An idea had been evolving since her conversation with Don. It had come back to her that morning, as Jessie had casually divided Reg’s property between their three families.
She had to agree with Don. Tony’s chances of getting back on theCourierstaff now Clarky was in the editor’s chair again were slim to none, no matter who put in a good word. He only had himself to blame for that. But Bobby had a better idea – one that, if everything worked out, could solve two of the problems that had been worrying her in one go. It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than any of the alternatives.
‘Reg?’ she said.
‘Hmm?’
‘You know you said that if I had to go – I mean, if they don’t accept I count as a hardship case – you were going to advertise for someone to take my place?’
‘Aye, what of it?’
‘Don’t advertise. I know a chap who could be just what you’re looking for.’
Reg looked up. ‘Got a good nose for it, has he?’
‘When he applies himself,’ Bobby said, thinking about the meat-raffling story Tony had uncovered that had ended up getting poor Lilian into this mess. It had been a good bit of journalism, despite the consequences. ‘He’s got experience too.’
‘Hmm. It’s not much money. Does he know that?’
‘He’s not in a position to be choosy. He’s to be married soon and needs to find work to support himself and his wife.’
Reg frowned. ‘What age is this lad?’
‘Thirty.’
‘Thirty!’ Reg gave a hoarse laugh. ‘A man that age’ll not work for a quid a week, lass. Besides, the Army will have him soon enough if they haven’t already.’
‘He can’t be called up. Asthma. And he really does need the work, even at that salary. If it included accommodation, that would make a big difference to him.’
‘Well it don’t – not any more,’ Reg said, going back to his work. ‘Not unless I kick your old man out, which for his sake and yours I’ve no intention of doing.’
‘That’s just what I mean.’ Bobby flushed. ‘This man. The woman he’s engaged to is… is my sister.’ She met his eyes. ‘Please don’t say anything to my dad though, Reg. She hasn’t broken the news yet.’
Reg frowned. ‘Your sister? I thought she were engaged to some naval sort.’
‘That didn’t work out.’
‘Well who is he then, this young man?’
Bobby hid her face behind her tea for a moment. This was the difficult part.
‘Tony,’ she said quietly. ‘Tony Scott, from theCourier. I mean, formerly from theCourier.’
Reg laughed. ‘What, him?’
‘Well, why not? He might not’ve been crafting deathless prose on the paper but when it comes to writing up a story, he knows what he’s doing. Don Sykes has given him a glowing reference.’
‘Huh. Scott slip him a oncer for it, did he? I remember Nobby Clarke telling me about that one. Wouldn’t know a hard day’s work if it bit him on the ar— on the backside.’
‘He’s changed now,’ Bobby said, realising even as the words fell from her lips how unlikely this sounded. ‘Tony’s really settled down since he and Lil started walking out.’
Reg watched her for a moment, one eye narrowed.
‘There isn’t any more to this, is there?’
‘In a way.’ Bobby forced her voice to remain even. ‘You know I’ve been worried about leaving my dad. If Tony was able to find work here, then he and Lilian could move into the cow house. I know there’s not much room but Lil knows how to take care of our dad when he… well, you know. And she’d have friends and family nearby to support her once she—’ She stopped. ‘I mean, if she and Tony were to start a family.’
‘I see.’ Reg went back to his work.
