Free Cousins at War by Doris Davidson

Queenie told them how idyllic her home life had been, how her parents had always listened to anything she had to say, how they had discussed together any family decisions
which had to be made. ‘They never left me out. They never did anything without asking what I thought first. When Dad wanted to change the shop round, Mum and I gave him suggestions or he told
us what he was thinking and we all talked it over.’
    She went on to describe the shop as it eventually was, and the house above it where they had lived. ‘It wasn’t as big as the house in the Gallowgate, but it was fine for three of us,
and Mum kept it ever so nice. On my thirteenth birthday, Dad let me choose the colour scheme I wanted for my bedroom, and I went round the wallpaper shops for days before I chose the cream with
teeny pink rosebuds. Dad did the papering and painting and Mum made curtains and a bedspread to match.’
    The catch in her voice made Patsy say, ‘It must have been lovely. I wish my dad would do something about my room – I mean our room, but there’s no wallpaper to be had
now.’ She brightened as a thought struck her. ‘Mum, would you let us paint on top of the old paper? I’ve read hints about how to make patterns on plain walls with a bit of sponge
dipped in another colour. You can make flowers, or anything you like.’
    ‘We’ll see what your dad has to say about it.’
    Patsy turned to her cousin. ‘What about painting the walls cream and using pink and . . .?’
    When Joe came in, the two girls were still working out a colour scheme, Queenie looking more animated than he’d have thought possible, and he was pleased that her mind had been taken off
her bereavement for a short time. ‘You can paint your room whatever way you like – sky blue and pink with magenta spots, if that’s what you want. It’s not me that’ll
have to sleep in it.’
    After tea, the two girls disappeared to draw up plans, and Gracie said, ‘Patsy’s worked wonders with Queenie, so I hope Hetty doesn’t come rushing here when I tell her,
it’ll just upset the poor lassie again.’
    ‘Have you not phoned Hetty yet? Look, you can’t put it off any longer, Gracie. I’ll wash the supper dishes and you go and do it right now. Just say what’s happened, and
explain it’s for the lassie’s sake you don’t want her to come. Have you written to Flo and Ishbel and Ellie yet?’
    ‘I won’t bother with Ishbel. Flo can pass it on to her. So I’ll write the two letters once I’ve phoned.’
    Hetty burst into tears when she heard the sad news, and it took all Gracie’s tact to prevent her sister from coming to King Street there and then, but she did make her
understand that it would do no good, and might even do some harm. She said that it had been Patsy who had comforted Queenie and was stumped for a moment when Hetty offered to send Olive to help,
too. ‘It’s all right, Hetty,’ she murmured. ‘Queenie’s had enough for one day, and I think she’ll be going to bed early tonight, and Patsy, as well.’
    Luckily, Hetty did not take offence. ‘Poor thing, both her parents killed like that.’ She had to suppress another sob. ‘I can’t believe we’ll never see Donnie and
Helene again.’
    ‘Is Martin there with you?’ Gracie asked, gently.
    ‘Yes, I’ll be all right. It’s just . . . it was so sudden . . .’
    ‘I know, it’s been a terrible shock.’
    ‘Will Queenie be living with you for good now?
    ‘I promised Helene I’d look after her if . . .’
    ‘Well, remember if you ever feel you’re at the end of your tether, let me know, and I can have her here for a while.’
    The offer took Gracie totally by surprise, but she said, earnestly, ‘It’s very good of you.’
    ‘You’ve had more than your share of looking after people, but don’t think it hasn’t been appreciated.’
    Gracie felt chastened when she sat down to write to Ellie and Flo. After feeling so sorry for herself earlier, it was gratifying