Burning Bright

‘You are indeed a coward, sir, and a bully!’ he cried, his eyes blazing. ‘To do such a thing to a child! No, Kate,’ he growled at Mrs Blake, who had joined the circle of spectators and was now pulling at her husband’s arm. ‘No, I will not stand down to intimidation. Answer me, sir. Why have you shackled this innocent?’

Dick Butterfield watched his daughter with the same appraising look he’d given Jem when he tried to find a stool. As easy-going as he appeared – lolling in his seat, buying drinks for people, smiling and nodding – he demanded a great deal from those he was with.