It was funny, he thought, as he stood there unsure what to say, he had always thought her attractive, but now dressed in decent clothes and with the glow of a mother-to-be about her she was beautiful and he suddenly realised that he had missed her.

He sat down heavily on the nearest chair just as Mrs Carter entered the room. Amber, she noticed immediately, was gripping the back of a chair and looked as though she could have been facing an opponent in a boxing ring. Placing the tray down, she asked, ‘Is this man bothering you, my dear? Would you like me to ask him to leave?’ She had become very fond and protective of Amber and had no intention of allowing anyone to upset her, especially now she was so close to giving birth.

‘No . . . it’s all right, Mrs Carter. This man is Mr Greenwood, he is— was my employer and I was just surprised to see him, that’s all.’

‘I see. Then would you like me to stay?’

Amber shook her head. ‘No . . . thank you. I’m sure Mr Greenwood won’t be stayin’ for long.’

‘Very well, I shall be just along the corridor if you should need me.’ Mrs Carter shot the visitor a scathing look as she swept out of the room in a rustle of stiff cotton petticoats.

‘So, would you like some tea afore you go?’ Amber asked shortly. It seemed rude not to offer and now she was curious to find out why he had come.

‘I, er . . . yes, yes that would be very nice, thank you.’ Barnaby yanked at the collar of his shirt and watched as she waddled across to the tray and strained the tea into two china cups before adding milk and sugar.

She handed him his cup and saucer, and after taking a seat again she asked bluntly, ‘So why have yer come, Mr Greenwood? An’ how did you know where I was?’

‘In answer to your second question, your brother told me that you were caring for your sick uncle in Scarborough. And in answer to the first, I suppose I came to try and ease my conscience and apologise to you. I realise that I behaved shamefully towards you and I just wish that I could turn the clock back. I came to reimburse you for lost wages and to tell you that your job is still waiting for you when you wish to return. And, of course, to also assure you that I shall never act in such an ungentlemanly manner towards you again so you need have no fear.’

‘Huh!’ Amber tossed her head, her glorious tawny eyes gleaming in the sun that poured in through the window. ‘Well, you’ve done it now but I don’t want your money, Mr Greenwood, and I can assure you I shall never work for you again.’