Crossword Genius

Want Father Edward to come back at first (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

desire

'want' is the definition.
('desire' can be a synonym of 'want')

'father edward to come back at first' is the wordplay.
'father' becomes 'sire' ('sire' can be a synonym of 'father').
'edward' becomes 'ed'.
'to come back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'at first' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'ed' reversed gives 'de'.
'sire' put after 'de' is 'DESIRE'.

(Other definitions for desire that I've seen before include "Want strongly" , "Reside (anag.)" , "Want to reside?" , "Hanker after" , "request" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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