It didn’t surprise her that this man of principle, who despite all her desperate pleading had put duty and honour before everything else, had kept away when he’d heard Matthew had returned.

‘I couldn’t tell you, lass. You do understand?’ Will was saying, anxiety in his tone.

Her voice broke as she reached out and patted Will’s arm. ‘Of course I understand.’

‘I brought Jonathan as far as Lynthorpe this morning . . .’

‘We didn’t think it right that I should arrive at the wedding. After all it was their day, and besides, I wasn’t really sure what my welcome from the folk at the Point would be!’ Jonathan added with a rueful smile.

‘But everything’s going to be all right.’ Will grinned broadly. ‘I had a chat with Ma Harris at the wedding. Asked her if she thought enough time had gone by since – well – you know . . .’ He broke off, cleared his throat, and continued. ‘She was that pleased, said you’d earned a bit of happiness and that I’d better get off and fetch the young man as quick as I could.’

‘Oh, so that was what all the whispering was about?’ Esther smiled.

Esther became aware that all the time they had been talking, Kate had been standing quietly, holding Will’s hand and still staring solemnly up at Jonathan.

Jonathan’s blue eyes twinkled down at her. ‘And just who is this very grown-up young lady?’

Suddenly, Kate beamed.

‘Kate, I don’t suppose you’ll remember Mr Godfrey. You were only little when he was here before . . .’ Esther said.

‘Yes, I do,’ Kate said promptly. ‘You made me a fishing net, didn’t you?’

The three grown-ups gaped at her.

‘Fancy you remembering that, Katie,’ Esther said.

The girl wrinkled her smooth forehead and added, with candid honesty, ‘It’s all I do remember.’

They all laughed.

Kate was still eyeing Jonathan, her head on one side as if surveying him. ‘I dun’t suppose you’re me grandad, are ya? You’re not old enough.’

Jonathan looked startled and glanced towards Esther for explanation.

Esther laughed. ‘No, lovey, he’s not yar grandad.’

The child looked disappointed. ‘I did so like Walter’s grandad. Mam . . . ?’

Esther held her breath, knowing what was coming next.

‘Have I got a grandad?’

Kate’s clear gaze was directed at Esther, who, for once, did not know how to answer her daughter.

It was Will who answered the child, saying in a strong vibrant voice, ‘Yes, Katie, you have. I’m your grandad.’

Kate gave a little squeal of delight and threw her chubby arms around him. ‘Are you really? I am glad!’

Above the child’s head, Will’s eyes met Esther’s. ‘Yes,’ he said at long last, speaking more to Esther than to Kate. ‘I’m your mother’s father.’