‘Eeh, it sounds like sommat as should be in one of them mystery films that me hubby goes to watch. I can’t be doing with them meself. I like to go and see a Charlie Chaplin, as he makes me forget everything and have a good old laugh.’

‘I know, but I am telling the truth, Iris – please believe me. Would you consider going to see my doctor for me?’

‘By, lass, now you’re asking sommat. Look, tell me his name and I’ll think about it, but can I trust him? Is he likely to shop me to me boss, because I can’t lose this job. I can’t.’

‘No, Dr Lange would never do that. He’s known me since I was a little dot, and although he did help in a small way to get me in here, it was unconsciously.’ Mags told Iris then how the doctor who sectioned her had said he’d spoken to Dr Lange, and why Dr Lange would have believed Mags’s breakdown to be possible. ‘But if you go along to Dr Lange and tell him the truth of why I am in here, and that I am not ill in my mind, and tell him the lies Harold told, I know he will believe you and will help me.’

After a long pause Iris nodded. ‘I’ll do it. Aye, I may lose me job as a consequence, but I can’t stand by and watch what is happening to you any longer. Oh aye, it shouldn’t happen to anyone, sick or not, I knaws that. But all I can do for them as are really sick is me best to alleviate their suffering. But for you – well, I’ll try to put right the wrong that has been done to you.’

‘Oh, Iris, thank you.’ Impetuously Mags threw her arms around Iris and kissed her cheek. ‘I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me, Iris. I’ll help you all I can in return, I promise.’

‘I don’t want paying, lass. I’ve allus wanted a daughter and, if I had been lucky enough to have one, I would have liked her to be like you. And aye, if she got into trouble, I’d hope there was someone there to help her out.’

As they walked back towards the hospital building, Mags felt herself fill with hope. Surely Dr Lange will help me. Please, please make him do so.

Chapter Fifteen

Betsy stood with her sister, Ciss, on one side of her and Bill on the other. Bill leaned heavily on her arm, causing her shoulder to ache, but she didn’t mind. She’d support him for the rest of her days if she had to.

Three weeks had passed since the court case came to an end. Dr Lange and a host of neighbours and local shopkeepers had come forward to speak about Betsy’s character, although none of them were needed, once the surgeon who had operated on Bill gave his evidence. What he had to say about Mags having engaged him, and telling him that the bill was to go to her, collapsed the case against Betsy, as it destroyed the motive Roford had created for Betsy having come on to him. It wasn’t altogether clear whether or not the rape had happened, leaving a shadow over Betsy. But she knew that was par for the course, as very few people believed there was such a thing as rape; most thought the woman had wanted it, then changed her mind when it was too late for the man to stop. She could live with that, as those that mattered believed her story of events, even though they weren’t true.