‘Aye, she’s back with Isabelle next week, isn’t she? I heard Isabelle arranging a nanny for Georgina, I think. Will Harriet be alright with that?’ James leaned forward and looked hard at Danny.

‘She seems to be taking it in her stride. Isabelle sent details of some girls who had responded to her advert, and Harriet chose from them. As it is, there was a young woman from down in Austwick that she knew and trusted who had applied, so she was happy with her. We will have to see how she does next Tuesday, and how our Rosie copes with a few more tasks to do around the house. She’s got a long face on her at the moment and I don’t know why. Perhaps she’s not going to have the time she used to have to wander and be with me. And I think Ethan disappearing hasn’t helped.’

‘Ethan’s gone? Jethro hasn’t said anything.’ James leaned forward, trying to make his broken leg comfortable.

‘Aye, packed up and gone. God knows why. His father swears he knows nothing about it. At least we’d finished hay-time. I could have done with Ethan’s help for another month, just until I’d sorted out the lambs for sale. Rosie will have to help me with them next week. It’ll take her mind off housework, because my father’s not up to much these days, and my other farm man is beginning to show his age.’

‘Well, I’ve not seen hide nor hair of the lad around here, and Mazy hasn’t mentioned him. I’ll let you know if he shows up.’ James yawned.

‘I’d be grateful for that. Now, I’ll be away. And you behave yourself! Don’t get yourself any more fancy contraptions and even faster women. Look what they’ve done to you. I’d have thought our Isabelle was more than you could handle anyway, you silly fool.’ Danny looked at James, who was a broken man: responsible for the death of his lover and probably broken-hearted, if he did but tell the truth. Still, it could be worse, for they both could have died.

‘Don’t worry. I’ve learned my lesson and I won’t be able to forget it, not in this house. It’s good to see you. I’m thankful for your company, I’ve been feeling like a leper of late.’ James closed his eyes. He’d not been sleeping. Instead he’d been remembering the broken body of Madge, as the night and the darkness fell around him.