Diamonds in the Dust (19 page)

The next morning Dora arrived at Wandsworth with her brother and sister. Dobbs beamed when he saw Lily. ‘My goodness! What a pretty girl you are. I suppose you’ve come to have a look around your new home?’

She nodded shyly, spinning round as other men came through the door.

‘Ah, you must be Lily.’ John leant against the wall so he had a hand free to shake hands with Tom. ‘And you’re Tom. Are you free today? We could do with the help of an able-bodied man.’

Tom stood up proudly at being called a man. ‘I can stay.’

The men all crowded round, except one who was keeping in the background. John pulled him forward and introduced him as Ray.

‘We’re pleased to meet you, Ray.’ Dora’s gaze was direct, smiling up into his face. He had a patch over his left eye, his face was badly scarred and his left arm was missing. He was clearly nervous about being with strangers. ‘This is my brother Tom and my sister Lily.’

‘Nice to meet you, sir,’ Tom said, shaking his hand.

Lily tipped back her head to look up at him. ‘You’re very tall. Have you come to help us? We’re going to live here.’

‘So John told me. He said they’re going to paint your room pink.’ Ray spoke in a soft, musical voice, looking to have been put more at ease by the acceptance he was receiving.

She giggled. ‘I haven’t seen upstairs yet, but I like pink.’

‘I told you it would be all right,’ John whispered in Ray’s ear. ‘These are good youngsters. They’re not going to run away screaming when they see the mess we’re in.’

‘Tea and sandwiches are ready!’ Dobbs bellowed.

Lily put her fingers in her ears and pulled a face at Ray. ‘Dora said he’s deaf – sometimes.’

Ray laughed at the little girl’s antics, and Dora guessed it was some time since he’d done that. While they all made a stampede for the refreshments, Dora took Tom and Lily upstairs.

The place was thoroughly explored and, much to Dora’s relief, appeared to meet with approval. Her sister had even chosen her room.

‘Come and look at the size of this garden!’ Tom was leaning out of the window. ‘Will we be able to use it?’

‘Of course you can.’

At the sound of the doctor’s voice, Tom shot up, banging his head on the window. ‘Sorry sir, I didn’t know you were here. I’ve always wanted to have a go at growing things. Would that be all right?’

‘Go ahead, Tom, I’ll be pleased to see it being used again. It’s become rather overgrown, I’m afraid.’

‘I’ll soon see to that.’ Tom was enthusiastic. ‘Thank you, sir. Our garden at home is too small and mostly concrete.’

There was the sound of clattering on the stairs, and when John and Ray appeared Lily pounced on them. ‘I’ve picked my room. I’ll show you.’

They followed her obediently. Dr Burridge watched them leave and then turned to Dora. ‘She’s accepted the move?’

‘It looks like it. She was upset when we told her but now she seems quite happy. I think seeing a lot of people around has helped. She does like company.’

‘Good. I spoke to Ray before coming up here. He’s quite overcome by the way none of you have shied away from his injuries. We’ve been trying to get him here for some time but he was afraid to go out much. John and Alan have been talking to him about the house, explaining that he need have no worries as he’ll be among people who understand. His disfigurement won’t be commented on and he’ll be treated like everyone else.’

A look of disgust crossed Tom’s face. ‘I don’t understand how people can be so cruel!’

‘No, it’s sad, but it makes some people uncomfortable, and they don’t know what to do or say. We mustn’t judge
them too harshly, Tom. Now, I must get on with my work. Come down when you’re ready, Dora, but don’t rush.’

Just as the doctor left, Lily erupted back into the room.

‘Pink! I’m going to have bright pink.’ She skidded to a halt. ‘Ray draws pictures and he’s going to paint me one on the wall! He’s an artist,’ she announced with awe.

Dora smiled at Ray. ‘Thank you. That’s very kind of you.’

He inclined his head. ‘It will be my pleasure, and your delightful sister has already thanked me. Do you think you’ll like living here?’

‘It should be all right. There’s a big garden and the doctor says Tom can grow things if he wants to.’

‘Oh.’ John turned to Tom, immediately interested. ‘Would you like to do that?’

‘I always wanted to. I don’t know the first thing about it, though, only what I’ve read in books.’

‘I was a gardener before the war. I’d be glad to give you a few tips.’

‘Would you?’ Tom was fairly bouncing with excitement. ‘Where did you work?’

‘At Kew Gardens.’

‘Gosh, you must be good. Will you go back there now you’re walking again?’

‘I doubt they’d have me back. I wouldn’t be able to climb trees to do the pruning, or any of the heavy work.’

‘There would be plenty of other things you could do,’ Tom insisted.

‘Maybe.’ John’s smile was wistful. ‘But let’s get this 
place into shape first. The soil’s good, just right for growing vegetables.’

Dora watched as Ray joined in the conversation, and the familiar anger raced through her. Sometimes she wished these shattered lives didn’t touch her so much, but she couldn’t help it. It was the way she was. They were all young, with their lives ahead of them. Some, like Alan and hopefully Stan, would be able to lead normal useful lives again, but what about others? What did the future hold for them? There was a wealth of talent amongst these men and it was being wasted. It wasn’t right after the sacrifices they had made!

Lily bounced over to Dora. ‘John’s a gardener and he’s going to help Tom grow things.’ Her smile was animated. ‘And they’re going to let me help.’

‘That will be lovely.’ Dora stooped down in front of her sister. ‘We’ll be all right here, Lily, won’t we?’

The little girl nodded. ‘I was upset when you said we had to move, but I like it here. And Stan can come and see us lots, can’t he?’

‘Of course, sweetie. And with the big room you’re going to have, June will be able to stay overnight sometimes. We can easily put two beds in there.’

‘Why isn’t anyone working?’

‘Alan!’ Lily was on her way over to him, but stopped suddenly when she spotted the imposing man beside him.

‘Who’s that?’ Tom whispered. ‘Do you think it’s Alan’s father? They look alike.’

‘Father, this is Dora, Tom and Lily.’

‘Good to meet you. Alan’s told me a lot about you.’

The man was so overpowering that Dora had a struggle to stop herself from curtseying. ‘Good morning, sir.’

Alan’s eyes gleamed with amusement when he saw Lily trying to hide behind Dora’s skirt, and Tom dip his head in a parody of a bow.

‘Come here, girl,’ Alan’s father demanded, holding out his hand to Lily. ‘Let me have a look at you. Don’t be afraid of me. I don’t bite.’

Alan stifled a laugh.

His father shot him an offended glance, and then looked back at Lily. He was actually smiling. ‘Not often, anyway. My son told me that you were very kind to him when you met in the park. You shared your picnic with him.’

Lily nodded, edging forward a step. ‘We had plenty.’

‘He said you didn’t seem to mind that he was injured.’

‘Er …’ Her expression was puzzled as she looked at Dora, not understanding what he meant.

Tom spoke for his sister. ‘Dora’s always told us that the injuries don’t make them any the less of a person, and they should be treated just like anyone else. And she’s right. We like Alan.’

His steely eyes fastened on Dora. ‘Your sister has a wise and understanding heart.’

‘We think so too, sir,’ Tom said proudly. ‘We’d be in a terrible mess now if it wasn’t for her.’

Alan’s father stood up, took a card out of his pocket and handed it to Dora. ‘I was sorry to hear about your mother’s disappearance. If you ever need any legal help then contact me.’

Dora examined the gold-embossed card. It bore the name ‘General Arthur Harrington’ followed by a string of letters, and then the address of his chambers. His services were obviously very expensive. ‘This is kind of you, sir, but I’m sure we could never afford you.’

‘Don’t worry about that.’ He smiled again. ‘It would be my pleasure to return the kindness you’ve shown to my son.’

Alan winked at her.

‘Now introduce me to Doctor Burridge, Alan, and the rest of the men.’

Letting out a pent-up breath as they walked away, Dora said to her brother and sister, ‘Do you think Alan will be like his father when he’s older?’

‘I expect so.’ Tom’s shoulders were shaking in amusement. ‘You can already see they’re alike.’

‘Dora.’ The doctor came over to her. ‘General Harrington wishes to discuss something with me, and I’d like you present to take notes. You know how easily I forget things if they’re not written down.’

‘That’s only because your days are so full. It’s easy to forget things.’ She had done this for him on many occasions now and, much to her surprise, found that she was good at it. She had an orderly mind, and that was just what the doctor needed with his busy schedule. ‘Will you and Lily be all right, Tom?’

He nodded. ‘We’ll make ourselves useful up here.’

Alan stayed as well. His jacket was already off and his sleeves rolled up, ready to wield a paintbrush.

Once in the doctor’s office, Dora sat discreetly in the
corner of the room, pen in hand, ready to make notes. She was curious about the visit from Alan’s father.

The general wasted no time. ‘My son has told me what you’re doing for the men. It’s admirable, but the need is great and there’s more that could be done. From what I’ve seen, you have plenty of room here to expand your activities. You could open your doors to all injured and unemployed ex-servicemen, including their wives and children, if they have any. People are going hungry out there, Doctor. Get that kitchen sorted out and you could provide a lunch for those in need, free of charge, of course. You’ll need a regular cook. I know just the woman for the job.’

Dora had been writing quickly, not wanting to miss a word of what was being said. She glanced up when the general stopped talking. The doctor was resting his arms on the desk and studying the man opposite him, but he said nothing.

‘I know what you’re thinking. Where the devil is the money coming from?’

The doctor inclined his head.

‘How much do you want?’

‘How much have you got?’

Dora nearly spluttered with laughter, thoroughly enjoying this exchange between the two men, but managed to turn it into a cough. They were both strong, but in very different ways. The general was used to giving orders and being obeyed; the doctor was quieter, preferring to lead people, but equally determined.

‘I’m good at getting money out of people, and you shall have every penny you need. You have my word on
that, so there’s no need to worry about the expense. You send all the bills to me and I’ll see they’re paid. What do you say? Can we do it?’

‘We can have a damned good try!’

The general surged to his feet, wreathed in smiles. ‘I’ll send builders round to start on the kitchen. And from what I’ve seen, you need a new roof.’

‘I’ve longed to be able to do something like this. Thank you, General.’

‘A pleasure.’ He flipped open his pocket watch, frowned, then snapped it shut again. ‘Must leave at once. Court appearance in half an hour. Tell my son I’ve had to leave. Good to have met you all.’

They watched him sweep out of the office. The doctor, looking rather stunned, sat down again. ‘A new roof as well? Did I just dream that, Dora?’

She made a show of studying her notes. ‘No, it’s right here – new roof, new kitchen and all the money you need. Oh, and not forgetting a cook.’

‘Then it must be true! This is Alan’s doing. I must thank him.’

‘And I must see about preparing a meal. Do you mind if my brother and sister stay for the rest of the day? They won’t be any trouble.’

‘Of course they can stay. This is going to be their home, and I’m sure Lily will want to make sure they get the colour right for her room.’

Dora grinned. ‘Dobbs has managed to get several pots of paint, so she’ll have to take whatever colour he’s managed to scrounge.’

The doctor was halfway out of the room when he turned. ‘Where did he get it from?’

‘He has contacts, he said.’

‘I’ll bet he has. Dobbs is absolutely invaluable. I don’t think I could have kept this place open without him. Come with me, Dora, and let’s tell him the good news.’

They found Dobbs in the kitchen peeling potatoes. ‘’Ow many we feeding today?’

Dora couldn’t believe her eyes. There were bags of carrots, onions, potatoes, and stewing steak piled on a plate. ‘Where did all this come from?’

‘I sold some things from my room.’

‘Oh, you shouldn’t have done that. I brought some money with me today to help out.’ In truth they had made a quick call at the pawnbroker’s on their way here. The men were working to get their flat ready, and she felt that feeding them was the least she could do.

‘They was things given to me for the house.’ He shook his head when he looked at her. ‘You ain’t got enough money to feed this lot, girl. You leave it to me. I thought you could make a nice pie to stretch the meat.’

‘Thanks, Dobbs.’ She smiled at him. ‘Have you ever been told that you’re a good man?’

‘What?’

She laughed, already pulling pie dishes out of the cupboard next to the larder. ‘Doctor Burridge has something to tell you.’

‘What?’

It was funny, but Dobbs never missed a word when he was told about the general’s offer.

‘That’s bloody marvellous! Begging your pardon for the language, miss. What a turn-up. Now we’ll be able to help more men.’

‘We will indeed. I must tell the others the good news.’ The doctor headed for the door, humming quietly to himself.

‘Would you ask Tom and Lily to come down?’ Dora called after him. ‘They can help us with the food.’

It had been a busy, exciting day and they were all tired when they arrived home, but Dora was pleased. Lily was now happy about the move, and Tom was already planning what he was going to do in the garden with John’s help.

They made a pot of tea and sat down to enjoy it in the first quiet moment they’d had that day.

‘Phew!’ Tom gulped his tea. ‘What a day!’ Lily just yawned.

‘I think we all need an early night.’ Dora stifled a yawn of her own.

‘But we must see Stan first.’ Lily was suddenly alert. ‘He’ll want to know about today and we’ve got lots to tell him.’

‘Let’s go now then.’ Tom got to his feet. ‘We can eat later.’

Lily didn’t stop talking from the moment she ran into Stan’s front room, hardly pausing for breath as she told him about her room. ‘They let me paint the wall,’ she told him proudly. ‘And then we cooked a huge meal for all of them! There was ever so many there. Alan came with his dad! He’s a general,’ she told him in awe. ‘And he’s going to give the doctor lots of money so he can help more men.’

‘Really?’ Stan was giving the little girl his whole attention, listening intently. ‘You’ve had an exciting day, haven’t you?’

The animation left her face as she nodded. ‘I don’t want to leave you and June and everyone, but it’s a nice place. Dora’s told me why we have to go and she doesn’t tell lies.’

‘Of course she doesn’t.’ Stan smiled. ‘And you won’t be leaving us. We’ll come and see you all the time. Wandsworth isn’t the other side of the world. As soon as my leg’s better I’m going to get myself a motor car, and we’ll all be able to go out for rides.’

‘Oh.’ Lily’s eyes opened wide. ‘Could we go to the sea? I’ve never seen it. Mum said it’s beautiful. She used to live by the sea.’

‘Where?’ Stan asked.

‘Sweetie.’ Dora immediately knelt in front of her sister. ‘Did Mum ever tell you the name of the place?’

The girl screwed up her face in concentration. ‘Don’t think so. I was only little when she told me.’

‘How come she never told us anything?’ Tom complained.

‘She said it was a long way from London,’ Lily
announced. ‘She spoke funny to me and said that’s how they sounded. It made me laugh.’

Stan was leaning forward eagerly. ‘I think she must be talking about a regional accent, but which one? Can you talk like it?’

Lily shook her head.

Tom now joined in with a passable Scottish accent. ‘Like that?’

‘No.’ Lily looked at her brother in amazement as he had a go at Welsh, making them all laugh.

‘That was terrible.’ Stan was highly amused. ‘Have you heard anyone speak like it since then, Lily?’

‘Hmm? Ray sounded a bit like it, I think.’ The little girl was gazing from one to the other, trying hard to be helpful.

‘Oh, yes, he did have an accent, but it was hardly noticeable.’ Dora turned to her brother. ‘You spent some time with the men today, did Ray say where he came from?’

‘John told me Ray had been in the navy and was at the battle of Jutland. Since coming out of hospital he’s been living in London, but his home was Liverpool, I think John said.’

‘Liverpool!’ Stan hit the arm of the chair with his hand. ‘Damn! Why didn’t we think of that? Lily told us your mum and dad met where the big boats are. We assumed it was Southampton or Portsmouth, and that’s where the police have been making enquiries on the off chance that she went back there. No wonder we’re not getting anywhere. We’re probably looking in the wrong place!’
He struggled to his feet. ‘I’ll go and tell Reg. Well done, Lily. That was clever of you to remember. I never spoke to your mother so I didn’t know she had a northern accent.’

‘She didn’t,’ Dora told him, perplexed by Stan’s reasoning. ‘She spoke just like us. Well, better than us actually. Dad told us to listen to the way Mum spoke because she’d had a good education.’

‘She gave us lessons,’ Lily said sadly. ‘She was ever so clever. I wish she hadn’t gone away.’

‘So do we all, sweetie, but she wouldn’t have left us if she hadn’t been forced to. She loved us, you know that.’

‘Come on, urchin.’ Tom took his little sister’s hand. ‘Let’s go home and get something to eat. I’m starving. Do you want to eat with us, Stan?’

‘Thanks, but I’m having dinner with Win and Reg tonight.’ He was already moving towards the door.

‘We’ll see you tomorrow then.’

‘Is Reg home?’ Stan asked as soon as his sister opened the door.

‘He’s in the front room. And don’t drink too much. Dinner will be ready in half an hour.’

He grinned at her. ‘Time for a quick one then.’

‘You make sure it’s just one,’ she scolded, then disappeared into the kitchen.

Stan stood in the doorway, and when Reg looked up from reading his paper, he said one word. ‘Liverpool!’

‘Sorry?’

‘You’re looking in the wrong place. The big ships Lily was talking about are in Liverpool.’

‘You sure?’

Propping his crutches against the wall, Stan fell into a chair, and told his brother-in-law what Lily had said.

‘That’s interesting, but it doesn’t mean the little girl has remembered it right. Win!’ he called. ‘Could you come here a minute?’

She looked in the door. ‘I’m busy, Reg, what do you want?’

‘You spoke to Mrs Bentley, didn’t you? Did she have an accent of any kind?’

‘I only spoke to her a couple of times outside the school, and no, I didn’t notice an accent.’

‘Thanks,’ Reg smiled at his wife. ‘That’s all I wanted to know.’

When they were alone again, Stan couldn’t let the subject drop. He had a strong feeling that the answers were in Liverpool. ‘This needs to be followed up. We haven’t uncovered any useful information about her in London, but there’s a chance we could have more luck in Liverpool. It makes sense, Reg. That’s probably where Mr Bentley sailed from when he was a merchant seaman.’

‘I don’t know, Stan.’ Reg was still doubtful. ‘All we’ve got are some vague memories from a little girl. She could be imagining things. Dora and Tom didn’t know anything about this, did they?’

‘No, but from what I’ve gathered Mrs Bentley seemed to speak more freely to her youngest child. I don’t know why, but I do believe Lily. She’s a bright kid.’

‘I’m not sure we can widen the search any more. I’m
sorry, Stan, but the feeling at the station is that we should abandon this case. Enough time’s been spent on it already.’

‘I’m not surprised.’ Stan couldn’t hide his disappointment. ‘I’ll have to go to Liverpool myself.’

‘No you don’t!’ Reg was adamant. ‘You’re not fit enough yet. Leave it with me and I’ll see if I can persuade the super to send someone to Liverpool. I’m not making any promises though. You know how it goes, Stan.’

He nodded and sighed inwardly. He couldn’t ask for more than that from Reg. ‘Thanks.’

‘I could end up back on the beat if this turns out to be another waste of time,’ he said dryly.

‘Or you could be looking at promotion if it isn’t.’

‘You’re letting your imagination run away with you, Stan.’

They were both grinning when Winnie called them to the table. They had been so busy talking that they hadn’t even had one drink.

The next day, after his visit to the hospital, Stan called in at the station, unable to wait until the evening to find out if they were going to have a look at Liverpool.

‘What did the doc say?’ Reg asked as soon as he arrived. ‘Are you going to get rid of those crutches soon?’

‘Another week, he reckons, if all continues to go well. He’s pleased, he said I’m healing well.’ He sat down. ‘Any news?’

His brother-in-law didn’t have to ask what he was talking about. He nodded. ‘I’m going up to Liverpool tomorrow. The super’s given me two days, and if I can’t
find anything then we’re to drop the case. There isn’t much more we can do.’

‘I understand. I hope you do find something, but two days isn’t long enough. I should be more active soon though, so I’ll be able to take over again. That woman’s somewhere and I’m determined to find her. Her children have a right to know what’s happened to their mother. It’s the only way they’re going to be able to put this behind them and get on with their lives.’

‘Maybe, but have you thought that what we find might ruin their lives? There’s something very strange in this woman’s background, and my instinct’s telling me we ought to stop this right now!’

Stan was shaking his head. ‘No, I’m never going to give up! You’ll find all the information you need in Liverpool. I’m sure of it.’

‘I hope you’re right.’

Stan smiled, feeling more hopeful after his talk with the doctor this morning. His chances of a good recovery were excellent and he now had a future to look forward to. ‘You’re being too pessimistic.’

Reg shrugged. ‘There’s one thing I’m sure about now. We’re looking for a body.’

‘That’s how I feel. And we must find her to end her children’s agony. Wish I could come with you tomorrow, but I’ve got to go to the hospital again. My leg’s stiff and they’re trying to get it moving again.’

‘That’s more important than tagging along with me. Do as they say, Stan, and you’ll soon be back here working with us again.’

‘Yes, I can’t believe it. And if it hadn’t been for Dora, I would never have visited the Wandsworth house and met the doc again.’ He gazed into space for a moment, then sighed. ‘I owe her so much, Reg.’

‘Why?’ His brother-in-law frowned, puzzled. ‘It was Doctor Burridge who persuaded you to have the operation.’

‘But if it hadn’t been for Dora I wouldn’t have considered it. When I first arrived back home I didn’t care if I died, at least it would have been an end to the constant pain. But then I met a lovely, caring girl and I began to long to be well again. That’s why I took a chance on the operation. She means a lot to me, and I don’t care what’s in her past.’

‘Ah, I thought that was the case. She’s a fine girl. Have you told her how you feel?’

‘No, and I’m not going to. She’s got enough to deal with at the moment. And if can’t get back in the police, then I’m never going to tell her.’

Reg frowned again. ‘But I thought you said the doc was pleased with you?’

‘He is, but he can’t guarantee anything yet. The next couple of weeks will be crucial, then we’ll know how successful the operation has been.’

‘Well, whatever the outcome, you’ll still be better off than you were. Being in pain all the time would have led you to an early grave.’

‘I know, and I’m grateful for the improvement, but I want more. I want my life back!’ Stan stood up. ‘Good luck in Liverpool.’

The next two days were an anxious time for Stan. Not only was he eager to know if his brother-in-law was having any success, he was enduring long sessions at the hospital. He felt as if he was learning to walk all over again. After relying on crutches and sticks, the thought of walking without such props seemed a daunting task. He gritted his teeth in determination. No one had ever said this was going to be easy!

After one particularly gruelling morning, he arrived home exhausted. All he could do was slump in a chair, close his eyes and rest. It wasn’t long before he drifted off to sleep …

The sound of the front door opening and closing woke him. He opened his eyes to see Dora standing by his chair.

‘Are you all right, Stan? I knocked but you didn’t hear me.’

Sitting up straight, he nodded. ‘Just a bit weary, that’s all. The doc’s a hard man when he needs to be.’

‘I was going to invite you to eat with us, but I’ll bring the dinner to you.’

‘Thank you.’ He glanced at the clock and gave a wry smile. ‘I’ve been asleep for three hours and I don’t think I can move just yet. Tell me how things are going at the house. Doc told me the workmen have moved in already.’

‘Yes, the general certainly didn’t waste any time. There are men all over the roof and others are tearing the kitchen apart. Our flat will soon be ready and we’re hoping to be able to move in sometime next week. You must come and see it as soon as you’re able to.’

‘That won’t be long now.’ He spoke with confidence, any hint of doubt banished from his tone.

‘That’s good. You rest now and I’ll come back with your dinner in half an hour.’

‘Thanks, Dora.’ He caught hold of her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed her gently. ‘I don’t know what I’d have done without your quiet support through this.’

‘That’s what friends do for each other.’ She smiled and hurried away.

In fact it was Tom who arrived with the meal. ‘Dora told me I mustn’t stay because you’re tired. She said you’re to go straight to bed after dinner. We’ll collect the plates tomorrow.’

‘Thanks, Tom. I feel so useless at the moment. Dora never says anything to me, so how are you doing?’

‘All right. You mustn’t worry about us. Our big sister’s taking good care of us. Night, Stan.’

He watched the boy leave, his heart heavy. They’d come to him for help and they had ended up helping him!

After finishing his meal he dozed in the chair, not seeming to have enough energy to drag himself upstairs. It was midnight when Reg walked in, and Stan was immediately awake, eager to hear the news.

‘I saw your light on. I’ve only just arrived back.’ Reg tossed his bag onto a spare chair and removed an envelope from his pocket. ‘I’ve got a marriage certificate.’

‘Ah, good.’ Stan held out his hand. ‘Let’s see it then.’

‘You’re not going to like it.’

When he read it dismay made him shake his head in denial. This couldn’t be right. ‘Divorce papers?’ he asked.

‘None, and his wife didn’t die until two years ago. Bentley never married Harriet, and that means—’

‘I know what it means,’ Stan snapped.

Reg sighed, looking as distressed and exhausted as Stan. ‘I wish we’d left this alone, because what I’ve found out is going to blow that little family’s world apart. The fact that their parents weren’t married is only the beginning.’

‘There’s worse?’

‘I’m afraid so.’