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we get married. Any longer, though, and she might give up on me!”
    â€œWell, she must understand – and what would she think of you if you didn’t go, eh, Billie?” Ellie’s father was smiling but his eyes were serious. “Anyway, it should all be behind us by Christmas. She won’t have much of a wait.”
    Jack was looking at them with such a wistful expression that Ellie felt a little of her earlier queasiness return.
    â€œDon’t look so worried, Jackie boy,” Stephen joked, punching him playfully on the shoulder, “we’ll have those Germans taken care of before you have to join up.”
    â€œBut I want to join up!” Jack spluttered in protest.
    â€œCome on, Jack, Ellie,” Dr Phillips intervened, before Jack could get himself worked up again. “Let’s call by The Dog and Duck and see if we can’t recruit a few more soldiers there.”
    Endstone was such a tiny village that Jack often joked that you could stand outside one building and hit any of the others by throwing a coin. The pub was only a few yards away, across the square, a little closer to the sea front. Girls weren’t allowed inside, so Ellie and Jack waited by the pretty, painted front door. They watched as Ellie’s father entered the gloomy interior, through the blue fog of pipe smoke.
    â€œGood afternoon, gentlemen!” he greeted them loudly.
    â€œAfternoon, Wesley!”
    â€œGood to see you again, Dr Phillips. I’m just on my way home from the recruitment office. Are you pleased with me?”
    â€œGood man, Arthur, good man. But I think your home is the other way!”
    A burst of raucous laughter drifted out to Ellie and Jack.
    â€œHe hasn’t told the missus yet!” called one loud voice.
    â€œPint of porter, Doctor Phillips?”
    â€œWell, I oughtn’t to but . . . I suppose a half wouldn’t hurt!”
    â€œCourse it wouldn’t. Just what the doctor ordered, eh, Doctor?”
    Ellie rolled her eyes, but Jack was still brooding.
    â€œThose blokes think I’m a coward,” he said gruffly.
    â€œWho?”
    â€œBillie and Steve.”
    â€œDon’t be so silly. You’re too young , Jack. They know your age as well as I do. You wouldn’t be allowed!”
    â€œIt’s so stupid, though. What’s age got to do with it? I’m already as tall and strong as Will!”
    â€œWell, what’s height got to do with it, more to the point?” Ellie laughed, giving him a shove. But Jack did not respond. His gaze went over her head and into the pub behind her, his expression darkening.
    Ellie whirled around to see a group of men shuffling uncomfortably around her father. In the smoky darkness at the far end of the bar she recognized Jack’s father. His was the voice that they heard now as the others lapsed into an awkward silence.
    â€œI’m wondering who the devil put you in charge of this whole operation, Doctor?” Mr Scott was perched on the very edge of his stool. “What makes you think you can go around bothering men who are tired after an honest week’s work?”
    Ellie heard Jack’s sharp exhalation from behind her and her heart contracted with pity for him. At the same time, she felt her fists tightening as she watched how Mr Scott was looking at her father.
    â€œNo one put me in charge, Joe,” Wesley began in a placating tone. His palms were turned towards Joe, his stance relaxed. “I’m just doing my bit to help, that’s all. I’m sorry if I disturbed you.”
    â€œYou did disturb me. You did! What makes you so superior, anyway?”
    â€œCalm down, Joe.” John, the landlord was frowning, shifting from foot to foot behind the bar. “You won’t be getting any more pints in this establishment if you’re going to carry on like that.”
    â€œWhat does he expect would happen if we all did like he said?” Joe