25: Fliss

Educational. It’s an educational trip. Yes.

I haven’t asked permission. I haven’t given warning. I haven’t sat in the headmistress’s study and been lectured. I feel that in this instance the element of surprise is crucial.

“Mrs. Phipps?” Mrs. Hocking puts her head round the door of the classroom. “You wanted to see me?”

“Ah, hello.” I smile as confidently as I can. “Yes. Just a small matter. I’m going to have to take Noah out of school for a few days. To a Greek island. It will be very educational.”

“Ah.” She frowns off-puttingly. “I’m afraid you’ll have to ask permission from the headmistress—”

“I understand.” I nod. “Unfortunately, I don’t have time to ask the headmistress, as I understand she’s away today.”

“Really? When were you planning to go?” “Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Mrs. Hocking looks aghast. “But we only started term two days ago!”

“Ah yes.” I act surprised, as though this hadn’t occurred to me. “Well, I’m afraid it’s an emergency.”

“What sort of emergency?”

A honeymoon-connec