‘The largest British ship afloat, Father!’ I said at breakfast. ‘She’s already made several rescues in the Mediterranean, saving the wounded of Gallipoli.’ My thoughts went to Arthur and Sissy, how I missed them. Maybe I could save the lives of those who would otherwise perish?

Mother touched Father’s hand. ‘Can we go to the port and see her off, dear?’ I had to report to Southampton at eight o’clock on the twelfth of November.

‘Most certainly.’ He stared at me for a moment before he swallowed hard and said, ‘I’m proud of you, Gertie. I admit, I had my doubts, but I am convinced you will be a great asset to this country and our wounded soldiers.’ He glanced at the two unused place settings at the table. ‘Make sure you take good care of yourself, Gertie. We could not bear to look at another empty plate.’

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

SHELLY

Dover, present day.

THE LETTER FROM DJ TREMBLED in Shelly’s hand. She had resisted opening it all day, but now, sitting in the car outside White Cottage, she could put it off no longer.

He had found her after nineteen years. She stared through the windscreen, remembering every detail of him, but especially his wide, pale blue eyes. Then an echo of her heartbreak returned with such a fierce stab, she whimpered.

She said goodbye to DJ exactly one year and one month after her mother’s death. That tragedy had turned the father she adored into a bitter and cynical old man. He blamed everyone for his loss, once he knew about DJ, he made Shelly’s life miserable. Gordon Summer had had no idea how to deal with an errant teenager, he had no one to support him in his grief, and was too proud to ask for help, or admit he needed it.

Shelly’s final words to DJ came back. ‘My father’s right. It’s the best thing for both our sakes.’ The words nearly choked her. ‘I’m just seventeen, my whole life’s ahead of me, and I have to admit that you’re better off with her. She’s more mature, and it’s clear to see that she loves you as much as I do.’ She curved her arms, remembering how she held him, never wanting to let go. Then she had walked away so that DJ wouldn’t see any more of her tears. She had felt the same sense of loss when her mother died.