‘Esther, we’d be flaunting our – our affair in front of all your neighbours. We’d only be asking for more trouble. These people care for Matthew. You must go to the squire’s supper as the wife of a tenant farmer, the wife of a man who is a soldier at the front doing his duty for his country – as Matthew’s wife.’ Despite his reasoned argument, his voice wavered a little on the final words, but Esther was too angry to notice.

‘Don’t be stupid,’ she began hotly. ‘Matthew only went because he got drunk and volunteered when Martha Willoughby called him a coward.’

‘For whatever reason, he’s there – in the thick of it. I’ll go with the Harrises. That is, if they’ll have me.’

For once Esther could not shake his quiet resolve.

Esther dressed with care on the evening of the Harvest Supper. She was as nervous as a girl on her first outing with a young man.

She had to take Kate along, for on this night there was no one who wanted to miss the supper to stay at home with Esther’s daughter.

‘Will Enid be there? And the others?’ Kate chattered incessantly, catching some of Esther’s excitement.

‘I expect so. Do hold still, child, whilst I tie this ribbon in your hair. Such thick curls you’ve got, just like mine.’

‘Will Danny be there?’

Esther’s fingers were stilled a moment. Then she brushed Kate’s hair vigorously.

‘Ouch, you’re pulling.’

‘I really don’t know,’ Esther said, answering her daughter’s question but unable to keep the sharpness from her tone. ‘But I’ll be there tonight to make sure he doesn’t pull your hair again.’

‘Oh, he doesn’t pull my hair any more,’ Kate said airily.

‘I’m very glad to hear it.’

‘No – now he tries to kiss me.’

‘What! For heaven’s sake, child, you’re only four! You shouldn’t be kissing little boys . . .’ Esther pursed her lips and muttered, ‘He’s his fathers son, all right, and no mistake.’

‘What did you say, Mamma?’

‘Nothing for you, missy. You stay away from Danny Eland, d’you hear me?’

‘He’s my friend. I like Danny.’ The small mouth quivered and tears trembled, but Esther hardened her heart.

‘You’ll do as I say, Kate.’

The merriment was in full swing when they arrived at the huge barn at the Grange. At least on the surface it appeared to be, but after a few moments there, Esther could feel that the atmosphere of gaiety was forced. Although everyone was doing their best to put on a show of enjoying themselves, there were so many faces missing now, so many who would never be coming back. Every day the casualty lists grew longer and news of fearsome battles, won and lost, dominated the newspapers.