‘How can you believe that of me, Tom? How can anyone believe I’d do a thing like that? Me, who loves the land more than I—’ She stopped. She had been about to say ‘more than I love people’. Once, not so long ago, that would have been a valid statement. Since she had known Jonathan, it was no longer true.

‘Besides, I wouldn’t hurt you for the world, Tom – even,’ she added with embittered truthfulness, ‘if I ain’t much time for yar wife and that sister of hers.’

‘I know, lass, I know. But she reckons you swore vengeance on her and Flo for reporting your – er – friend to the authorities. Then after that ran-tan-tanning they give ya . . .’ Once more Tom’s huge shoulders lifted in a non-committal shrug.

‘Aye, I did threaten her.’ Esther faced him squarely, courageously admitting her faults but stoutly defending herself against false accusation. ‘And in that moment when her and Flo were in their trap in the lane, gloating over the policeman payin’ us a visit, I would have done her a mischief an’ no mistake. But – ’ her voice softened, not at the memory of Martha and Flo but at the mention of Jonathan’s name – ‘he stopped me. Jonathan held me from tippling the trap over.’ She met the older man’s gaze steadfastly. ‘Tom, I’m not vindictive. Yes, I bear her a grudge. I’ll never forgive her for what she’s done to me. First goading Matthew into volunteering, then reporting Jonathan . . .’ She shook her head again in disbelief. ‘But I would never, ever do a thing like firing yar stack! Please believe me, Tom?’

As Tom pulled his cap back on his head and opened his mouth, there was a loud squawk of rage from behind him and Martha came striding across the yard waving her fat arms and shouting at her husband, closely followed by Flo Jenkins.

‘Thomas – how can you let this creature on to our farm after what she did?’

‘What’s she doing here?’ Flo demanded and her voice rose shrilly with a touch of hysteria. ‘Martha, she’s come to kill us – kill us all. It wasn’t enough to try to set fire to our farm. She’s a whore and a trollop. Set the dog on her, Martha!’

Tom turned to look at them both. ‘Now look here, Flo Jenkins,’ his deep voice boomed as he stepped forward. Esther saw Flo’s face turn a funny grey colour and her thin hand fluttered to cover her mouth. ‘I’ve let you live in this house nigh on ten year and in that time you’ve done nowt but cause trouble between me and me wife with your tittle-tattle. You’ve a poisonous tongue on you, woman.’

‘Thomas . . .’ Martha began to plead.

‘And you can hold yourn, else I’ll leave the pair of you and join up.’