‘I’ve also decided to get another girl in from the village to act as your nursemaid,’ he went on. ‘I realise that it’s a lot for anyone to care for two young babies, especially when one of them is as sick as David is.’ His hand unconsciously reached into the infant’s crib and gently stroked his hair, and Amber knew that he genuinely did care for both children, even though they were from different mothers. ‘Once you have help you can have more time off,’ he went on persuasively. ‘So will you just consider staying?’

Unable to look at him she nodded and without a word he quietly left the room as she scooped Charlotte up into her arms and studied her tiny face. This was her baby, her own flesh and blood and she knew already that no matter what happened now she would never be parted from her again.

*

It was Nancy who brought her breakfast tray up the next morning and staring into Amber’s face she said anxiously, ‘You know then?’

Amber nodded. ‘Yes – but why didn’t you tell me?’

Nancy shrugged. ‘I didn’t feel it were my place to, but I told Mrs Ruffin you’d guess in no time. It were her that told me. She’ll never breathe a word to anybody else an’ neither will I so you need have no fear that it’ll ever come out.’

‘I’m surprised Mrs Ruffin will even speak to me,’ Amber said in a small voice.

‘Oh, you needn’t have no worries on that score neither,’ Nancy reassured her. ‘She knows the master took advantage of you an’ why you didn’t say anythin’. At least he were honest an’ told her the truth an’ she’ll say nowt cos of upsettin’ the mistress. But what will you do now?’

‘I’m not sure.’ Amber sighed. ‘All I do know is that if I do go, I’ll shame the devil an’ take Charlotte and blow the consequences.’

‘But how would you explain her?’ Nancy looked worried. ‘Me mam told me there’s enough talk down in the town already about you bein’ offered this job wi’out you clearin’ off wi’ the baby. It wouldn’t take long for everyone to put two an’ two together an’ then you’d be classed as a fallen woman. What bloke would want you then?’

Amber snorted, her nostrils flaring. ‘As if that would worry me! I’ll never get married now after the way he let me down. It’s put me off men for life!’

‘Hm, then you’d best tell Bertie Preston that. He’s still goin’ round spoutin’ off that he’s gonna wed you. In fact, me mam said he had a fight wi’ Ronnie Orwell t’other day cos Ronnie made some sarky comment about you landin’ this cushy job!’