It was Laura who spoke first. ‘Although I expected it, I think they have done a wonderful job.’ She smiled. ‘The whole church looks beautiful, you do know that, Blackie?’

‘Thank ye, me darlin’. I think Miss Moira will be pleased the way they’ve banked them up on each side of the organ and down the steps to the nave.’

‘Not to mention around the back of the pulpit. And what about the alcoves and windowsills, Blackie? I love the vases of roses and carnations against the stained-glass windows, as well. Perfect.’

Blackie nodded and took hold of his friend’s arm. ‘Let’s sit down a moment before we go back to the manor to change our clothes, enjoy the peace and quiet in here.’ He led her to a pew.

‘It’s wonderful ye can be here today at Miss Moira’s wedding to Lord Adrian.’ He smiled down at Laura.

‘I am too, and I’m happy for her. She’s always been so nice, if we met up in Armley or that time when she came for tea when she was working for Mrs Wilson.’

‘Aye, she was that, I agree.’ Blackie chuckled, and said quietly, ‘When I first met her, I was always suspicious of her, though, so a bit wary.’

‘Why would you be like that?’ Laura asked, sounding taken aback. Her brows came together in a frown, and she shook her head, baffled.

‘Because I knew she weren’t like us, me and Finn. We’re working-class folk. I knew deep in me bones that Moira Aherne was patrician, totally different. I didn’t understand why she was … well, playing it down. Ye knows what I mean, pretending to be like us.’

Laura nodded. ‘Whatever, she’s always been friendly to me when we spent time together.’

‘Aye, she is friendly, but don’t mistake friendliness for friendship. Most aristocrats have a gift for being friendly, but it’s never their friendship they’re giving. And that’s just the way they are.’

‘Do ye really believe that, Blackie?’ she asked, scepticism in her tone. ‘I think Lord Robert has been a friend to you, a real friend. Look at the work he’s given you and your uncle.’

‘Ye’re right, he has been a patron, ’tis true, sure and it is. But ye see, Laura, Lord Robert is different to most aristocrats. He’s a rarity. Nobody like him that I know of, and that’s a fact.’

‘I’m glad you appreciate his lordship.’

Blackie nodded. ‘I do, I promise ye.’ He stood up. ‘Best we get back to the manor and change.’ He glanced at the altar again. ‘Miss Moira wanted all white flowers, like they did for Lord Robert’s marriage in March. And we’ve certainly done that, don’t ye think? Done her proud?’

‘We have, and we’ve had a much better choice of blooms because it’s May. She’ll be nicely surprised.’