She turned to him sharply. ‘A what? We’re all but the same age.’

He laughed. ‘Well, not really, you have a few years on me and now a maid of …’ Why did he not stop speaking?

She shook her head. ‘The same dolt you were at ten.’

‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘I didn’t mean to – Betts, I really didn’t—’

She had gone, waving a dismissive hand to silence him.

Daniel awoke early, before the sun rose and called them all to their tasks, briefly questioning his boldness at what he had set in motion. He had asked the parson to bid Sarah meet him by the sheep field, and hurried there, hoping she would come. One look at her after days apart, the smile that lit her face as their eyes met, and he was certain of his plan once more.

He led her down the path where birds began their song in the trees that lined it and across the yard. So close to the slumbering house.

‘It was well you asked Seth to pass on your instruction,’ she whispered. ‘He’s an ally to us.’

Daniel glanced over his shoulder. No one to be seen. ‘He helps your family?’

‘Aye, brings the buttermilk and such. Comes to Mam sometimes, for without her cures he falls into darkness or soars too high in the light. When he’s dark he feels he can do nowt, but when he’s light he really believes he can change everything. For the better.’

He ushered her into the barn, filled with the scent of hay and droppings. ‘And can he?’

‘Perhaps.’ Sarah stopped. ‘Oh, it’s Bonny,’ she whispered, reaching a hand out to the horse, stroking her side. ‘You brought me to see her?’

‘No,’ he said, leading her away to where the cow and oxen chewed sleepily on their hay. ‘I brought you to work.’

Pippin was already beginning to call out, ready to have the weight of her milk taken from her. Sarah stepped backwards so suddenly that Daniel’s arm was almost wrenched off.

‘Why is he bawking?’

‘Why – what? It’s just – needs milking, that’s all.’

‘He’s much bigger close to.’

‘She,’ Daniel said. ‘And she’s soft as butter. Pippin’s much sweeter than Bonny and you’re not afraid of her. Come on. I’m right here.’

‘Does she bite?’

Daniel laughed. ‘Bite? She’s a cow. Not unless you’re a clump of grass. Now, take that pail and put it under her, then fetch that stool.’

‘Why?’ Sarah asked, pulling the pail away from the wall and darting under the cow, dropping it into place so quickly that it fell on to its side.

‘You’ll need to know how to work the farm. Won’t you?’ He could not tell her the whole plan until Bett had played her part.

She looked up at him. ‘Yes.’

‘So. Again. Stay calm.’