After he’d left to go the warehouse Amber unpacked their clothes in the bedrooms – Barnaby had decided that Amber and Charlotte should have the largest bedroom at the front of the house overlooking the sea, as there was plenty of room for Charlotte’s cot in there, and Barnaby himself had chosen to sleep in the room at the back, which overlooked the rolling moors – then took Charlotte outside where she sat her on a blanket with her wooden bricks to play with, and made a start on digging the vegetable garden. Charlotte laughed and cooed as she tugged at the grass and tasted it and Amber couldn’t help but smile to see the child looking so happy and content. After lunch the little girl went down for a nap so Amber set to making a meat and potato pie for their dinner. Thankfully Barnaby had ensured that the larder was full but she knew that soon she would have to venture into the village for shopping and she wasn’t looking forward to it one little bit.

It was late afternoon when he returned and they were both ill at ease. ‘Have you had a good day?’ he asked as he lifted Charlotte to give her a kiss.

‘Busy,’ she answered without looking at him. ‘And your dinner will be ready in about half an hour, but it’s only a pie, mind. I’m not very good at fancy cooking.’

‘I’m sure it will be delicious.’ He eyed her quietly for a moment before saying tentatively, ‘You know, if we’re going to be living in the same house, we should at least make an effort to get along, for Charlotte’s sake. Children can pick up on a bad atmosphere and I really want her to have a happy childhood.’

She paused before raising her eyes to his. She supposed he did have a point. ‘All right, I’ll try but don’t expect me to ever like you.’

The meal was actually very tasty and Amber noticed how patient Barnaby was when he fed Charlotte. She was opening her mouth like a little bird for him and it was plain to see the bond between them.

‘Perhaps I could help with the washing-up?’ he suggested when the meal was over, but she shook her head.

‘Thank you but I’ll do it myself,’ she said primly. And then deciding there was no time like the present she asked, ‘Would it be possible for me to take Charlotte to Scarborough for a few days so I can attend me uncle’s weddin’?’

She saw a brief flash of alarm in his eyes and he paused before saying, ‘Yes, of course, if that’s what you want. When is it?’

‘In a couple o’ weeks’ time. I thought we could go on the coach from the market square.’