‘Aye. But William Hart seemed to think there were more to it,’ Jennet told her.

‘Aye, there was. It were the spoiled blouse. It’s that similar to one that Mrs Feilden has in her drawer that she thought it were hers at first.’

‘But tha set her right?’

‘Aye. She knew I were being truthful when tha called with the cloth for a new one. I didn’t know tha’d been.’

‘I came round t’ back,’ Jennet told her. ‘But that chap who’s the butler took it from me and then just closed the door on me like I were a beggar or summat.’

‘Aye. That doesn’t surprise me. He always acts as if he has a stick up his arse.’

‘Hannah!’ Her sister giggled.

‘Well, it’s true. Though he had his nose put out of joint last night when Mr Feilden invited all and sundry to a supper party. He seems to think they’ll all vote for him now and not for Dr Bowring. Dost tha think they will?’ she asked Titus. ‘Surely they know Dr Bowring should get one of their votes?’

Titus frowned. ‘Who knows?’ he asked. ‘The trouble with Bowring is that he’s not local and folk tend to side with them as they knows – and them as buys ’em a pint.’

‘Tha’s drinkin’ their free beer.’

‘Aye, but I’ve no vote to cast. If I had, it’d go to Bowring and many are of the same opinion, but we get no say and Reform or no, it doesn’t go far enough,’ he grumbled.

‘Look, there’s James Hindle now,’ said Jennet, nudging her sister’s arm as she saw the schoolmaster weaving a path towards them.

Hannah watched as James threaded through the surging crowd. She could feel the fluttering in her stomach and wasn’t sure whether she really wanted to see him or not. She was afraid that he would be disappointed in her, but a wide smile lit his face when his eyes met hers.

‘I’ve never seen anything like it!’ he exclaimed. ‘I think the whole town’s come out!’

‘Aye, and so they should,’ said Titus. ‘It’s just a pity they can’t all come out for the voting rather than being at their jobs whilst just the privileged few get their say.’

Hannah wanted to ask James what he knew about the missing book, but before she had chance the band finished with a flourish and the candidates climbed up on to the stage. People began to shush one another and at first they couldn’t hear the speeches, although a few of the words were caught on the breeze and carried towards them.

Dr Bowring spoke first and his words were earnest as he repeated what he intended to do for the working man. He was met with cheers amongst those who cared to listen, although others were more intent on getting their cups refilled than paying heed to what any of the speakers had to say. Mr Feilden’s speech was aimed at the tradesmen and mill owners. He spoke about making the town prosperous, but neglected to comment that it would come at the expense of the working men and women who toiled in the mills for their employers. Mr Turner said nothing much, but received the loudest cheers, mostly from those with drinks in their hands. The temperance folk had given up, Hannah saw. They’d furled their banner and dismantled their small stage. They were fighting a losing battle this afternoon and were probably tired of the insults and manky cabbages being hurled in their direction.