Chapter 1.11 extract

The ringing telephone interrupted her racing thoughts. She picked up the receiver. “Who is it?” she said into the mouthpiece. “For God’s sake, why are you calling me at a time like this?”

After a moment’s pause she heard Ogden’s voice. “Is that you, Charlotte? Are you all right?”

“I’m sorry,” she stammered. “I was sleeping. I think I was having a bad dream.”

“I shouldn’t have called you this late.”

“I’m glad you did.” She drew in a shuddering breath. “I’m at the airport,” Ogden said. “On my way to Munich to conduct a concert of my flute and oboe concerto.” “Oh, that’s wonderful,” she said in a bright, singsong voice. “That’s just marvellous.”

Ogden hesitated, then said slowly, “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I’m perfectly fine,” she said quickly. “I don’t think so.” He waited.

“No,” she said after a pause. “No—I’m not.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I think I saw an angel, Ogden. It was in the drawing room, close enough to touch. Am I going crazy? Will I be put away?”

“You’re under tremendous stress,” Ogden told her. “Get your doctor to prescribe a sedative.”

“I won’t tell my doctor anything,” Charlotte said. “He’ll have me put away. I know he will.”

“He’ll do nothing of the kind. He’s simply there to help you.”