Once their orders were given to Gladys, Blackie said, ‘There’s something I forgot to tell ye. When I was in Ireland to see my old friend, the priest, who was dying, and to see Siobhan and Michael, I met Lord Robert Lassiter. He wanted me to do a bit of work at Lassiter Hall. I felt I had to oblige, ’cos he’s been very good to me, giving me work like the guesthouse.’

‘Yes, he has. I’m glad you stayed on. I think it’s important to be loyal.’ She squeezed his arm. ‘As you are to me.’

‘I’m always here for ye, Emma. And I’ll help ye when the baby comes. Make sure I’m available, like. Tell me again, when is it due?’

‘It’s due in March, and I can’t wait to have it, I can tell you that. I do want to work at Kallinski’s as long as I can. You know how good they are to me. They’ve become family in a way.’

‘Aye, I know that, lass.’ Blackie frowned. He didn’t like the idea of her working so long. ‘Ye know David admires ye a lot.’ He gave her a pointed look.

Emma stared at him, surprised at his tone. Was he jealous of David Kallinski?

Blackie noticed her face changing, becoming reflective, and cursed himself under his breath. But David’s presence in her life did trouble him. Blackie had discovered on his return from Ireland that, much to his surprise, he was no longer sure how he felt about Emma.

He had been out of Leeds when she had arrived from Fairley, and he had not seen her since her mother had died. How she had changed in that time. She had become a young woman with striking looks, an air of confidence and lots of charm. Very desirable indeed.

Blackie knew he admired her, liked her, was fascinated by her. But the young girl he had felt protective over had disappeared. He could not describe how he felt about the woman sitting before him. He truly was baffled.

Emma said, ‘What are you brooding about? You’re looking very serious.’

‘Just pondering on a few things – nothing serious, mavourneen.’

Gladys arrived with their plates of food, and said, ‘Would ye like a basket of bread?’

‘That’s a good idea.’ Emma then asked, ‘And could I have a bottle of malt vinegar and pepper, please, Gladys?’

‘Coming right up, madam,’ she answered and dashed away.

Emma said, ‘You spoke about David Kallinski, who is just a friend, as I told you. But what about your friend Laura you’ve told me about?’

‘Oh, don’t be daft, lass. We’re just friends like ye and David.’

‘Oh, I see …’ Emma’s voice trailed off and she looked thoughtful.