The Butterfly Lion

Bertie and Millie meet every Sunday as planned, though they both would be in trouble if they were found out, he for running away from school and she for running away from her home. Over the next two years, they become best friends. Millie now believes that Bertie will travel to France to rescue his white lion.

During school holidays, Bertie stays with his aunt and uncle, so Millie is lonely. She speaks of Africa with her nanny, who says she reads too many books. Bertie eventually stops speaking of The White Prince altogether.

When Bertie goes to college and Millie to a convent school, they both know their friendship has become love. They part, but write letters to one another that continue the rambling conversations of their Sunday meetings. He is unhappy at college, and finds his life dominated by bells that mark the hours. He feels trapped and knows that war is coming to England.

When WWI breaks out, Millie’s father enlists and departs. Millie never sees him again, but she does not know how to grieve a father she’s never really known. She worries that Bertie might also be swept up in the war if it doesn’t end before he graduates.