‘I do agree that would be the best solution, in a perfect world, David. But in my world there is an evil force, in Harold. Surely Harold would have to be consulted, and would need to agree to having me back home? He is never going to do that. Not now. He has everything he wanted: our family home, our business, even his mistress in situ.’

‘You know about that, too? I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be. As Iris said to me when she told me, knowledge is power; and knowing has made me even more determined to get away and start a new life. One that Harold can’t spoil.’

‘Yes. That’s what is needed, and I’m glad you have included Betsy in your plans, because her life will be made hell after Roford realizes that she must have helped you. I only hope she and Bill agree to go with you.’

‘I think she will, as Betsy only has her sister here now, and she’s of an age to get married and can care for herself. Besides, her sister will be welcome to visit whenever she likes, and I would help her to do so. I don’t think Harold knows anything about Betsy’s family, so she’ll be safe.’

‘Well, I think we gangsters had better get on with putting our plan into action then.’ At the mention of gangsters, they both laughed again, and this time Mags allowed herself to let go and bend over with the joy of bubbly laughter that made her side ache.

A tap on the door brought her back up. A male orderly entered. She didn’t think it was the one on nights, but fear of him still froze her. How much had he heard? And how did he get past Iris?

‘Oh, I heard a noise. I thought I’d check that you were all right, Mrs Roford.’

‘Yes, I’m fine, thank you.’

‘Good. Nice to see you have a visitor. I’m Michael, one of the orderlies who takes care of Mrs Roford. And you are?’

‘I’m a friend, Charles Boneham. Well, the father of a friend, as my daughter Shirley has been worried about Mrs Roford, so I said I would visit her. I’m sorry to see her as she is. I have managed to make her laugh by telling her about my daughter’s antics, but to see her so unkempt is very sad. Don’t you look after the patient’s personal welfare as well their mental health?’

‘I – I . . . well, it is difficult, as we have so many patients and so much to do, but I’ll note that you commented on it. I’ll leave you to it, but please don’t tire Mrs Roford. It is then that she has her worst episodes.’ Michael left the room.

‘That’s him! It must be, otherwise why would he say that I have episodes when I don’t? And although it was genius to pretend to be Shirley Boneham’s father, how will you get away with it? Don’t they know I am expecting a doctor to visit me?’