But two days later, as Gran was placidly preparing their evening meal, the kitchen door was flung open and Tess burst in. She was red in the face and clearly very annoyed about something. Gran raised her brows. ‘What’s bitten you, my love?’ she asked. ‘Don’t say you and Snowy have had another falling out!’

Tess ground her teeth. ‘Gran, you know you said you didn’t mind continuing to work at the bakery if I wanted to try for the scholarship?’ she asked. ‘If you really meant it then I mean to study like crazy and come top, and that’ll show him.’

‘Show who?’ Gran asked placidly. ‘Never make import-ant decisions when you’re in a rage, queen. Tell me what’s bitten you.’

‘It’s that bloody Snowy White; he’s been talking about me, Gran, saying I’m just a jumped up little nobody without a brain in my head. Saying the school won’t put me in for the scholarship because they know I’m not bright enough to get it. So will you, Gran? Go on working at the bakery, I mean.’

Gran had been buttering slices of the loaf, but she put her knife down and crossed the room to give Tess, half in and half out of her jacket, a hug. ‘Of course I will, silly,’ she said warmly. ‘I’ve told you over and over that your education is the most important thing, so if I’ve got Snowy to thank for your decision to sit for the scholarship I’m downright grateful to him. And I’ll tell anyone who wants to listen that I’m backing you to win!’

Chapter Six

‘SOMETHING SMELLS GOOD, Ma. Grub ready yet?’ Jonty Bell came into the kitchen in his stockinged feet, wellingtons in one hand. ‘I got up early so I could finish all my chores and have time to clean up before I go down to the station to meet Tess. She’s really looking forward to seeing all the changes which have taken place over the past three years. Can you believe it, Ma? It’s three whole years since Crippen escaped, and three whole years since Tess has set foot on Bell Farm.’ He stood his boots down by the back door, shrugged himself out of his waterproof and looked appreciatively at the large pan in which his mother was frying sliced potatoes. ‘I bet Tess doesn’t have lunches like the ones you make, Ma. Oh, I can’t wait to see her funny old face again! Of course I’ve tried to tell her about all the changes that have taken place . . .’

Mrs Bell clicked her tongue reprovingly. ‘My dear boy, you’re about as fond of writing letters as your pa, which means not fond at all. How often have you written over the past three years?’ She smiled as Jonty felt his cheeks begin to grow hot. ‘Well, never mind. You’re seeing the gal in a couple of hours, so you can catch up with each other’s news then.’