‘He said that then. But I waited too long, Lil, and now it’s too late. He’s engaged to someone else – a WAAF called Ruth.’
Lilian frowned. ‘That was a very fast engagement. He’s only been gone two months.’
Bobby gave a damp laugh. ‘It doesn’t take girls long to fall for Charlie Atherton.’
‘Are you sure he’s engaged? Who told you?’
‘Topsy.’
Lilian smiled dryly. ‘This would be the same Topsy who previously told you she was engaged to Charlie herself when there was no truth in it, would it?’
‘Well, yes, but she can’t be wrong this time. She said Charlie wrote to her and told her in as many words that he was engaged, and that he wanted her to put his new fiancée up when he comes home on leave so he can introduce her to Reg and Mary. That can’t be a misunderstanding, can it?’
‘Hmm. No, I suppose not,’ Lilian said. ‘But you ought to write to him, all the same.’
Bobby looked up at her. ‘I can’t, can I? He’s engaged, Lil. If I throw myself at him when he’s preparing to marry another woman, I’ll get nothing for my trouble but humiliation.’
‘I’d take the chance of humiliation if there was an equal chance of being happy. Supposing he only got engaged to this woman because he thought he couldn’t have you? Maybe he settled for her because you broke it off with him.’
‘I don’t think Charlie would get engaged to someone unless he loved them.’
Lilian looked thoughtful. ‘Unless… he had to get engaged,’ she said slowly. ‘As I said, it happened very quickly.’
Bobby felt a chill run down her spine. ‘You don’t mean…’
‘If she was in the family way. He’d want to do the right thing by her then, I suppose. He seemed like the honourable sort.’
‘Oh, I wish you hadn’t said that.’ Bobby gave an involuntary shiver. ‘If that’s what it is then I can’t write to him, can I? He’d have to marry this other girl whether he loved her or not, and I’d be a pretty terrible person to want to stand in the way.’
Lilian shrugged. ‘I only say it’s a possibility. It might just as well be heartbreak leading him to make impulsive decisions. You said he was impulsive.’
‘What would I say if I did write?’
‘Just tell him calmly and rationally what your feelings are and gently hint that if he were to ask you the same question again, he’d get a different answer. You don’t need to let on that you know anything about this Ruth. I don’t see what’s so humiliating about that.’
‘You really think I should?’
‘I would, if I were you.’ She looked up at the sound of the front door being opened downstairs. ‘I wonder if that’s Dad. I need a word with him about something when he gets here.’
‘What is it?’ Bobby managed a smile. ‘You haven’t found a potential husband you want him to give his blessing to?’
‘No, nothing like that. It isn’t important, really.’
‘You haven’t got any irons in the fire then, husband-wise?’
‘There is a young officer I’m keen on,’ she admitted. ‘Lieutenant John Cartwright. Handsome, wealthy, and sweet too. I’m waiting for him to ask me for a date, but he’s rather shy. At this rate I’m going to have to make Mam turn in her grave by asking him, like some sort of fast woman.’
Bobby shuffled to look at her. ‘Let’s go out tonight, shall we, Lil? Me and you, just like the old days. I’m so sick of worrying about Charlie and the war, and being unhappy. I’d give anything to forget all my troubles for a night. There’s bound to be a dozen dances to choose from in Tide week.’
Lilian massaged her temples. ‘I can’t tonight. Sorry, Bobby.’
‘Are you badly? You do look pale.’
‘No.I’ve got a date, that’s all.’
‘A date! I thought you were holding out for Lieutenant Cartwright.’
She shrugged. ‘A girl has to have a little fun while she’s waiting, doesn’t she?’
