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then.” Thena watched as the lady stood to her full height, graceful and elegant in her pose. Although slight of build she gave off such inner peace and confidence that Thena could only admire her and wish she had such poise herself.
    “So you admit you were in Beckton, you did not find the employment you expected to and from there moved on.” She was staring out of the window, apparently deep in thought or mulling over the information she had just been given.
    “Yes, it is as I said.” Thena was beginning to feel quite anxious and slightly vexed. They had no right to keep her here.
    “No more?” The woman looked at her.
    “No more what?” Thena snapped and instantly regretted her haste.
    “You have nothing else to tell me, Miss Munro? Nothing else you would ask of me? Am I correct in assuming you have no intention of staying here?” She looked at Thena with a resigned expression that was in such a contrast to her original greeting, that Thena wondered why she should change so.
    “I wish to leave,” Thena stated emphatically.
    “Very well,” she said and nodded to the sister behind Thena who opened the door wide.
    “Thank you,” Thena said and took a step forward before taking two backwards. However, the nun stepped forward, stopping her from going around her, and Thena froze as a gentleman stepped into the room.
    “You know this man?” the mother superior asked, her voice almost suggesting she should think carefully before answering the question.
    Thena swallowed. She had been caught so easily in a God-made trap as punishment.
    “This is Mr Jerome Fender. I have met him once and indeed he has helped me from a fate worse than any I had previously encountered in my life. I owe the man thanks for my safety.” Thena stood straight and tried to keep the wobble from her voice as her body trembled from within.
    “You are indeed fortunate, for this gentleman has told me he has travelled all this way to come here seeking you out so that he is able to help you in your recent plight.” Mother Marisa looked sceptical, but stayed polite.
    Thena stared at him, not understanding if there was a game of words being played out around her or if he had really not told them that she had stolen the money from him. Perhaps, she thought, she should because if they would give her sanctuary then he couldn’t have her arrested. Perhaps his motive was different, more sinister.
    “Have you, Mr Fender?” she asked. “Is it your intention to help me and put right the grievous wrong that has befallen me and has seemingly drawn you into it as a result?”
    “I would be most interested to hear of your grievous wrongs, but perhaps we could leave the sisters in peace to their devotions, whilst we ascertain the depth of your problems. I do not see any point in involving them further,” he replied, not taking his eyes from hers. “Do you?”
    “Is this your wish, Miss Munro?” the mother superior asked.
    “I should not bother you further,” Thena replied and swallowed because her head and her heart were giving her conflicting advice.
    “Once you leave here you are beyond the protection and sanctuary of the abbey and my power.” She then addressed Jerome. “Mr Fender, you swear to me that you will take care of this lady and see that she is safe from harm’s way. Whatever her circumstance, I believe it is not of her making and would ask that a secure place of employment or a safe home be found for her.”
    “I will see that she is well cared for and that all wrongs are righted.” He looked straight at Thena. “You have my oath on that, lady,” he added.
    “Then leave with my blessing.” Mother Marisa waved her hand and the nun opened the door wide. Time for talk had ended, now she had to step out into the world with a man whom she had previously robbed.

 
     
    Chapter 5
     
    The minute they stepped outside the abbey grounds he cupped her elbow with his hand and removed her bag from her other one. Thena snapped out,