Chapter 4
“Can’t you see we’re not needed or wanted here? None of our business, Les, just as this nice woman implied.”
“Nice,” Leslie muttered under his breath. “Lovely child. Not so lovely—”
“Mother,” the woman said from behind them. “I’m sorry. It’s been a… Well, I’ve had worse days, I su’pose.”
“We didn’t mean to intrude,” Leslie said. “Really, we didn’t.”
“I know. I’m Mrs. Jenkins and it’s nice to meet you.” She held out her hand. “Haven’t seen either of you in the village before, but it doesn’t mean anything. With so much to do inside these days, I rarely get out of the house.”
Leslie introduced himself and then Edward. “You were right. Really can’t be too careful who you let into your home, especially in wartime. I understand.” He looked at Edward. “We both do.”
Mrs. Jenkins followed the men outside and then closed the door behind them. “Ilsa isn’t my daughter. I’m her foster mother.”