Betsy laughed, and it was a relief to do so. There were times tonight when she had thought she was visiting hell, too. But it was a hell made better by the skill of her girls. She’d never again raise any objections to anything they wanted to do. They were no longer her young ’uns, but good, strong young women who could make their own mark on the world.

As they walked back to their home, after the last of those brought in injured were on their way to hospital, Betsy linked arms with her girls. Rory had long ago taken Susan to their home, and Angus and Roderick had gone home fifteen minutes or so earlier.

The four of them walked along to the sound of the sea gently lapping the shore, and a backdrop of light still shining across and reflected in the water, creating a magical sight.

‘Eeh, you’d never think as there were any bad in the world when you gaze at that, would you? But we’ve witnessed the result of evil tonight.’

‘We have, Ma.’

‘Aye, but you, me lasses, are doing nowt but good. You have the skill to right some of the wrongs and make folk live, who would have died without your help. I’m ready to let you go.’

‘That’s a funny thing to say, Ma.’

‘Naw, Rosie. It’s what I’m doing. I’m letting go, and yet I’m standing in your corner. It’s naw longer me place to berate you for owt – you’re your own women, and I’ll support you in owt an’ all, no matter what me views are.’

‘Eeh, Ma, have our Florrie and Daisy been telling tales?’

‘Naw, it’s just that I’ve realized that I’ve to open a path to you all to travel along towards me, if you need to, and aye, without fearing the consequences.’

‘Aw, Ma. You’re the best ma in all the world, and we all love you an’ all, with all our hearts; and it’s going to be grand having you there to talk our problems over with. Not that we couldn’t always, but well . . . some things you weren’t good at hearing.’

‘By, me little lasses, I’ll change, I promise. And I love you an’ all. And with all me heart and soul. Come back safely to me, once this war is done. I’ll be waiting.’

A strange feeling overcame Betsy as she said this, but she shook it off. Such feelings were natural, with all that was happening. ‘Anyroad, me little lasses, you’ve nowt to worry over now. Your ma’s safe and here for you. And everything’ll pan out. It allus does.’ Saying this didn’t stop Betsy looking heavenwards and praying to God to make it so.

PART THREE

Britain, France and Singapore,
1941

Fear a Constant Companion

CHAPTER SEVEN

Blackburn and London

Sibbie and Marjie