The twins were drooping with exhaustion by then. They didn’t look as if they had had a bath or their hair washed since they had gone missing but for tonight all Kathy wanted to do was see them safely tucked up in their own little beds with full bellies. They looked as if they had lost a little weight to her. There would be time for baths and more explanations the next day.

They received a rapturous greeting when they arrived back at Treetops, even little Peggy had been allowed to stay up to see them and everyone cried tears of joy at their safe return.

Cook had prepared a large pan of nourishing chicken soup and despite being tired the twins tucked into it ravenously.

‘They’re beautiful children,’ Miss Blake commented later as Sunday led her to the cosy room Edith had made ready for her.

‘Yes, they are,’ Sunday agreed. ‘But then they’re my grandchildren so I may be a little biased. It’s been a very difficult time for all of us.’

‘I can imagine.’ Miss Blake nodded sympathetically.

Sunday opened the door of the bedroom and turned to clasp Miss Blake’s hand. ‘Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts,’ she said, tears in her eyes.

Miss Blake smiled gently. ‘I’m just happy to have been able to help.’

Sunday squeezed the woman’s hand then turned and walked away. For the first night in weeks she knew that she would sleep like the dead.

Despite the late hour, in London, Ben was striding towards the deserted docks. Once his mind had cleared, he had spent the afternoon writing letters that he had then delivered to the bank where his money was deposited and to his solicitors.

When he arrived at the docks, he stood for a time watching the many different-shaped boats bobbing up and down on the water. As he stood there, he felt the first flakes of snow begin to fall and he realised with a little jolt that it would soon be Christmas. Suddenly he was remembering the snowy Christmases past at Treetops. He could see himself and the family opening their presents beneath the tree and sledging in Hartshill Hayes with his father. He could almost taste the delicious Christmas dinners they used to have and hear the carol singers that would come to the door of Treetops for hot punch and mince pies. Then he pictured his beloved Maggie waddling about, so happy and excited as she awaited the birth of their child. It all seemed so long ago now, and those happy times could never come again. And it was all his own fault.