“We’re off then,” said Albert, standing in the kitchen doorway. “My college tour is scheduled for three o’clock—we’ll do the messages first.”
Lillian turned from the Belfast sink, a dripping plate in hand. She looked Albert up and down, then over at Meg, who nodded. “Hang on a minute.” Lillian put the dish in the drainer and after wiping her hands on a tea towel, squeezed past Albert.
“Where is she going?”
“You’ll see,” said Meg, kneading bread dough at the counter.
Robert joined Albert in the doorway. “We’ll miss the train if you keep hanging about.”
Behind them, Lillian said, “Coming through.” She carried an old tin lockbox and put it on the table. Opening the lid, she counted out notes and coins, and brought out his clothing ration book. “You can’t spend your life in school uniform
