‘Yes, I suppose I do.’
‘Dad doesn’t love Aunty Lil like that, does he?’
‘I don’t know, sweetheart. It’s hard to know what other people feel unless they tell you. But I suppose Mr Scott thought he might do, and that’s what made him angry.’
‘So if Dad tells him he doesn’t love her, then that’ll be all right, won’t it?’ The girl looked at her hopefully. ‘Then we could stay.’
‘I’m not sure it’s as simple as that. But I hope your father changes his mind, all the same.’ She glanced at Florrie. ‘Does he know you’re here?’
‘No, I sneaked out. I was going to run and see Mary, but Dad says I’m not allowed to go to Moorside. Then I rememberedwhat Aunty Lil said about Georgia. I’d rather talk to you about it though, Bobby.’
‘We ought to get you home, before your dad worries. I hope you won’t get into trouble.’
‘Don’t care if I do anyhow,’ Florrie muttered darkly. ‘Are you coming too?’
‘Let me lock up the cottage, then yes. I’d like a word with your father.’
After Bobby had locked up, she walked – or rather, waddled – with Florrie to the cottage by the bridge. From a little distance, she could see the shepherd’s hut behind it where she and Tony had worked. She breathed a sigh.
Tony was to be pitied in this too. What was tragic about it was that no one was entirely to blame. Lilian and George couldn’t help their feelings any more than Tony could help his. It was all such an awful muddle that there didn’t seem any happy way out of it.
When they reached the cottage, Bobby knocked on the door. The captain opened up a moment later. He still wore a dressing on his nose, which looked very bruised.
‘I have something that belongs to you, I think,’ Bobby said, nodding to Florrie.
The captain shook his head. ‘Florence Parry. Now where have you been running off to this time? You know I expressly forbade you to go bothering those poor people, and that includes Bobby too.’
‘Don’t care,’ Florrie said, looking belligerent. ‘Didn’t go to Bobby’s house anyhow.’
‘That’s true,’ Bobby said. ‘I found her wandering in the graveyard.’
‘Well you can come inside this minute, young lady, and help Mrs Wilcox prepare the dinner,’ the captain told Florrie sternly. ‘And no more running off.’
‘Fine.’
‘Say goodbye to Bobby.’
Florrie turned wide eyes on her. ‘You’ll tell him, won’t you, Bobby? That he’s not to be allowed to take us?’
Bobby smiled sadly. ‘I’m afraid I don’t have that right, my love.’ She gave the girl a kiss. ‘Go on inside as your father says. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.’
Florrie went inside, her eyes filled with angry tears.
‘I’m so sorry you’ve been troubled,’ the captain said. ‘I can’t think what possessed her to go to the churchyard.’
‘She said she was visiting Georgia.’
‘Was she?’ He paused. ‘And, um… your sister is well, I hope?’
‘She’s been better. Could I come in a moment?’
The captain looked hesitant.
‘It won’t take long.’ Bobby rested a hand on her stomach. ‘There’s no scandal in you and me being seen alone together, I suppose.’
‘No. I’m sorry, I was being thoughtless. Do please come inside and rest awhile.’
Bobby followed him into the house, where he showed her into the parlour.
