‘I don’t understand what that has to do with our evacuees.’
‘Jessie was really taken with how Maid and Tess worked together. She said how much she wished she had a dog of her own to train.’ He rubbed his neck. ‘And, um… after the trials, there was a sale of dogs and puppies…’
Bobby shook her head slowly. ‘Charlie, you didn’t. You didn’t buy the girls a dog.’
‘I got a good price on him. Mrs Armitage gave me ten bob off to pay me back for seeing to Maid. He’s a half-brother of hers from the same sire.’
‘It isn’t what you paid for him that’s the problem, Charlie.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Reg is going to blow up. Two children, two adult dogs and an energetic sheepdog puppy in the house – what do you think he’s going to say when you get home?’
‘Something about magazine production needing peace and quiet, I imagine,’ Charlie said with a grimace. ‘Closely followed by a homily on what an irresponsible, wayward loafer his little brother is. How could I say no though? Those little girls have lost everything, Bobby. Their home’s gone, their mother’s gone, and I know they’re worried to death about their father away fighting. They’ve got attached to me over the past few weeks and I’ll have to leave them soon too. Having a dog to train will give them something to focus on instead of worrying about the war.’
‘And when they go back to London?’
‘We can worry about that when it happens. It might be a long time until it’s safe again.’
Bobby sighed. ‘Charlie Atherton, sometimes I think you might be the biggest, sweetest idiot ever to grace the face of the planet.’
‘Thank you. I think.’
‘And I suppose you want me to help you talk Reg round, don’t you?’
‘Would you?’ he asked hopefully.
‘No.This is your mess and I’m not going to dig you out of it.’ She gave him a quick kiss. ‘But if it’s any consolation, I’m sure he’ll let the dog stay once he’s told you off. He’s as soft-hearted as you are when it comes to the bairns, as much as he tries to hide it.’
‘I hope you’re right.’
Bobby glanced at Lilian, who was crouching down with the girls while they tried to teach Ace his first trick. ‘I’d better say goodbye to them and go find the reporters’ tent. I am supposed to be working today, not trying to get you out of your latest scrape.’
‘All right, I think you’ve lectured me enough for now,’ he said with a smile. ‘How’s the other Bancroft twin finding country life?’
Bobby laughed. ‘It smells bad and it’s painful on the feet, she tells me. It’s a shame, but I can see I’m never going to be able to make a convert of her. Twins we may be, but Lil’s a townie right to the heart.’
‘I’m surprised she wanted to come with you today. A farming show doesn’t exactly sound like her idea of a good time.’
‘Well, she’s only here until tomorrow. It could be months until we see each other again, so naturally she wants to spend as much time together as possible.’
‘You must miss her.’
‘More than I knew,’ Bobby said with a sigh. ‘Come on.’
They went back to join the little group.
‘Bobby, watch,’ Florence said gleefully. ‘See what Ace learned to do.’
Bobby smiled. ‘Go on. I’m watching.’
Florence held out her hand to the little dog. ‘Paw,’ she commanded. After staring a moment, Ace lifted his foot and placed it on her palm.
‘He’s a corker, ain’t he?’ Jessie said proudly. ‘It was me said we ought to name him Ace, after Ace the Wonder Dog. We’re going to teach him ever so many things, Bobby.’
‘Uncle Charlie says that for every new trick Ace has learned when he comes home on leave, he’ll tip us each sixpence,’ Florence added.
Bobby smiled at him. ‘Did he indeed? Uncle Charlie is feeling generous today.’
‘At the rate this little one’s learning, I can see I’m going to have to be prepared for imminent poverty,’ Charlie said with a laugh. ‘Say goodbye to Bobby and her sister, girls. We’ll take Ace to watch the horses in the gymkhana, shall we? Make sure his lead is nice and tight this time.’
‘Ooh! Horses! Yes, please,’ Jessie said, jumping to her feet. ‘And then may we see the cows?’
