He had never been out of Holderness. There had never been any need; everything he wanted was there. His family had always worked on the land, his father and grandfather and great-grandfather before him. As had Ellen’s, as far as he knew.

But now was the time for change, and it wasn’t only the fact that Charlesworth was taking over the farm. Had Mr Oswald lived he would perhaps always have employed him, but there were many farmhands moving into towns to try for a better living than they could make in the countryside; and besides, Harry thought, acres of land were being lost to the sea, which meant that farms were shrinking and cottagers’ homes were disappearing over the edge into the coastal waters.

Perhaps that’s why Charlesworth has brought the sheep to the inland fields, not just to please his wife. He’ll know more about money matters than I do, Harry mused. I onny know about money in my pocket. Perhaps Ozzie was working at a loss. He looked up as he heard the rattle of wheels and saw the carrier coming towards him; he began to run, his pack bumping on his back. He’s early, he thought as he put out his hand to hail the driver.

‘Just in time,’ the driver said as he climbed up beside him. ‘Another minute and you’d have missed me.’

‘Our clock must be wrong,’ Harry said. ‘I thought I’d timed it perfectly.’

‘Nah!’ the driver admitted. ‘I’ve made good time; nobody waiting at Patrington. Will you want a lift back?’

‘Not sure,’ Harry said. ‘Depends if all goes well.’

‘Lookin’ fer work, are you?’

‘Aye, and I don’t know if I’ll be successful today, so I might have to stop over. I’ll be looking for accommodation for my family as well.’

The driver grunted. ‘Well, good luck wi’ that. Just watch what you’re doing, and keep your money bag safe. Where ’you looking, oil mills, grain mills?’

‘Mebbe,’ Harry told him. ‘Wherever I can, oil or seed, or on ’docks. I can’t afford to be choosy.’

‘Try Wincomlee, Wilmington or Sculcoates,’ the driver said. ‘There’re plenty o’ mills to choose from, though I wouldn’t advise you to live down there. Housing won’t be what you’re used to.’

Harry nodded his thanks, but hid a small smile. Their present cottage was cosy, but it wasn’t lavish by any means. He’d surely find something of the same standard.

‘Aye up.’ The driver spotted a figure holding out his thumb further up the road. ‘Seems like all of Holderness is on ’move, seeking work. There’ll be nobody left in ’countryside at this rate.’

‘In that case I’ll come back,’ Harry sighed. ‘I’m not moving through choice.’

‘You married, then?’ the driver asked as he reined in. ‘Got a family of your own?’