‘Who are you to say that he hasn’t got a bad heart, if he’s a doctor’s certificate to prove it?’ ‘Give me patience!’ Aaron lifted his eyes to heaven as he ground his teeth. ‘You’re not a stupid woman, Enid, so don’t act like one. Doctors can be bought, if you know the right people, and our Tom knows the right people sure enough. He’s no more got a bad heart than our other three. There’s Jacob, who signed up in the first month, and Frank and Ralph both prepared to do their bit if it comes to it, in spite of having a wife and family apiece, but Tom’ – he flicked his hand in a gesture of disgust – ‘he’s a nowt.’ ‘You’re wicked, Aaron Crawford. That’s what you are.’ Enid’s voice was trembling. ‘And are you saying you want Frank and Ralph to go over the water? Is that it?’ ‘Don’t talk silly. Of course I don’t, but they’re willing to if needs must. At the moment they’re serving King and country better in the shipyard and it might be like that till the end of the war, but who knows?
