‘Oh my God, Luke – are you alright?’ James Fox bent down and picked his son up in his arms, gasping at the sight of so much blood on the white-shirt bandage and at Ethan catching his breath. ‘What were you thinking of? How many times have I told you to steer clear of this deep pool?’ He helped a sobbing Luke up from the river bank and then passed him to the stronger arms of Jethro. ‘Thank God you were there, Ethan – he’d have drowned for sure if you hadn’t have jumped into the river after him.’

‘I did nothing, sir; really you should not be thanking me.’ Ethan hung his head and felt ashamed at the fact that he was standing bare-chested in front of both his master and Jane, waiting for the chastisement that was certainly going to come. He’d dared to touch the new master’s daughter and had nearly caused his son’s death. He’d be lucky not to get a thrashing.

‘Nonsense! Jane told me how you did not hesitate for a second to save Luke. We will always be in your debt.’ James held his hand out and shook Ethan’s firmly, before turning and running quickly to catch up with Jethro, who was halfway across the field and making his way to the manor, holding Luke up under his arms.

Ethan looked at Jane, who was standing at the river’s edge staring at him. ‘You didn’t say anything to your father?’

‘What was there to say? You saved my brother.’ She made her way up from the river bank and stood at the edge of the field, waiting for Ethan as he put his boots and socks back on. ‘Besides, I lied. I have been flirting with you on the quiet, and I deserved all that I got. Which I must say was very fine, Ethan,’ she giggled. ‘However, I was only trying to make my milksop cousin Rosie jealous. She’s the one who really likes you, but you are too blind to see it. You are a typical man! I’ve no intentions of courting anyone yet; indeed, I don’t think I ever will.’

Ethan hopped on one leg as he pulled his boot onto his left foot.

‘Rosie doesn’t like me in that way, does she? I thought she was just showing interest in the horses.’ He walked quickly to catch Jane up as she ran her hand through the long grasses.

‘You are so gullible, Ethan Haygarth. And I’m sorry I slapped you and called you a gypsy.’ Jane grinned. ‘But yes, Rosie has confessed to me that she thinks you are handsome.’