EDWINA STORCH was outside by suspect means, people whispered. She had parlayed a dead Finnish mother into a Free National passport and revoked her English citizenship. Mary Winkle had been corralled and sent to Stanley and Edwina sent her provisions as often as she could.
Spotting her on the street, Trudy went over to say hello. She had always had a soft spot for the idea of Edwina, although she had heard odd stories about her tenure at Glenealy Primary. She had apparently wielded her authority with a bit too much enthusiasm and not enough oversight. There had also been a story about a boy who had ended up in the hospital after a too vigorous disciplinary action, but that had been hushed up. He had been Eurasian, the father an English civil servant, the mother a local Chinese mistress, preferred but not legitimate. He hadn’t returned to the school.
“You’re out too?”
“Yes, thanks to my dear, departed mother. Finland.”
“Any way you can. It’s dreadful everywhere though, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but your relative Victor Chen has been very helpful to me. He has the magic touch and can procure anything!”
Trudy’s face darkened.
“For the right price, I’m sure. I’m glad he’s been helpful to someone.”
“You’re cousins, aren’t you?”
“Not exactly. I’m related to his wife, Melody. She’s in California right now. She’s going to have the baby there.”
Edwina’s eyes flickered down to Trudy’s own swollen belly.
“That works out well, I suppose.” Miss Storch lowered her voice. “Until everything here gets worked out, I mean.”
“Yes, well,” Trudy said. “I suppose it will all work out, won’t it?”
“Of course,” said the headmistress.
“Well,” Trudy said. “I hope I will see you around in this strange new world of ours. I’m just on my way to meet Dominick for lunch.”
“Give him my best,” the old lady said. “Yes, we will all get by.”
Trudy watched Edwina Storch walk away, with an odd look on her lovely face.