‘Yes, I know. It’s all so shocking. But he did make a visit the other day. He told me he was reviewing my case, and that he was surprised to find me so coherent. And that if I made progress and stopped having episodes of the type that is regularly reported to him, then he might look at discharging me in a few months’ time. It was difficult not to scream that I didn’t have any episodes, and that he should look at the behaviour of the institution’s staff, but I kept calm and told him that I was feeling much better and thanked him. I thought if I did anything else, judging by how he reacted to everything when I first met him, he would say something like, “Typical behaviour of someone in self-denial.”’

Dr Lange smiled at this. ‘Haven’t lost your wit and sense of humour, I see. Good. Because you are going to need both qualities. Now, Iris said I could help you form your plans for your future, should we secure your release?’

Not liking the use of ‘should’, Mags wanted to plead with him to make it happen, but was afraid that any outburst would be misinterpreted. Kind as Dr Lange was, he would surely be looking for evidence that she really was sane.

‘I need you to go to my father’s solicitors. I will give you a signed request to hand over to them – that is, if you have anything for me to write with, and on.’

‘I do, as it happens. I brought a notebook in my case, for just such an event. I knew that what you would need me to do would require your written permission.’ While he had been talking, the doctor had rummaged in his attaché case. ‘There you are.’

‘Thank you. I’ll write the address on one sheet for you. Then the authority on another.’

With this done, Mags told the doctor of her plans.

‘Scotland! Good gracious, that was the last thing I expected you to say. But yes, you will be safe there, and I know the area; it is very beautiful.’

‘Yes, I know – but I intend to go to France first . . .’ Mags told him about Flors and her relationship to Harold. ‘Harold hasn’t a clue where she is, and neither does he care, or know that I am aware of Flors’s whereabouts.’

‘My God, Margaret, it all beggars belief. But I’m glad you have a friend like that. Though I – I, well, I will miss you, Margaret, as I have done while . . . Oh, I’m being an old fool. I think it is an excellent solution for you, and I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have one – and the means to put it into action. Our only obstacle is getting you out of here.’

‘Look, I want you to listen to me, and not think I truly am mentally deranged because of what I am going to say. If you cannot secure a discharge – and doing so is going to be very difficult, if Harold really is working to keep me in here – then I have to escape.’