‘It’s hot, luck or not. I wished they’d hurry up.’
‘They shouldn’t be long,’ Annie said, pulling Lucy’s bonnet down over her face.
Bridie stood on tiptoes and peered over the heads of the crowd. Captain Thomson stood amidships, his coat freshly brushed, his stance determined. Beside him, Doctor Roberts smiled widely, like an actor in a pantomime.
‘My head hurts,’ Billy whined.
Bridie shot Annie a worried glance and squatted down beside him. ‘Neptune’ll be here soon.’
‘Don’t care. My legs are tired.’
Bridie wriggled her bottom onto the step and pulled Billy onto her lap. He felt strangely puppy soft and compliant.
‘Is he all right?’ Annie asked.
‘No. He’s burning up.’
Above her, the crowd shifted and stirred. Pam? Where was she? Bridie dragged Billy to his feet. So many faces, so m
