Mary, who had clearly heard this, was wise enough to look the other way and pretend she hadn’t.
With one child appeased, Charlie turned his attention to the grumpy-looking Florence.
‘I’ve got another two-bob bit here reserved under the name Florence Parry,’ he said coaxingly.
‘Don’t want two bob.’
‘Well, what do you want?’
Florence sniffed. ‘Want you not to go to the war,’ she muttered. ‘Why is everyone always going off to the stupid war?’
‘Because if we didn’t, the bad people would win.’
‘Why’ve you got to go, though, Uncle Charlie? There’s lots more people could go instead.’
‘And all those people have got other people who don’t want them to go. But they have to, all the same.’ He beckoned her over. ‘Come on, say goodbye properly. I know you wouldn’t let me leave without a hug, would you?’
Florence gulped and threw her arms around his shoulders.
‘Be brave, Florrie,’ he whispered. ‘I need you to keep an eye on things here and tell me how everyone gets on. Jess is too little to write me letters all by herself. You’re the writer in the family, isn’t that true? Published inThe Tyke, no less.’
Florrie nodded. ‘But you’ll come back soon?’
‘As soon as ever I can. And don’t forget you’ll have your father here to visit before long.’
‘Will you bring me a present from the war?’
‘All right. What would you like me to bring for you?’
‘Will you bring me… a German helmet?’ she asked hopefully. ‘Louis Butcher in my class has got one his grandad brung back from the other war and he let me hold it.’
He laughed. ‘If I’m in a position to get my hands on a German helmet, it might be some time until I can bring it home. But I’m sure I can find something you’ll like.’
He pressed the two-shilling piece into her hand and gave Ace a stroke of farewell before standing up to say goodbye to Mary.
‘Well, Mother, it seems you’re to be rid of me at last.’
‘Oh, Charlie, don’t joke.’ She put her arms around him. ‘Now stay safe, and write to me as soon as you get there safely, and be sure to wear clean underwear if they send you up in a plane because you never know, and—’
‘—and don’t talk to any strange men, make sure to eat my crusts so my hair will curl and always say please and thank you,’ he said, laughing. ‘I still remember the speech you gave me when you packed me off to school.’
‘Oh, you’re a daft ’ap’orth. I don’t know how any lass has the time of day for you.’ She clipped his ear, then pushed his head down so she could kiss his crown. ‘You just be careful out there, that’s all. You’re a good boy.’
‘That’s not what you usually say.’
‘Well, happen I’m feeling generous today. You’ll be missed around here, our Charlie.’ She beckoned Reg over. ‘Your brother’s got something he wants to say to you as well.’
Reg limped forward to join them, looking awkward. He held out a hand stiffly for Charlie to shake.
‘Mind how you go, won’t you, little brother?’ he said. ‘Can’t say as I understand why you’re doing it when you’ve no need but it’s a brave thing you’re doing all the same.’
‘Thanks, Reggie.’
Mary nudged her husband.
‘Oh. Right.’ He took something from his pocket that sparkled in the summer sunshine. ‘This is for you. Father’s old pocket watch. Given to him personally by none other than Lord Kitchener, who was his commanding officer at Omdurman – that’s the story he used to tell, at any rate. He gave it to me when I shipped out last time round. Happen it might bring you good luck, eh?’
Charlie stared at it as if mesmerised. ‘You’re giving our father’s watch to me?’
