And so, the following Sunday afternoon, after making sure that Charlotte had everything she needed, she left her in Becky’s capable care and set off. She had a vague idea where the farm was and it was such a beautiful day, she quite enjoyed the walk. On the edge of the arable fields she passed, there was a profusion of wild flowers – the common fumitory, black medick, buttercups and bird’s-foot trefoil – with multi-coloured butterflies flitting among them. She recognised the small tortoiseshells and meadow browns that her father had once pointed out to her on a walk in happier days, and thoughts of him brought a lump to her throat and slowed her steps as she almost allowed herself to be lost in memories. But then she raised her chin and after removing her bonnet she walked on swinging it by its ribbons.

Today she had worn the summer dress her uncle had bought for her and could she have known it, she made a pretty picture as she made her way across the meadows. At last, as sweat stood out on her brow, she saw the farm below her in a hollow and began to make her way down to it. A large sheepdog on a chain began to bark as she came to the gate that led into the farmyard and seconds later a frowning young man holding a pitchfork appeared from a large barn and looked her up and down. She noticed immediately that he had a bad limp, his hair was wild and unkempt and he looked as if he hadn’t shaved for weeks. ‘An’ what can we be doin’ fer you, me little maid? Lost are you?’ he asked gruffly.

‘Oh no, no,’ Amber assured him. ‘Actually, I heard that there was a job goin’ here an’ I wondered if you’d found anyone for it yet?’

‘It’s me mam you’ll be wantin’ to see then.’ Suddenly he was all smiles as he threw the pitchfork down and limped towards her to swing the wide farm gate open. Chickens scattered, squawking indignantly, and Amber screwed up her nose as the smell of the place hit her nostrils. The farmhouse windows were grimy and the yard was covered in chicken droppings. Lifting her skirt she picked her away across them and followed him to the open door where he shouted, ‘MAM! Someone ’ere to see yer.’