Chapter 6
Annie cried all through supper and afterwards during mess duties. Bridie didn’t blame her. She felt like shrinking down to Lucy’s size and sucking her thumb after the afternoon’s revelations. Though, as it turned out, Annie’s tears had nothing to do with marriage, desperation, or Hilary’s rabbit-toothed comments.
‘You look right peaky,’ Pam said, rubbing her back. ‘Why don’t you have a lie down?’
Annie sniffed, dabbing at her eyes. ‘No, it’s all right. I’m fine.’
‘Still, I’m not surprised. You’ve taken on such a load at the dispensary. And my Billy’s a cheeky monkey. You’ll tell me if he gets too much, won’t you, love?’
‘No, please, Mrs Griggs. Don’t blame Billy. I’ve got … a tummy ache.’
Ah! A tummy ache. Bridie knew what that meant. Not first hand. She hadn’t started her
