Holly sobbed in Jo’s arms. Robert walked back and forth across the tiny room, pulling clothing out of the lower bureau drawers, stopping at the open sea chest to pack his belongings.
“Now, Holly, it will be fine. You’ll see. We’ll always be the best of friends and you’ll see us in Belfast.”
“Oh, Jo! This is so bloody unfair. How is he able to do this?” She raised her head from Jo’s shoulder, her face tear-stained, and took the handkerchief offered.
Robert said sourly, “He’s a major in the army and a shift leader nearly equal to Baker at BP.”
Jo said, “It’s all right, really, for me. I don’t blame Annette for reneging on the cottage. Johnny and his friends are very good customers. But I’m so sorry, Robert. I’ve really put you in the soup.”
Robert said, “As long as they don’t send me ba
