Page 136 of Strangers in Time

“What!” said Oliver as he clutched the phone with both hands. “I… I knew that she had done so in Cornwall, but I had no idea it was onyourgrounds.”

“If by chance you’ll be accompanying Miss Wakefield, I can tell you about it when you get here.”

“Yes, yes, of course. But why didn’t you contact me before now?”

“I knew her name, but nothing else about her until I saw it on the letterhead. And I didn’t know that you were her husband until Miss Wakefield just told me.”

“But can’t you tell me about it now?”

“I think it would be far better to do so in person. Safe travels.”

Dr. Stephens rang off, and Oliver slowly put the phone down.

“What did he say?” asked Charlie.

“Just that he knew some things about Imogen, and how she died,” he said vaguely. “He’ll tell me when we get there.”

“Blimey,” exclaimed Charlie, while Molly stared anxiously at Oliver.

The thoughts rushing through Oliver’s mind were both vague and unsettling. He knew that Imogen had jumped to her death. But learning that Imogen had killed herself on the Institute grounds? The same place where Molly’s mother currently was a patient? It seemed too stark of a coincidence, but then again, if Imogen had been seeking help? She had loved that part of England and perhaps the Institute was the only such facility in the area. But if she had sought help there, why had she ended up taking her own life?

He looked at Molly and said apologetically, “I’m sorry, my mind was just in a muddle. What did he say about your mother?”

“She asked to see me. It doesn’t look like she has very long now.”

“Then wemustthink of a way to get there and we will! I can check the trains again, or perhaps a bus—”

Charlie slapped his forehead. “Wait a mo’!”

“What is it, Charlie?” exclaimed Molly.

Charlie ran up the steps and was back down in a jiffy.

“We can drive there,” he said breathlessly.

“Drive? In what?” said Molly.

Charlie held up two keys. “In your Singer, that’s what.”

Oliver immediately rang Major Bryant and explained the situation. The major was able to arrange official travel papers necessary to get them to Cornwall, and a map with directions. He got the car and garage keys from Charlie and sent off a couple of men to fill the Singer with petrol, pump up its tires, and make sure the motorcar was in good working order. They then delivered the Singer to The Book Keep later that morning.

Bryant had added a caveat to their travel plans. “At this point in the war, and on that part of the coast, no one can move about freely without complications. Thus, if you do get stopped, Ignatius, these papers may not be enough. So be prepared to talk your way past any questions.”

Oliver closed up shop, and Charlie had rung the postal office and gotten time off by telling Mr. Benedict that his mum was sick. Molly had already gone to the clinic and explained things to Matron Tweedy, who was very supportive and wished her the best.

“I just assumed it was destroyed in the bombing,” Molly said, as they loaded their luggage and provisions into the Singer. “How did you know it wasn’t, Charlie, and why did you have the key?”

“I slept in it some, and I nicked the key so’s nobody could nick the car.”

“Well done, you,” said Oliver enthusiastically.

“Can you drive a motorcar, Mr. Oliver?” asked Molly as he settled behind the wheel.

“At Oxford I learned to drive my brother’s little Austin Seven. And Imogen’s father had a Bentley. He didn’t like to drive, so he let me do the chauffeuring. I think I can get the hang of this in short order.”

Oliver started the car and they drove off with only a limited gnashing of gears.

“When Imogen and I traveled to Cornwall we went by train, Molly. So you can be my navigator, as it were.”

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