‘And the ducks,’ Danny added, grinning as two ducks waddled towards the pond and splashed into the water. Now the two children stood back looking at Matthew. Slowly, Matthew turned his head and looked directly at them. His gaze, now obviously intent upon them as if he were really seeing them, went from one to the other. His head still moved in that awful nodding tic, yet at the moment it didn’t seem quite so bad. A tentative smile flickered on his mouth and his fluttering hands reached towards them.

‘I think he wants you to go and sit beside him,’ Esther said quietly. The two children glanced up at her, as if for permission, and when she nodded, they went and sat on the bench, one either side of him.

Esther watched as Matthew looked down at them, first to one side and then the other. Then she heard a deep sigh escape his lips, as he leant back against the seat. She could almost see his tortured limbs relax and the shaking lessened visibly. Before her eyes she was witnessing the beginning of Matthew’s recovery.

She was truthful enough to admit that it was down to Danny Eland.

Once the healing had begun, each day saw an improvement, so much so that on Will’s very next visit, he remarked upon the change. ‘He looks better, lass. That awful nodding’s not so bad and I reckon his hands aren’t shaking so much.’

Esther told him what had happened the day Danny had come. ‘The lad’s come every day since, Will.’

Will eyed her sharply. ‘Dun’t you mind, Esther?’

She shrugged her shoulders. ‘How can I if it’s helping Matthew to get better? I’m not that spiteful or petty-minded!’

‘Does Matthew – er – ever see . . . ?’ Will made a gesture with his head towards the Point, towards the Elands’ boat home.

‘Beth, you mean?’ Esther said quietly.

‘Aye.’

‘To be honest – I don’t know. Danny and Kate have started taking him for little walks now. You know, a little further each day. They’ve got him as far as the pub . . .’ she paused and gave a grimace, ‘though I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,’ she added with a tartness in her tone. Then she shrugged, smiled and said, ‘Ah well, if it helps, why not?’

‘I dun’t expect landlord’ll let harm come to him – y’know, let him tek too much.’

‘No, you’re right, of course. Matthew sits outside when it’s warm enough and watches the children play on the grassland near the pub and the cottages . . .’ She stopped and did not add ‘and the Elands’ boat’.