It was all Alice could do to keep the tea in her mouth. “No, Mr. Jardine. They are strong healthy women.” She forced a smile. “From what age do you take the children?”

“Any age—babies, toddlers, even newborns. Mothers who lose a baby are grateful for one they can have straightaway, takes away the pain . . . although it’s not always a good idea.”

She looked at him with a placid expression, hoping her contempt didn’t show. “Why?”

“Some of them can be poorly.”

“And what happens to them?”

“We had one on the south coast recently, only a few days old, and she got quick sick,” he said offhandedly.

Alice grew cold as his words registered, and she had to stop herself from flying across the room at him.

“We’ve only ever had a couple that haven’t made it, though.” He frowned. “Here, you’ve gone quite pale, Miss Jones. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. It’s just . . . one of the babies,” she said, swallowing a mouthful of bile, “the mother is family. My cousin, actually—it just brings it home, that’s all,” and she looked beseechingly at Joe.

“I’m sure that little blighter pulled through, Sarah,” he said, focusing his attention on Sidney. “Mr. Jardine knows how to look after them.”

“Not me, the carers. They’re as good as gold. And yes, that little blighter pulled through. Don’t you worry, we sent her to a safe place in north London. She’s almost well enough to leave. Almost.” He smiled.

It took all Alice’s will not to swallow again or look away; instead, she forced herself to congratulate him on his good work, since flattery seemed to help loosen his tongue.

“That’s marvelous, Mr. Jardine. You’re doing a stellar wartime service, if you don’t mind me saying,” she said, smiling at him and then across at Joe.

“See, I told you,” Joe said, his eyes crinkling as he smiled back, and she knew why he’d managed to be so successful at playing his role.

“Well,” Sidney said as he glanced at his watch, “it was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Jones, and please give Joe your number. I’ll be in touch—I think we can help that cousin of yours, for starters. Then let’s see how we go.”

Visualizing Ursula standing next to her was the only thing that stopped her legs from buckling as she shook Sidney’s hand and said good-bye.

Neither she nor Joe spoke as they descended the stairs, and she floated like a phantom across the gardens to the car. It was only once the car door was shut that she finally broke down, sobbing uncontrollably as fear and disgust collided, and the stress and hopelessness of the past few months were finally released.