Finn nodded, also looking around, a dismal expression settling on his face. He said, ‘I do know that one of the really popular chaps was in an accident earlier in the week. Ye knows him, Blackie, Andy Paulton. All the girls flocked around him. He was a masterful dancer—’

‘Oh, I do know him!’ Blackie cut in. ‘So what happened? What kind of accident did he have then?’

‘He was run down by a horse and carriage, ’cos the horse got startled, reared up and bolted. Andy was trampled on.’

‘Oh my God! Is he dead? He must be, surely?’ Blackie exclaimed, sounding horror-struck.

‘Badly injured,’ Finn replied. ‘In Leeds Infirmary, so I heard. But ye knows as well as I do, them, these kind of accidents, do a lotta damage to a man.’

Blackie nodded, his face sober, concern reflected in his dark eyes. ‘Me Uncle Pat stopped one like that only a couple’a years back; had to grab the bridle of a horse that was about to bolt. He got a hearty thank you from the man – proper gentry he was too. Squire Fairley. He’s been sending us work as a result.’ He spotted one of the girls he often danced with and started to walk towards her, taking Finn with him. ‘Look, Sarah Clough will fill us in on Andy, ye knows she always has gossip to share, sure and she does.’

Finn laughed. ‘She’s better than them there newspapers ye are allus reading. More news than ye can stand.’

Sarah, a nice-looking young woman with blue eyes and blonde hair, smiled broadly as the two young men came towards her. Seated in a chair against the wall, she immediately stood up. After greetings were exchanged, Blackie spoke first.

‘It’s right nice to see ye, Sarah, and ye look lovely in that blue dress.’

Her face dimpled, and she nodded. ‘Thank you, Blackie. And you look smart. I like your smart white shirt.’

He nodded as Finn said, ‘That frock matches your blue eyes, right nice ye are, Sarah.’ She was wearing a dress with a deep flounce, its gathered bodice trimmed with lace, modelled on the latest look.

There were a few chuckles all around, and then Finn opened up. ‘We heard Andy was in a real terrible accident. Do ye knows anything about it?’

Sarah nodded, her face suddenly sad, and both men noticed she had paled. They gave her a moment, as she seemed about to cry, struggling not to do so.

Taking a deep breath, Sarah swallowed her emotions, and said, ‘He was, yes, and I went with his mam to see him on Thursday. He’s in a bad way, but I don’t think … he’s going … to die.’ Her voice trembled on her last words.

Blackie reached out and squeezed her arm reassuringly. Finn asked, ‘Is he badly hurt then?’