Overcome with shyness, she buried her head against David’s chest. Without thinking David put an arm around her as though it was the most natural thing in the world. Belatedly remembering, they both thought about drawing apart, but checked themselves.
‘Huh!’ Richard muttered, appraising the two, ‘You always were the secretive type, Davie. And a smart ‘un. Do I get to be your best man?’
‘It’s a bit early for that,’ David rejoined with deprecating wryness.
‘No Davie, it’s not.’ Richard spoke with quiet seriousness. ‘Year’s almost done. Our last year. After that we’re adults, getting jobs, buying houses, getting married and raising kiddies . . . all this,’ he inclined his head meaningly towards the school, ‘is all but over. Lynn and I are getting married this summer, then it’s off to copper school for me . . . What? I know that look! Out with it!’
‘I’m seriously thinking about joining you,’ David told him, feeling suddenly very old, unable to take pleasure in the sight of his friend’s unfeigned chagrin.
‘You can’t be serious! Come off it, David! Your family’s got money! You can do whatever you want. Your father wouldn’t want-’