It was not an ideal month for the seaside, but William’s father’s doctor had ordered him a complete rest and change. ‘We shall have to take William with us, you know,’ his wife had said as they discussed plans. ‘Good heavens!’ groaned Mr Brown. ‘I thought it was to be a rest cure.’ ‘Yes, but you know what he is,’ his wife urged. ‘I daren’t leave him with anyone. Certainly not with Ethel. We shall have to take them both. Ethel will help with him.’ Ethel was William’s grown-up sister. ‘All right,’ agreed her husband finally. ‘You can take all responsibility. I formally disown him from now till we get back. I don’t care what trouble he lands you in. You know what he is and you deliberately take him away with me on a rest cure!’ ‘It can’t be helped, dear,’ said his wife mildly. William was thrilled by the news. It was several years since he had been at the seaside.
