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‘If the door’s locked, there might be a bit of an ‘oldup,’ Spry interrupted unexpectedly, ‘but it ain’t the end o’ the world. More important to know ‘ow many bodies are inside and where the kids are bein’ eld.’

Gladys nodded, ‘If they turn me out on me ear, I’ll try an’ get wot I can aforehand.’ She paused, turning back to Billy. ‘Get yer self a bit grubby like afore we go,’ she told him. ‘An’ don’t put yer Sunday best on - you look like yer goin’ ter yer own bloody funeral.’

‘How are we going to explain all these comings and goings to the innkeeper?’ Charlotte interrupted. ‘We can’t all simply vanish without any explanation. If we do, we’ll be remembered when Jacob White comes looking - as he undoubtedly will. The fact that there are so many of us is already likely to set tongues wagging.’

‘I’ve been thinking about that,’ Ben answered, ‘and I really think we’re going to have to relocate tomorrow morning, as soon as Gladys, Billy and Arnold have gone.’

‘And you thought to mention this when?’ Charlotte snapped.

‘We’ve only just arrived,’ Alex reasoned. ‘Won’t the innkeeper think it strange?’

‘Better that than he observes us skulking around in the dark,’ Ben retorted. ‘My suggestion is that we tell him of an unexpected need to return home. Then we take the lunchtime train back to Yatton. It’s much bigger than Axbridge, and our activities are not going to attract as much attention. If all goes according to plan, we won’t be needing overnight accommodation, but we’ll go somewhere to have an early dinner before seemingly going our separate ways. Once it begins to get dark, we’ll assemble at pre-arranged points around the Grange and go onto the next part of the plan.

‘So, what reason should we give the innkeeper?’ Bernie asked.

‘Well, given that the cost of obtaining transport to take us back to where we started is likely to run into pounds, we could quite feasibly inform the innkeeper that we’re running out of funds,’ Charlotte declared bluntly.

‘The cost of this whole business will not be borne by you and Henry alone,’ Rhys reassured her. ‘We’ll all play our part.’ He looked over at Ben and Rob, who both offered decisive nods.

‘We ain’t got much, but I reckon me an’ Arnold’ll do our bit,’ Gladys added.

Looking round, Charlotte felt an uncharacteristic lump in her throat, and for the first time in years, actually found herself on the verge of tears. Waving Ben to continue, she looked down and began rummaging inside her reticule, mumbling about something in her eye.

‘In fairness, Charlotte’s excuse will likely see the innkeeper more than eager to wave us out of the door,’ Ben commented wryly, ‘And it’s always advisable to have a sliver of truth in any narrative.’

‘Have you already worked out the next part of the plan?’ Henry asked brusquely. If truth be told, he was feeling just a little miffed, despite the certain knowledge that he was far too old in the tooth to consider the minutiae of such a challenging mission. Once upon a time, it would have been different…

Ben understood perfectly, but now was not the time for competing egos. ‘I have the outline of one,’ he answered, ‘but it needs far more than my input.’ He took a deep breath, then told them how he believed they would rescue thirty-eight orphaned children…

‘Before we go any further, let me make one thing clear - there’ll be no barking irons,’ Ben stressed ‘I won’t ask if anyone is carrying a pistol, that’s your affair. But I believe the dangers of using it outweigh the benefits on a mission such as this. The entire plan rests on us being able to go in with none the wiser. The sound of gunshot will attract exactly the kind of attention we don’t want…’ He stopped, half expecting protests from their newest recruits, but no one made any objection, and he suspected all four knew full well the problems that came with using fire arms.

‘Last light should be around nine p.m.,’ he predicted, ‘so I suggest we wait for another half an hour then go in through the breach in the north wall. We’ll need to watch our step, firstly because by that time the light will be almost entirely gone, but more importantly, there’s a chance someone in the folly’s using the breach - likely as a shortcut. I’m hoping there’s much less chance of bumping into anyone once it’s dark.’ He paused, gathering his thoughts.

‘I’m thinking it should be me, Rhys and Rob, along with Jem to deal with the dogs, and Spry to deal with any locked doors.’

‘Dogs is easy,’ Jem commented comfortably, ‘if you knows wot yer doin’ an’ ain’t squeamish about a bit o’ raw liver.’ He gave a sudden grin, adding, ‘An you’ve got the presence o’ mind to lace it wi’ a tot o’ Godfrey’s cordial...’

‘In the meantime, if they don’t throw me out, I’ll do me damndest to find out ‘ow many are inside and where the babes are ‘idden,’ Gladys reiterated. ‘I’m ‘opin they’ll ‘ave put Billy wi’ the others by nightfall, so wi’ a bit o’ luck I’ll be able to lead you straight to ‘em. Where d’you want us to meet you and wot time?’

‘If all goes well, we should reach the backyard by ten. There are two outbuildings - both full of stores. We’ll meet up in the one on the left as you face it.’ Glady’s nodded. ‘If I ain’t there, I’m ‘avin tea an’ toast wi’ old Nick.’

‘And what is it you think I should be doing?’ Henry snapped, ‘Guarding the smelling salts?’

‘I’ll need you with Arnold at the front gate,’ Ben answered evenly. ‘The man there will need to be silenced. If he suspects anything and manages to get to the main house, we’re done for.’

‘I don’t hold with killing a man,’ Henry growled.

‘That’s why I’d prefer you to be with Arnold,’ Ben answered drily, ‘Since he’s the one likely to be doing the silencing. Once the guard’s no longer a problem, I’d like both of you to get as close to the folly as you deem prudent and wait in case you’re needed.’

‘And the rest of us?’ Charlotte asked.

‘You’ll head for the front gate along with Henry but keep out of sight until the guard has been dealt with. Once he’s been silenced, you wait.

‘We can’t be certain we’ll succeed in taking control of the folly, and you’ll need to remain ready in the event we have to make a speedy retreat. It will need all of us to shepherd thirty-eight children… and I’ve no intention of leaving anyone behind.’

‘Before I left Paignton, I told Albert and Evans to bring the two carriages,’ Rhys repeated. ‘But they’re unlikely to arrive in time to be of any use tomorrow.’

Ben nodded in understanding. ‘Nevertheless, it was an excellent idea and one I confess I never even considered. But since we can’t be sure they’ll be here in time, we’ll have to discount them - at least for the moment.’