7
George Town, Penang, August 1949
Mary Hyde-Underwood pulled her daughter onto her lap, after Frances attempted to run onto the cricket pitch and join the players. It was the time of day when usually the little girl would be taking an afternoon nap, but the excitement of being in George Town meant the toddler was resisting Mary’s attempts to pacify her.
Amir bounded up and announced he was going to get one of the ice creams that were being served to the children.
‘Me go with Amir!’ Frances wailed. ‘Please, Mummy!’
‘Let Amir go with his friends, darling. He’ll be back soon. I’ll take you myself for an ice cream in a moment.’
But Frances was having none of it. She wriggled out of her mother’s grasp and ran to join the gaggle of older children heading for the clubhouse.
‘She’s getting
