Play@YSDC

Phyllis looks at the old tailor doubtfully, “Don’t let us forget that the Steadmans want to capture Anna and Elizabeth for some, likely nefarious, reason. Anna should have some strong support; perhaps Archie’s team as they are chasing the Steadmans anyway.”

Benjamin looks a bit crestfallen and sighs. "You're probably right... I'm no longer as young as I think I am..."

Archie nods. "Benjamin, you have proved your bravery already, although your scissor work leaves something to be desired. Having said that, I'd be more than happy to be Anna's aide-de-camp."

Archie still looks sick from his earlier revelation and seems keen to get the blood pumping again.

Phyllis pats Benjamin’s arm, “Don’t worry, Mr Klein, you’ve already given them a run for their money but we mustn’t lose anyone else to their grim machinations; safety in numbers as the Women’s Institute always says. In as far as the East End is concerned anyhow.”

'Well, that is settled then' says Anna and she heads back to the ward to check on Mrs Steadman.

Archie follows Anna.

“Before you go, Anna, can you arrange for Eugene and the home guard to share a room tonight and allow me to stay with them?” Says Phyllis.

'Of course, I will have a word with matron' says Anna. 'We may need to say that you are close relative and I feel your presence will help to assuage his anxiety while he settles in'.

Eugene nods. “I really appreciate you putting yourself in danger like this Phyllis. Just make sure you have a battery torch, some matches and anything you can make some kind of light with. If that thing comes back, light is our only hope.”

Phyllis rummages around in her vast handbag and pulls out a hurricane lamp. “I hope this will be enough!” She says with a smile and then sniffs, “Oh dear, I seem to have got paraffin on my knitting!”

"I swear that handbag is like the TARDIS," Brook whispered to Elizabeth. "It must be bigger on the inside."

Elizabeth suppressed a laugh. When she had control over her features again, she spoke. "It's still morning, and the Steadmans aren't meeting until this evening. We shouldn't waste the rest of the day. What are we going to do in the meantime?"

Anna led Archie and Phyllis back up to the ward and spoke to the matron. "It shouldn't be a problem for your new patient to share a room with the sergeant," she said. "They both require light, so that way none of the other patients are disturbed. Of course, if the sirens go again tonight we'll have to move everyone to the basement again anyway. Jerry's come every night so far; I can't see him letting up now. Of course, we keep it well lit, so there's no worry there." She frowned at Anna's request for Phyllis to spend the night. "It's a bit unorthodox, even if she is his aunt. I don't know..."

OOC,[b]Archie[/b], [b]Phyllis[/b], or [b]Anna[/b] may roll Persuade.

Persuade 70,[dice]0[/dice]

“My dear, I’ve spent many a night in my long life watching over an invalid; I’m with the WI you know. Besides, it will one less job for you nurses to do.” Replies Phyllis.

"Oh," said the matron, brightening. "Well, that's all right, then."

Archie nods, satisfied with arrangements.

"Well, Anna, shall we attempt to extract Mrs Steadman and drive her home?"

Anna laughs nervously, 'I don't think we can put it off any longer Reverend. Is anyone going to follow us? We will probably head straight to the car with Mrs Steadman so be ready.'

Archie straightens his shoulders and stands as tall as a very short chaplain can.

"Right, once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more." He heads in to find Mrs Steadman.

Anna returns to Mrs Exeter's room. 'I can drop you back home now Mrs Steadman, I have a few errands to run in town with the good Reverend Pennyfeather.'

“Look after yourself, Reverend,” says Phyllis to Archie as he heads up the stairs, “Telephone when you can and let us know when you have some news.”

Archie gives Phyllis a cheery half-salute. "Of course. Now stay safe, all of you."

Madeline was ready to leave when Archie and Anna returned to the ward. She bade her mother farewell, promising to visit again tomorrow, and went with them downstairs and outside.

OOC,[b]Archie[/b] and [b]Anna[/b] are moving to the thread linked below:

The Ride Back

OOC,Everyone else is moving to the thread linked below:

A Day at the Asylum