They stood for a moment in silence. Then Will patted her shoulder in a kindly gesture. ‘Go and get yar shawl, or whatever, an’ I’ll take you back into town and drop you off outside his office.’

‘Will, couldn’t you . . . ?’

Will was shaking his head. ‘Nay, lass, Sam’s asked you to go, an’ you should do as he’s bid. I’ll go and have a word with him whilst you get ready.’

She would have enjoyed the ride on Will’s cart into town if she had not been so worried about Sam and nervous of presenting herself at a lawyer’s office.

‘What’ll I say, Will?’

Will almost smiled despite the cloud that hung over both of them. He had never seen Esther so irresolute. It was totally unlike her.

‘Just go into the office and ask to see Mester Thompson. If he’s not available then leave a clear message with – well – with whoever is there. Just tell ’em that Sam Brumby is a very sick man and that he’s asked you to fetch a lawyer out to see him. And could he come as quick as possible.’

‘Will he take notice of someone like me?’ she asked diffidently.

Now Will did smile. ‘Esther lass, just go in there and be yourself. They’ll tek notice all right!’

A small smile touched Esther’s mouth and her confidence returned. Sam was relying on her.

The young clerk looked her up and down as she entered the office. He moved forward from the tall desk where he was working. ‘Can I help you, miss?’

Esther repeated what Will had advised her to say. Without argument the young man consulted a large book. ‘I’m afraid Mr Thompson won’t be able to come out until tomorrow.’ He looked up anxiously. ‘Do you think that will be – all right?’

Esther stared at him in surprise. The young man had evidently understood the situation only too well. She relaxed a little. ‘Yes, yes, I should think so.’

‘Very well, miss.’ The young man picked up a pen. ‘Mr Thompson will come out to the farm at eleven tomorrow morning.’

‘Thank you, thank you very much.’

‘Good day, miss.’

Esther hurried along the lane, every so often taking little running steps. She seemed to have been away from the farm and from Sam for such a long time. Even though she worked all day about the farm, she checked on Sam every hour or so. This was the longest time she had left him alone, and because he seemed even worse today, she was anxious.

She turned in at the farm gate at last and hurried across the yard. Beth was standing at the back door raising her hand to knock. At the sound of Esther’s footsteps on the cinders, she turned and then let her hand fall.

‘Oh, there you are. I’ve bin knocking for ages.’