1
" Grace says, that’s all right then. She was afraid I might be, and Jack said she was to tell me that he knows where the 1st Battalion is and it’s miles away from the front, and that, as a matter of fact, Tim will be much safer there than he would be at home. When asked to explain how this is possible, Grace replies that there are more people killed in the streets by buses and things than have been killed in France in the war, and Jack says that once Hitler starts bombing in earnest he’s certain to drop some on the barracks. He knows exactly where the barracks are. Grace thinks that we really ought to move further away from the barracks in case a bomb, intended for the barracks, falls upon us by mistake. "
― D.E. Stevenson , Mrs. Tim Carries On
11
" Jack says, “Are you still there, Hester? Oh, I thought perhaps they had cut us off. You heard the bombs, of course . . . yes, that was the beginning of it. You had better come round here and stay with Grace. I’ve got to go to the Barracks at once.” This is impossible, of course, for my first duty is to my own children, and their safety is my paramount concern. I point this out to Jack and add that if only I could get Betty to a place of safety I am prepared to remain with Grace and sell my life as dearly as possible. I have two shot guns and a small revolver and ammunition for a prolonged siege. . . . Jack says, “I don’t know what on earth you are talking about.” I reply, “The Germans of course. You said they had landed.” Jack says, “Good Lord, it isn’t the Germans; it’s twins.” “Twins!” I echo incredulously. “Yes,” says Jack, “Yes, twins. I thought Grace was going to die. I was terrified. It’s been the most ghastly night. I don’t know why people ever have children, it’s wicked—positively wicked. "
― D.E. Stevenson , Mrs. Tim Carries On