‘A little accident, Ted,’ he said abruptly. ‘I do indeed remember my offer of employment and a cottage. You may rest assured it’s as good as done. You can help load the sanding carts for the fields or something similar until you learn the ways of the land. It’s different to working on a vegetable patch. I’ll put you under Adam Renfree on Ker-an-Mor Farm, and please accept my congratulations on your forthcoming marriage.’

Ted gave his hat a little toss in the air and caught it with a wide swing of his arm. ‘Thank ’ee, sir, tes most civil of ’ee. Lou will be as grateful as me.’

Oliver was startled at the unexpected acrobatics with the hat and took a few moments to pick up the threads of the conversation. ‘Um, when would you like to move off the Downs?’

‘As soon as tes possible, if that’s all right with you, sir.’

Oliver thought for a moment. ‘I’m having the lodge at the end of the carriageway to the manor renovated for Nathan O’Flynn and his wife. They will be able to move in at the end of the month. You and Lou Hunken and her children will find his old cottage, small though it is, larger and more comfortable than the cramped shacks on Lancavel Downs.’

‘I do thank ’ee very much, sir. Lou will be some pleased to be able to fetch water from a pump instead of a stream. Tes proper civil of ’ee, there’s few men, working-class or gentry, who can be trusted to keep their word like you can. Now I best be going and let you get on.’

Ted headed for the door, stopped, then plucked up the nerve to ask, ‘If you don’t mind me asking of ’ee, sir, but are you quite well? You seem awful poorly to me.’

Oliver rapidly rearranged his stern expression into what might have been a smile. ‘There’s no need to be concerned, Ted. I’ve been away on business and have neglected to freshen up since my return.’

Ted accepted this and after sweeping his eyes over the ornamental mantelpiece, up to the ceiling and along the rows of tightly packed bookshelves, he reiterated his gratitude and left.