded through her; and yes, it did contain a feeling of victory over Harold, but she felt she deserved such an emotion.

‘Good. I will take my patient home with me as soon as you have the paperwork ready, Doctor.’

With this agreed, the doctor left them.

‘Margaret, you were very naughty. You reminded me so much of your mother, and she would be proud of you. But we cannot change the world in one fell swoop. So please stop trying – not altogether, just in situations where it is better to keep quiet.’

Mags didn’t agree with this comment, but she bit her tongue, rather than get into a debate about the issues facing women. She could never forgive David for having neither condoned nor condemned Harold’s treatment of Susan. But she said nothing. For the moment she was wallowing in being truly free. She couldn’t wait to get back to London and tell Montel.

At the solicitors’ office she received further good news.

‘We will begin to have Mr Roford’s power of attorney over you rescinded immediately. Now, are you thinking of divorce, Mrs Roford? I have to caution you that it is a lengthy and costly business and may not end how you would hope, but if you are willing to go through with it, it is possible you will get half of all the marital assets. However, it is rare for that to happen. You are most likely to be given a settlement dictated by Mr Roford.’

‘I would like a divorce. My marriage has been a sham and a means for my husband to steal all that my father built up.’

The solicitor looked astonished at this. ‘They are very strong words, Mrs Roford, and wouldn’t stand well in a divorce court. It is understood – and acceptable – that many marriages are made for gain.’

‘Yes, in an open way that is discussed beforehand and agreed, as in a dowry; but my marriage wasn’t conducted in this way. Mr Roford wooed me with declarations of love. I had no reason to doubt his motives, as he had come into a substantial sum of money, but he isn’t an honest man. He is a greedy man and is reckless, where money is concerned. He soon spent most of his inheritance and needed a source of income. I provided that for him, but the moment he had it, his philandering knew no bounds. His mistress lives in my house with him and he has made one of my staff pregnant.’