‘I’ll have to tell our Mazy. She’ll be sick with anxiety. It’s a good job he’s our only one, because he hasn’t half given us some trouble over the years. I’m sorry that he’s not been decent enough to hand his notice in, and that he’s caused you this bother, Mister Danny.’ Jethro pulled on the horse’s reins as it raised its head, impatient to be off again or stabled with something to eat.

‘Well, I just hope he turns up. If he were my son, I’d be worried. Even though Ethan is big enough to look after himself, I’m sure you’d still like to know where he is.’ Danny patted the stableman’s back and looked at the worry on his face. ‘Can you stable my horse for an hour, Jethro? I’ll just have a catch-up with James, keep him company for a while.’

‘That I can, sir. Mister James will be glad of the company. I think his days are long, since the accident.’ Jethro led the horse to the stables. He hadn’t wanted to show how much the news of Ethan’s disappearance had upset him. But deep down he knew that his son would not have left the safety of a good job for no reason, so something had gone wrong.

‘Danny, it’s good to see you. You’ve dared to visit the black sheep of the family then? I thought everyone had washed their hands of me.’ James patted his brother-in-law on the back while trying to balance on his crutches.

‘Aye, well, I can’t say I’m suited with your escapade, but I’ve only heard part of the story, no doubt. It’s up to you to tell me the rest, if you want to.’ Danny made himself comfortable in the morning room of Windfell and looked out at the immaculate lawns, remembering the days when he strolled around them with Harriet on his arm.

‘I don’t know what to say, Danny. I’ve been a fool, and my head was turned by Madge’s beauty and attention. And now look where it has got us: her six foot under, and my marriage in tatters. I’m only telling you this because at this moment I need a friend, and a fellow man to talk to. Isabelle is making my life hell, which she has every right to do. Even though I tell her we were just good friends, she has guessed the truth about Madge and me.’ James sat down cautiously in a chair next to his brother-in-law and put his head in his hands.