‘It is, and though it’s a little way away from us, we often go on picnics. One more thing, though, Billy.’

‘Ha, I thought there’d be a catch.’

‘I want you to shake the hand of Angus and Roderick.’

‘I can’t wait to, Ella. I’m going to be a changed man. You’ve done that for me. You’ve made me see how everyone’s suffered, and not only me.’

‘I’m glad, Billy. Though I haven’t worked any magic – I haven’t taken it all away. It’s still there and will haunt you, but you have to find a way to cope. We all do. If we don’t, then they’ve won, not us. What use is being the victors if we’re broken and we hurt those around us, instead of going forward and making a good life for ourselves and enjoying our hard-won freedom?’

Billy stared at her, before saying, ‘Ella, you won’t get tired of helping me, will you? I mean, if I come with you and I have a bad moment, I can turn to you, can’t I?’

‘You can, Billy. And to Arnie and Cyrus. And Flors. All of them will understand, as will Paulo and Sibbie. When you hear their stories, you’ll be amazed they survived, to go on to plan their future. A future of love.’

‘I guessed as much, seeing as Paulo has lost a leg. And, well, I don’t know what he and Sibbie and Marjie did in the war, or Arnie, but I’ve guessed they all suffered.’

‘Come on. Let’s get back. You’ve got a lot of hugging to do. I hope you’re up to that! Your ma will smother you.’

Laughing, Billy said, ‘Eeh, why didn’t you leave me where I were?’

Ella pushed him playfully. She loved this new Billy who had emerged, and she held real hope for his future. To have him with them would be wonderful, as she knew they could help him even more as time went on. She just hoped that Betsy would agree, and be happy for him.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Portpatrick

The Families – the Wedding

The sun shone brightly on three beautiful girls as they walked together into the church. Crowds stood outside, waving and wishing them well. Once inside, Rosie would lead them up the aisle, with Sibbie next and then Marjie. They’d laughingly drawn lots among the family, when it was realized they wouldn’t be able to walk side-by-side.

All had long silk gowns on, the material having come from parachutes that were no longer in service. ‘Make a change from relying on one to get you safely to ground, eh, Marjie?’ Sibbie had said, with a sense of pride.