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hangers that swung from the central bar. Her clothes looked lost in the emptiness of the wardrobe. She put her few bits of underwear and stockings in one of the drawers in the large chest of drawers. She hoped Grandfather would not check and see how little they both had.
    ‘You will both have the run of the house,’ announced Grandfather at breakfast, ‘with the exception of my study downstairs and my bedroom, dressing room and bathroom. I will point out those rooms to you after breakfast. I expect you to respect my privacy. The drawing room is not to be treated as a playroom. Meals are regular. Good wholesomenourishing food – you two need building up – served on time. Breakfast is at half-past eight, lunch at one o’clock, and tea is at half-past six. Nancy is used to these hours and they suit her.’
    Hugh was shifting uncomfortably and Sophie could tell he was making an effort to try and remember all that Grandfather was saying.
    ‘Lights are not to be left on unnecessarily, hot water is not to be wasted, and I will not tolerate loudness or unruly behaviour.’
    ‘And now,’ he continued, ‘about your education. I will arrange for you to attend the local schools here from next Monday. You, Sophie, will go to the convent school, and you, Hugh, to the boys’ school nearby.’ He stopped talking for a few seconds as he cut the top off his egg and dropped a knob of butter into it. ‘You may have this week off.’
    Sophie was amazed at just how much food there was on the breakfast table: bread, butter, jams, marmalade, eggs, a big jug of milk, and a large silver teapot. Where was their grandfather getting it all from?
    ‘Grandfather, do you have to get ration cards for us?’ she blurted out.
    ‘Don’t worry about that, Sophie. Remember, the food shortages here are nothing as bad as in London – this is an agricultural country. I’ll sort out the allowances for the two of you.’
    She blushed. Every time he spoke to her, it was as if he was giving her a lecture.
    ‘I suppose the pair of you are anxious to explore yournew surroundings?’ he continued. ‘Now, listen carefully. No climbing the rocks – with the sea-spray they are too slippery at this time of year. Be careful of the tide if you go on the South Beach or Cove.’
    South Beach! Cove! It sounded like there were lots of places to see, and Sophie was itching to get out and have a good look around.
    ‘Sophie, you are responsible for your brother,’ Grandfather said. ‘Make sure he does not get into trouble – and be careful of the water.’
    ‘Are you finished, Professor?’ interrupted Nancy, starting to clear the table.
    ‘I have some work to do,’ said the old man. ‘Bring me the post when it comes, Nancy.’
    Sophie thought he had forgotten about herself and Hugh, but he looked at the two of them again. ‘I trust you two will be able to amuse yourselves till lunchtime? Now, come with me.’
    He pointed out the doors to his private rooms, then opened the last one into a room filled with books. He limped inside and closed the door behind him.

CHAPTER 14
Greystones
    Greystones – Sophie had only been in the place a few hours, but she loved it already, and as for Grandfather’s house, never, ever did she dream of staying in such a fine billet.
    The house was called Carrigraun, and it stood like a huge grey sentry keeping guard over the sea-front, watching the fishing boats go in and out, and the passing of distant ships, from its huge bay-windowed glass eyes. In places, bits of paint were peeling, a result of winter storms and the salt-edged sea breeze that was carried over the waves.
    Just imagine, living in a house near two beaches, mused Sophie. In fact, there were three, if you counted the rocky Cove with its rock pools and little caves.
    South Beach was totally different from the other beach which disappeared in a beige, sandy line in the distance. Here it was shingly and covered in tiny stones of every imaginable colour. They both