Her mother shook her head wildly. ‘No – no. I’ve been into town – in the trap. I saw the bombs. I – I thought it was the farm . . .’ She gulped painfully. ‘I came tearing home – a bomb had landed in the lane – I had to go right round by the Grange to get back.’ ‘Where is me dad, then?’ Esther was staring with terrified eyes at the ruins of the pub and clinging to Kate, her grip so intense that her fingers dug into Kate’s arms. ‘He – he said he would tek the cows up to North Marsh Field and then when he came back he – he might walk down the road and have a – game of dominoes at the pub.’ ‘Esther.’ Beth’s voice came gently, flat and unemotional. Kate turned and saw her standing just behind them. ‘Leave her to me, Katie love. You go and – help.’ Kate eased herself from her mother’s grasp and Beth took her place, putting her arm about Esther and holding her close. Never taking her gaze from the heap of rubble, Esther clung to Beth and the two women stood together in silence watching and waiting .
