‘Sometimes, Betsy, but not often. I’ve felt bad lately, with how my city has taken a hammering, but I love it up here.’

They were standing on the quayside, as were most of the townsfolk. The lifeboat hadn’t returned, and they hadn’t heard any news about how it was faring. Wives and children huddled, hardly talking, their eyes pinned on the distant horizon and the glow over Ireland that lit up the night sky. ‘Them lot’s lucky not being involved in this war.’

‘The Irish, you mean?’

‘Aye, well, the southern Irish.’

Susan didn’t answer. Betsy knew that she was as knotted with fear as she herself was. For all her bravado, she was worried to the bones of her, now that it had been so many hours since the lifeboat had left the shore.

‘Ma, I’ve brought you a hot drink of cocoa; and you, Aunt Sue.’

‘Ta, Daisy lass. Are Florrie and Rosie asleep?’

‘They are. I didn’t wake them once they’d gone off. We had a long journey and hardly any rest on it. I’ve used Aunt Mags’s telephone and rung for an ambulance to be here on standby. Where’s Roderick?’

‘He went out on the second boat. There’s been a few that have left the harbour. Since he turned fifteen, and with the shortage of men, he’s been a junior lifeguard. Oh, lass, I hope they find the menfolk.’

‘They will, Ma. Keep strong. You were a different person this afternoon, keeping us all going.’

‘It’s me job, lass. I knaw as I shirked it for this past year, but I want you to knaw as I’m here for you all. You can write me owt that’s happening. I want to knaw. You’ve naw need to be guarded with me any more.’

Betsy felt Daisy’s arm come round her shoulders. ‘Good to hear, Ma. You knaw, I reckon as our Rosie has sommat to share, but is afraid to.’

‘Oh, what? What’s our Rosie up to that she can’t share, eh?’

‘That’s all I’m saying, Ma. For one thing, I might be wrong. I think you should talk to her as you did to me just then; let her knaw as she can be open with you, naw matter what’s on her mind, and without upsetting you, but getting your counselling.’

‘Eeh, our Daisy, have I been that bad? I feel ashamed of meself. I’ve only looked inwards. And there you all were, going out into the world without me. I’ll find me moment to talk to Rosie, if it presents itself to me.’