‘It wasn’t like that. Pulling the story was a favour – to you as well as Lil.’
‘Mmm. But it wasn’t me you wanted a date from, was it? Anyhow, I can tell you now that my dad doesn’t see it that way.’ Bobby met his gaze. ‘But you’re right – if he can be talked round, it could be the best arrangement for everyone.’
‘Reckon he can be? Talked round, that is?’
‘I think so. Just leave it to me and Lil, and be as charming as possible when you visit on Wednesday, all right? I can arrangefor you to talk to Reg too.’ Bobby stood up. ‘I need to get back. If I were you, I’d go home and start drafting a letter of application.’
‘Right. I’ll do it in the morning when I’m sober.’
She started to leave, then turned back. ‘Tony?’
‘Mm?’
‘Did you mean it?’
‘Mean what?’
‘When you said you were determined to do right by Lil. That this time you really were going to change.’
He shrugged. ‘If a wife and bairn don’t straighten me out, nowt’s going to.’
Bobby watched him for a moment.
‘Here,’ she said at last, fishing out a few coins from her purse. ‘There’s half a crown there. You can use it to take our Lil out tonight. See ifRebecca’s showing anywhere, that’s her favourite.’
Tony blinked at the money. ‘You’re giving me cash?’
‘Yes, and you can tell your mam that’s where you got it if she gives you grief. Have a night out with your wife, eh? Lil looks exhausted, and you don’t look much better. Some time alone together is just what you need.’
For the first time, Tony managed to summon his old schoolboy grin. ‘Cheers, Bobby, you’re a gent.’
‘And mind, I’ll be telling Lil you’ve got it,’ Bobby told him sternly. ‘If I hear it went straight behind the bar, then that’s the last time I’ll do you a favour.’ She nodded to him. ‘Look after my sister. I’ll see you both soon.’
Chapter 22
‘Oh Birdy, you’re an angel,’ Topsy said the following Wednesday, when Bobby unhooked a bag of hemmed tablecloths from her bicycle handlebars and put it into Topsy’s arms. ‘Will you come in? Maimie, Teddy and I were about to have some tea.’
Bobby grimaced. ‘I can’t. My sister and her new husband are paying their wedding visit tonight.’
‘You’re pulling faces about it,’ Topsy observed. ‘Do you not like this new husband?’
‘It’s more that my dad doesn’t like him. I just hope there isn’t a row.’
‘I don’t remember you telling me your sister had married. Did you?’
‘Oh, I’m sure I did,’ Bobby said vaguely, knowing full well she hadn’t. ‘It was only a quiet do at the register office. Lil didn’t want any fuss.’
‘Well, give her my congratulations, won’t you? From one bride to another – or at least, I will be a bride soon.’ Topsy hugged herself, beaming at the prospect. ‘I can’t wait to sign myself Mrs Nowak.’
‘Is that how it works?’ Bobby asked. ‘I thought there were rules about titled people marrying commoners. Doesn’t the husband have to take his wife’s name or something?’
Topsy laughed. ‘You read too many novels, darling.’
‘So you’ll just be a plain Mrs after you get married?’
‘If I choose to be. Mine is a courtesy title – that is to say, I’m only Lady Sumner-Walsh thanks to Father. Although it ought to be Lady Honoria really. The surname should only be used by itself if one is the wife of a knight or baronet, but I couldn’t bear to have people calling me by my ghastly first name.’ Topsy pulleda face at the idea. ‘Thankfully, no one in Silverdale knows any better.’
‘I had no idea it was so complicated.’
