Watching him heading towards the women, Patrick shook his head, still puzzled, and followed his nephew, now somewhat intrigued.

Sarah jumped up swiftly at the sight of Blackie, who had appeared as if from nowhere. To her astonishment she saw his uncle was not far behind him.

Running across the lawn, Sarah swiftly reached him, and as she came to a stop, she pushed a smile onto her face, and exclaimed, ‘Blackie! Hello, hello, what a surprise to see you.’

When he didn’t respond and was looking over her shoulder at Angela, who had risen from her chair, Sarah grabbed his arm.

‘This is a misunderstanding,’ she said, her voice calm. ‘We only got here last night, and Angela’s leaving shortly for Harrogate. I’m going to accompany her. She can’t travel alone.’

‘Ye both told me ye’d be in Harrogate this weekend.’ He laughed. It sounded hollow. ‘And now here ye are, Sunday afternoon, sitting in the garden. Why did ye lie? To get out of seeing me?’

‘No, no, it’s not like that at all,’ Sarah cried, her voice rising. ‘Angela suddenly needed some documents. For her solicitor in Harrogate. That is the reason we came to the house.’

Patrick drew closer and stood next to Blackie. He vaguely recognized the young woman Blackie was talking to in an angry tone, but could not place her, nor did he recall her name.

Sarah, relieved to see Patrick Kennedy now standing with Blackie, gave him a huge smile and thrust out her hand. ‘Pleased to meet you, Mr Kennedy. I’m Sarah Clough. I live in the Edinburghs near you, just behind Town Street.’

After shaking her hand, Patrick smiled, then nodded. ‘Of course, now I realize who you are, although I hardly ever see you around in our area these days.’

‘No, I work in Leeds. I have a secretarial job at Andrews, the tailoring firm. And I am also here sometimes, with my sister.’

‘I see.’ Patrick glanced at the woman who was now standing on the terrace, thinking she was older than Sarah, and rather beautiful. He was about to speak to Sarah when he was slightly pushed aside by Blackie, who stepped around Sarah and loped across the lawn, heading for the terrace, determination in every step.

Sarah let out a small cry and swung around, gasping as she saw Blackie and Angela head into the house, talking in low voices.

Patrick, staring at her, asked, ‘Does Blackie know your sister? Do you understand what this is all about?’

‘I think so,’ Sarah responded, and took hold of his arm for a moment. Then she said, ‘Let’s go and sit down for a minute or two, and I’ll try to explain.’

‘Very well,’ Patrick answered, and strode along next to her as they crossed the lawn. There were white-painted wicker chairs on the terrace, where Sarah indicated they should sit.