There isn't much time. Robbie has to report for duty at six and he's got a train to catch. So sit down. There are some things you're going to do for us.

[Briony and Cecilia sit in the kitchen. Robbie leans on the table, looming over them]

You'll go to your parents as soon as you can and tell them everything they need to know to be convinced that your evidence was false. You'll go and see a solicitor and make a statement and have it signed and witnessed and send copies to us. Is that clear?

Yes.

Then you'll write a detailed letter to me, explaining everything that led up to you saying you saw me by the lake.

Try and include whatever you can remember of what Danny Hardman was doing that night.

Hardman?

Yes!

It wasn't Danny Hardman. It was Leon's friend, Marshall.
[Cecilia and Robbie look at her, astonished] :Cecilia: I don't believe you.

He's married Lola; I've just come from their wedding.

[Silence. Finally, Robbie exhales the breath he's been holding, Cecilia looks across at him]

Lola won't be able to testify against him now. He's immune.

[Robbie straightens up and turns away, grappling with a riot of emotions; silence; finally, Briony stands up and speaks, very formal]

I'm very, very sorry for the terrible distress that I have caused. I'm very, very sorry.

Just do as I have asked of you. Write it all down. Just the truth. No rhymes, no embellishments, no adjectives. And then leave us be.

I will. I promise.