Coming out of the cuddle, Sibbie saw Betsy wipe away a tear. This brought home how much she was suffering. ‘At least you still have Rod at home. Oh, I know as he is in danger out at sea all the time, but Angus will keep him safe.’

‘Aye, he is, lass. A very brave lad, and I’m proud of him. Like you say, he is in danger, and that adds to me worries. But you knaw, no matter how long this war goes on, they won’t take him to fight. He’s had a lot of pain in the arches of his feet and the doctor told him that he has flat feet, and he should be glad of them as they’d save him from going to war. That put him in the doldrums as he’s been counting the days off, hoping he’d make the age limit before it was all over, but for me it were the best news going.’

Sibbie nearly did a jig, she felt that happy. ‘That’s good news, Aunt Betsy. He’ll never have to go to war now. Have you written to the girls about this? I know they will be so happy to hear their brother will always be here with you.’

‘Aye, though when Daisy and Florrie will get their letters, I don’t knaw. My only hope now is that Rosie isn’t sent abroad an’ all, then I’ll have peace of mind about two of me brood.’

Sibbie didn’t answer this, but told Betsy, ‘Daisy and Florrie got off all right. We were at the station with Rosie to see them board the train.’

‘Eeh, I’m glad. That’s made me day. I thought they’d have no one to wave them off, as Rosie wasn’t certain she’d get leave. Ta, Sibbie. Now, we’re leaving poor Marjella to twiddle her thumbs. Come on, lass, let me greet you the northern way, with a hug.’

Marjie just giggled and accepted the hug. Sibbie could see that she was getting used to the way of how things were done up in the North.

‘You should have visited us afore now, but then you had your studying, and that was important. Let me get me coat and bonnet and we’ll go down to the shop. I daren’t even offer you a hot cuppa, as your ma will be mad at me for not bringing you down sooner. But she couldn’t take today off, as we have a collection tomorrow. She’s the knitter and, as you knaw, the one who is wonderful with her sewing – you can’t even see where she’s joined them squares together. I’m all right at them crafts, but not as good as Sue. I’m better at the pottery, and at painting and varnishing the pottery items for the shop.’