A Wartime Reunion at Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller

Author:Fenella J Miller [Miller, Fenella J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

Joanna couldn’t believe that a woman could be so desperate to have a title in the family that she’d stoop to a deception of this kind.

‘I’m not exactly sure what you expect me to do about this, Mr Hoskins.’

Mr Broome had other questions. ‘This is complete nonsense. This Stephen Harcourt was a member of the armed forces, that means that dozens, if not hundreds of people would have met him before he went to Dunkirk and whilst he was there. All they’ve got to do to disprove or prove this man’s an impostor is to get one of them to identify him.’

‘Believe me, Mr Broome, I tried to arrange this,’ Mr Hoskins said. ‘The man, who I think is indeed an impostor, is the same colouring and build as the man he’s impersonating. No one has been allowed to see him apart from his nurses and wife, which means there’s been no opportunity to ask him to identify himself.’

‘Then you must find the missing mother and sister. I doubt they’ll be prepared to perjure themselves and risk going to prison if this man is, in fact, not who they say he is.’

‘Now you have the nub of it, my dear sir, I cannot instigate such a search for fear of losing my position, but I’m hoping that you and Lady Harcourt will do so.’

Joanna considered this suggestion and then nodded. ‘Mr Hoskins, I’m prepared to finance the search…’ Then she heard the telephone jangling in the distance. ‘Excuse me, I must answer that as everybody else will be busy.’ She left the two men to discuss how the search should be conducted and she hoped they would come up with some sensible suggestions.

‘Goodwill House, Lady Harcourt speaking.’

‘Joanna, I expect you now know why this odd gentleman was coming to see you.’

‘Peter, I intended to ring you as soon as I had a moment. I’m so sorry…’

‘Sorry? What have you got to be sorry about?’ Peter said. ‘I don’t give a damn about the title – I didn’t want it anyway, as you know – but I do care that this could cause you difficulties.’

‘That’s not the worst of it.’ She quickly explained and he listened without comment.

‘Good god! In which case, I am concerned. If this Hoskins chap has asked you to search for the missing relatives, then the matter’s serious. I can’t get away as I’m snowed under at the moment with work. What I can do is use my position to speed up the search. As soon as I hear anything relevant, I’ll let you know.’

‘Have you told everybody that you’re no longer officially Lord Harcourt?’

Peter chuckled. ‘I’ve not used my title at work – I’ve got my rank and that’s more than enough. Don’t worry, Joanna, if this man’s an impostor, we’ll rout him out. Sorry, I’m expected at a meeting in ten minutes.’

The line went dead. She was left holding the receiver, not having, as far as she was concerned, finished the conversation. Thoughtfully, she replaced it in the cradle and returned to the study.

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