Patrick simply nodded, and gave him a searching look. They turned to leave, when Blackie heard his name being called. As he swung around, Sarah was coming outside, followed by Angela.

Angela rushed forward and stretched out her hand. ‘Hello, Mr Kennedy, I’m Sarah’s sister, Angela Welles.’

He took her hand and found himself smiling back at her. ‘Nice to meet you, Mrs Welles.’

‘Can I offer you something … a glass of lemonade perhaps? It’s such a warm day.’

‘Thank you kindly, but we must be off. We’ve been out for a while; I must get us home.’

‘Of course, I understand.’

Sarah said, ‘I hope you can come with me to Harrogate on Saturday, Blackie. Finn said he’d like to join us … for a day out.’

‘I’ll try,’ Blackie answered, wanting to escape. ‘Are ye going in the morning?’ He started to walk forward.

‘Today probably.’ Sarah gave him a big smile, and Angela said, ‘You’re welcome too, Mr Kennedy.’

‘Thank you, but I’m busy next weekend.’

‘What a shame,’ Angela answered, and retreated to the house.

‘Goodbye to both of ye,’ Blackie said, and took hold of his arm. ‘Let’s be going, Uncle Pat.’

Patrick waited until they were out of the garden and on the street before saying, ‘I must admit they’re both very pretty girls … women.’ His voice trailed off, and he didn’t say anything else, leading his nephew along the path that led onto the moor. ‘Let’s sit down on this seat for a moment,’ Patrick said. ‘I need to talk to you before we get home.’

Blackie did not respond but sat down, waiting, wondering what his uncle would say. Tell him off, no doubt.

But he was wrong. Patrick shifted on the seat slightly and stared at Blackie. ‘How far has this gone, lad?’

‘Er-er – not sure what ye mean, Uncle?’

‘Have you … been intimate with Sarah?’

Blackie was startled. His uncle obviously assumed he was entangled with the younger of the sisters. Not wanting to get Sarah into this mess, he improvised, ‘No, I haven’t.’

‘All right, I’m glad to hear you’ve been cautious. But if it goes any further and you take that step, I want you to protect yourself. We don’t need any babies out of wedlock. Go to the chemist shop tomorrow and sort out what you need. Just in case, so you’re prepared. And remember what I said about behaviour. You need to be thinking about marriage if that’s the way things are going. And don’t ever force yourself on a woman. Let her show that she’s … ready, willing and able. Understood?’

‘Yes, Uncle Pat, ye know I always listen to ye.’

Patrick nodded. ‘Sarah explained why you were angry. And in a way, I suppose I don’t blame you. Take my word for it, some women can be devious and manipulative. So be careful, be alert.’