‘Me an’ me daughters will ’ave the whole place shinin’ like a new penny fer yer wife when she arrives, sir,’ she promised. ‘An’ durin’ her stay I’ll come an’ fetch all her dirty laundry an’ tek it back all washed an’ ironed fer ’er an’ all, if yer like?’ Barnaby nodded and satisfied that she would keep her word he gave her the spare key, paid her a princely sum to be going on with and went back to the cottage to have a final look at what Louisa might need to bring.

In a way, he could see why she might want to come here. Perched high on a hill it overlooked the sea and there were no other residences close by, which gave it privacy. After Greenacres it appeared small to him, although it was still a sizable home, boasting four good bedrooms and an indoor water closet upstairs, and downstairs, a good-sized parlour and a large kitchen. Satisfied that he, Louisa and Mrs Ruffin would be comfortable there he locked the door and after mounting Major he turned him towards the town. Tomorrow, he decided, he would send one of the grooms ahead with a carriage containing the baby’s crib and Louisa’s clothes, for he had no doubt that she would insist that Mrs Ruffin pack enough gowns to dress a dozen women for at least a year. In truth he could ill afford to be away from his businesses at this time as he was surprisingly busy with orders, but it couldn’t be helped if he was to be present for the birth of his child. A pang of guilt shot through him as he thought of the other child that would be born shortly. There could be no celebrating that birth but he had made Amber Ainsley a promise and if she would allow him to, he intended to go through with it. He just hoped that she had made her mind up one way or another. Time was running out and he needed to start making enquiries if he was to find a home for the child.

Scarborough was bustling with late holidaymakers when he arrived in the town and after finding a stable where he could leave his horse to be fed and watered, he set out for Royal Albert Road. It was Mrs Carter who answered his knock at the door and she gave him a granite stare.

‘You’d better come in . . . sir.’ She held the door wide and as he stepped into the hallway, he removed his hat and gave a little bow. ‘Amber is in the drawing room if you’d care to come through. I’ll just tell her you are here.’

After announcing the visitor Mrs Carter left the room and Amber rose to greet him, although the look she gave him was hardly what might have been termed as welcoming.