It was then she realised Nathalie’s embrace had not been so enthusiastic. Odile took a step back, holding her at arm’s length. Panic swept through her as she took in Nathalie’s grim expression. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Odile, I can’t tell you now. You have to trust me. You do trust me, don’t you?’ whispered Nathalie, holding on to Odile’s hands.
‘Of course I do. I’d trust you with my life.’
Nathalie nodded. ‘Good, because I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. I need you to get your things and come with me.’
‘What?’ Odile almost laughed at the suggestion but then realised Nathalie was deadly serious. ‘Get my things? Where are we going?’
‘I haven’t got time to explain.’
‘Nathalie, you’re scaring me.’
‘Odile, you have to trust me.’
‘But we’re just preparing tea. The children will be home from school soon,’ began Odile, but seeing the desperation increase in her cousin’s expression, she began to understand just how serious it must be. Worse still, she could see the fear in Nathalie’s eyes. ‘Can I say goodbye to the children?’
Nathalie shook her head. ‘There’s no time.’
‘Odile! Who is it?’ came Barbara Bertram’s voice from the kitchen.
‘You can’t tell her,’ hissed Nathalie.
‘But if it’s so bad, then she needs to know. It’s not just me who is hiding here,’ said Odile.
‘Oh, Nathalie, what a surprise,’ said Barbara, walking down the hall towards the front door. ‘Do come in. I didn’t realise you were coming today.’
‘No, I didn’t have time to tell you,’ said Nathalie.
Barbara stood at Odile’s side, her gaze switching back and forth between the cousins. ‘Is this something I should be concerned about?’
Odile looked at Nathalie, who gave a small nod. ‘Someone is coming for me and Odile.’
Only the small raise of her eyebrows belied Barbara’s concern at this. ‘Do you have an exit plan?’
‘Not an official one, but once we’re safe, I can let the right people know,’ said Nathalie.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Certain.’
‘Odile has to come with me now,’ said Nathalie.
Odile swallowed. She didn’t think she’d ever felt so torn. In the few short weeks she’d been at Bignor Manor, she’d grown so close to the Bertrams, the thought of leaving the safety of the family troubled her.
‘Does Odile want to go?’ asked Barbara, looking at her guest.
Odile dropped her gaze to the ground before looking back up at Barbara. ‘I have to. I can’t put you and the children at risk, or the other guests.’
‘That bad, is it?’ said Barbara.
‘Yes.’
‘I can get you help,’ said Barbara.
‘No. We can’t wait. We need to leave,’ insisted Nathalie. ‘As soon as it’s safe, I’ll bring Odile back.’
Odile wanted to cry, but she knew she didn’t even have time for that. Whatever was happening was happening now, not tomorrow, next week or some vague time in the future, it was imminent. She rushed upstairs to grab her case, stuffing what she could into it. She had no idea how long she’d be away from Bignor Manor but as she stopped in the doorway to hug Barbara Bertram goodbye, she wished with all her heart it would be very soon.
