Inside he found Nancy with David on her lap as she tried to tempt him to take some bread soaked in warm milk – or pobs as they called it – while Charlotte lay on a blanket on the floor kicking her legs and gurgling contentedly. At the sight of her father, she beamed and instantly held her arms up to be lifted. Barnaby scooped her up and held her tightly. It seemed the only time he was happy now was when he was up here with the children.

‘How is he today, Nancy?’

‘Hmm.’ Nancy sucked her teeth and shook her head. ‘Not so good, if I’m to be honest, sir. I’ve spent ages trying to get him to take some o’ this pobs but he ain’t havin’ it. I even put a bit o’ sugar on.’

Nancy had actually turned out to be excellent with the children and they clearly loved her already.

‘All you can do is your best.’ He grinned as Charlotte snuggled into his neck whilst David lay across Nancy’s lap, limp and lethargic. The difference between the two children was growing more marked by the day but Barnaby didn’t know what to do about it.

‘I don’t suppose you’ve had time to advertise fer another nanny yet, have you?’ she timidly ventured to ask.

‘I’m afraid I haven’t, what with my in-laws being here and one thing and another,’ he said apologetically.

‘Oh, I weren’t complainin’,’ Nancy was quick to tell him. ‘But it just so happens I know someone who might be suitable.’

‘Really? Who would that be ?’ Charlotte had snuggled down into his lap now and her eyelids were drooping.

‘It’s Amber who used to work here in the laundry,’ she said innocently. She knew that Barnaby wasn’t aware that she knew of what had happened between him and Amber. ‘Her mam is goin’ to live in Scarborough wi’ her brother so she’ll be lookin’ for a job an’ I reckon she’d be reet good wi’ the babies.’

‘Amber? If her mother is leaving, where will she live?’

‘That’s just it.’ Nancy gave up trying with the food and wrapped David’s shawl about his scrawny little shoulders. ‘She’s moved in wi’ me mam, just temporary like till she can find a job that suits.’

She saw his jaw tense and knew that he didn’t like the idea but despite the fact that Amber had made it clear she never wanted to work for him again she felt she owed it to her to try and find her a place to live – that’s if Amber wasn’t too stubborn to take the job if it were offered.

‘I, er . . . don’t think that the job would suit Amb— Miss Ainsley. She isn’t a trained nanny, is she?’