‘Then you do understand why we want to keep my sister safe from that path. There’s folk who love her back home and we’d give owt to make sure she’s safe. If she comes in, please would you telephone Edward as quickly as you can? We could be here within twenty minutes.’

Ellen’s heartfelt plea convinced the pawnbroker’s daughter. ‘I’ll do what I can. I’ll write down what you’ve told me so I won’t forget, and I’ll tell my father, too.’

‘Thank you … thank you so much, Miss Simmonds. I’m very grateful.’

‘I’d better take your number, please, Miss Simmonds,’ said Edward.

She gave it to him and then Ellen and Edward left and walked to the station to get the train home, feeling that their afternoon had been largely a complete waste of time, with only the merest glimmer of hope at the end from the helpful Miss Simmonds.

The following day Ellen took the books of spells to show to Betty Travers.

‘How’s your mum, love?’ asked Betty, showing Ellen in. ‘I was right glad to be able to lend an ear yesterday. It’s a hard time for her – and for you – what with your father and now Gina.’

‘She’s trying her best to keep cheerful, but she’ll be back at work at the Hall tomorrow and that’ll be hard for her, what with James Stellion …’

‘You’re right, Nell. It’s a bad do.’

Ellen went into the little sitting room and sat down on the sofa as Betty indicated.

‘Reg is bell-ringing at the church so we won’t be disturbed,’ she smiled.

‘Thank you, Mrs Travers. After I saw you, Uncle Tom and I went to see what we could find in her room yesterday afternoon that might tell us anything at all. We found summat we thought the police should see, but also this book. I haven’t shown Mum because I know it’d upset her.’ She pulled the book out of her satchel. ‘It’s exactly what you said about Gina needing to follow some instructions to cast a spell. Here’s what looks like a whole book of instructions.’

‘Let me see, love.’

Betty took the book and read the title page very carefully, then turned the page and read slowly and thoroughly. The spelling was obscure and she was a practical rather than a scholarly woman. Ellen sat silently and waited.

After many minutes, when she had read quite a few pages at the beginning and then a few in the middle, and then more towards the end, Betty looked up at Ellen.