Isaac reappeared with Doggo wearing his harness and lead and a big canine grin. Isaac blew on his hands. ‘I’ve just taken Doggo for a comfort break. It’s Antarctica out there. As there are no other dogs in the bar right now I thought I’d bring him in for a bit of company.’

Gabe, animal lover extraordinaire, beamed. ‘Quite right. Dalmatians get destructive if they’re left alone too much. It’s like putting them in prison.’ He gave Doggo a fuss around his ears, which made him shut his eyes in bliss.

Carola moved closer to Gabe, patting the space she’d made between her and Lily. ‘Sit down and get the benefit of the fire, Isaac.’

After a hesitation, Isaac smiled. ‘Thanks.’ He sat down, his wide shoulders filling the space, his arm touching Lily’s. She lifted her wine glass to him. ‘Thanks for the drink.’

‘My pleasure.’

She lowered her voice, which had the effect of making him dip his head close to hers in order to hear. It hadn’t been premeditated on her part but she found herself enjoying his proximity and the whiff of shaving gel. ‘Was it a smooth move on your part to get the Middletones down here to fill up your bar? Or were you just hit with the urge to buy a large round of drinks?’

He laughed under his breath. ‘Neither. I’d talked to Mr Tubb about reinvigorating our social media channels and I was looking around Facebook when I saw Carola had posted a pic of you guys. I invited you on impulse. But it’s true I’ve noticed people go home early on winter’s evenings sometimes and your singing made them stick around.’

‘But,’ she said, watching Doggo shove his head onto his master’s thigh and Isaac lifting his large hand to fondle the dog’s ears, ‘you’ve no need to implement initiatives, have you? You’re just minding the place for Tubb while he’s off sick.’

When he shook his head his hair slipped over his forehead. ‘I just like to do the best job I can – within the bounds of this being someone else’s pub. It took me a while to appreciate the charm of The Three Fishes but it’s growing on me. I like living in the country.’ He went on, telling her about his childhood when his dad had worked on a farm and he and Flora had had a lot of freedom.