The woman frowned at him. Her poor lad had been born a cripple and none o’ the lasses thereabouts would give him the time o’ day, so he shouldn’t be so sniffy. Cos a little maid like this with a bastard to care for might be the best he could do.

She stared at Amber for another few moments – she was sure she’d seen her somewhere before, but then she said, ‘All right, I’ll give yer a trial. But that’s all it’ll be, mind. If yer don’t come up to muster after a month, yer out, right?’

Amber nodded.

‘Come on Sunday an’ I’ll show yer where you an’ the little ’un will be sleepin’.’ And with that the woman turned and shuffled back to wherever she had come from, telling Amber that the interview was at an end.

Turning about, Amber lifted her skirts again and made her way back across the farmyard with the young man closely following. When they reached the gate, he opened it for her.

‘See yer Sunday then!’ He was openly leering at her and Amber felt awkward.

‘Yes.’ Amber nodded and hurried on her way, wondering if she would live to regret what she had just arranged.

*

Becky was surprised when Amber arrived home early. ‘I weren’t expectin’ you just yet,’ she remarked cheerfully. ‘I thought you’d gone to see Mrs Grimshaw.’

‘I just fancied a walk.’ Amber hated lying to her and as she went to check on Charlotte, who was fast asleep in her crib, she wondered again if she was doing the right thing. Barnaby Greenwood would obviously be very distressed when he knew that she’d taken their daughter. But given that his reputation and marriage was at stake, would he dare to search for her? It remained to be seen.

The following morning Amber saw Mrs Ruffin coming out of the mistress’s room and after glancing about to make sure they couldn’t be overheard she drew her to one side and whispered, ‘Mrs Ruffin, I have to speak to you.’

The woman frowned as Amber went on, ‘I’m so sorry but I can’t stay here anymore. Every time I see Mr Greenwood I . . .’

As her voice trailed away Mrs Ruffin patted her arm sympathetically.

‘But the thing is . . . I’m taking Charlotte with me.’