Montel is right. Betsy is a victim. As I am, and Bill and my poor daddy, and Flors, and yes, Susan. We’re all victims of the evil that is Harold.

‘Thank you, Montel, you have made the picture clear. There are many victims of Harold’s evil, and we must not let him divide us. We have to stick together. I cannot imagine life without Betsy. And you must still have Susan in your life, too, as she has meant so much to you.’

‘She haz been my saviour. But I have zee good newz.’

At the end of telling her his news, that today he had confirmation that he’d gained his pardon, Mags cried out with joy. ‘Oh, how? That’s wonderful.’

‘It iz because of Sibbie. She relies on me, and it looks pozzible that she may do so for the rest of her life. My conscience was too much for me. I thought of what would happen to her, if it iz that I am suddenly found. Better that I leave her now, and Susan iz forced to take care of her, or Sybil goes into a home for unwanted and orphaned children. And zo I went along to the French Embassy a week ago, to hand myself in. But I found that my case had been looked at again. With the war won, and further evidence taken from my fellow men, it haz been judged that, far from being executed as a traitor, I am to be honoured as a hero for saving the lives of my men. I have been awarded the highest medal for bravery, the Légion d’honneur. I can regain my French citizenship, if I zo wish, and can arrange to have my medal presented whenever I am ready. And all thiz iz down to Susan. She had the faith in me to save me. We have never been more than the very best of friends who share a flat. I will always be ready to help her. I love her az a dear friend.’

‘Oh, Montel, I’m so pleased. I know how terrible it is to be a fugitive. And I know what it is to have such a friend as Susan. I have that in Betsy, but now I have let her down. I have walked away when she needed me most. How can I ever make that right?’

‘But of course you can. Your reaction is natural, and is what Betsy knew would happen. She iz probably thinking of leaving tomorrow. You must go back to her and give her your understanding – not forgiveness; don’t make her feel that she needs that, az she will try all her life to be sure she haz that. But tell Betsy there iz nothing to forgive. That you realize that now. Tell her how she iz a victim az much as you are, and that you will help each other.’

‘Oh, Montel, you are so wise. So wonderful. I love you.’

‘My Mags, my beautiful Mags.’