Читать книгу The Moonlight Mistress - Victoria Janssen - Страница 11

BOB HAILEY’S SISTER WAS NOT IMPRESSED WHEN told the regiment was mustering.

“You can’t leave,” Agnes said. “The water closet’s got a leak. It makes a terrible drip all night, and keeps Mother awake.”

“I’ll have a look before I go,” Bob said. “Captain Wilks is expecting me early.”

“You care more about that old man than about your own family!”

“It’s my duty.”

“We’re your duty! And what do you think will become of us if you get sent who-knows-where to be killed?”

“Haven’t I done enough already? You’ll get my pay, same as you’ve been getting,” Bob said. “I’ve asked Mrs. Tollis upstairs to look in every few days. She’s happy to do it.”

“She doesn’t care two pins for me, she just likes to gossip with Mother.”

“You’re able to take care of yourself,” Bob said. “You had a factory job before I went into the service. If you need to, you can do it again.”

“And then who’ll take care of Mother, I ask you? She can’t stay by herself any longer, and you know it. Yet I don’t see you here but once in a fortnight.”

Agnes was convinced the army was like a holiday camp, enlisted in for the adventure of it, much as their father had signed on with the merchant marine. Though of course he’d never been seen again.

“If I’m killed, will you still blame me for not mending the leaks?” Bob asked wearily. “I’m off.” To my other life.