He brought Kate back to Brumbys’ Farm at tea time, carrying her in his arms, her head lolling sleepily against his shoulder. Esther met them haif-way across the yard and as she took the child from him, she saw him wince.

‘You shouldn’t have carried her. She could have walked.’

He smiled wryly. ‘Poor little mite’s tired out.’ He drew the back of his hand across his eyes and yawned. ‘Oh, I’m sorry, but that sea airs strong.’

‘They’ve worn you out, that’s what it is,’ she teased him, and was surprised at how easy it was to talk naturally to him, as if she’d known him weeks or months instead of just two days.

‘You could be right there,’ he smiled ruefully. ‘Perhaps I’m not as fit yet as I thought I was.’

‘What – happened? I mean – where were you hurt?’

‘My shoulder.’ He gestured to his left one. ‘A piece of shrapnel was lodged in it. I was shipped back to this country to have it removed. They think they’ve got it all out, but the wound seems to be taking a long while to heal properly.’

‘I’m sorry.’

His smile broadened as he said candidly, ‘I’m not. It gives me an excuse to stay here a little longer.’

Esther was surprised to feel a strange excitement just below her ribs.

‘Well – I suppose I’d better let you put the little one to bed.’ There was no mistaking the reluctance in his voice. ‘Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow?’

Esther nodded.

It was as she emerged from one of the pig sties early the following morning that she caught sight of him passing the farm gate, walking towards the town. Involuntarily, she made a move towards him, to shout after him, but she checked herself. Jonathan Godfrey was leaving and he had not even bothered to call to say goodbye. As one of the growing pigs from a recent litter pushed past her legs and scampered about the yard, grunting and snuffling in its excitement at being free, Esther gave a click of annoyance. Seizing a broom, she chased the pig back into its sty.

Fool! she chastised herself, getting dreamy about a handsome face and smiling eyes.

‘I’m off to play with Danny, Mam,’ Kate came skipping across the yard, her pinafore on inside out.

‘Oh no you’re not,’ Esther began and then seeing the child’s disappointment, she forced a smile. She picked her up and swung her round and round till Kate giggled. Then setting her down on the yard again, Esther added, ‘At least, not until you’ve collected the eggs for me. You’re getting a big girl now, Katie, you’ll soon be four and I need you to help with little jobs you can do.’

‘Then can I go and play with Danny?’