Kate watched her mother nod agreement, shake the vicar’s hand and walk swiftly down the path to their pony and trap.

Kate skipped beside her. ‘Walk properly, Kate. You’re no longer a child.’

Kate sighed, but obeyed.

It was a fine, warm morning and once on the coast road the pony trotted smartly, the breeze lifting his silky mane.

‘There’s Danny – and Mrs Eland. Can’t we give them a ride home, Mam?’ Kate shouted above the noise of the wheels. The only reply her mother made was to slap the reins to make the pony go even faster. Esther Godfrey stared straight ahead, not even glancing down as they passed the pair.

Kate saw Mrs Eland and Danny step on to the grass verge to allow the trap to pass. Danny looked up at Kate, grinned and waved, but Mrs Eland – just like Kate’s mother – stared stonily ahead and made no acknowledgement that the trap had even passed near them.

The day Kate had so looked forward to had ended in disappointment.

‘We’re moving to the Point on Saturday.’ Rosie’s cherubic face was one broad grin as she clambered up into the trap for her daily ride to school with Kate the following morning. ‘We’re coming to live in the end cottage.’ She flung herself against Kate. ‘Won’t we have fun? I’ll be able to come and play every day and help you on the farm, c’lecting eggs and feedin’ the hens, won’t I? Do say ya’ll let me, Katie?’

Kate could not prevent tears filling her eyes.

‘What’s the matter? Dun’t you want me to come and live near you?’ The merry smile died and Rosie’s lower lip quivered.

Swiftly, Kate hugged the younger child tightly. “Course I do. But – but I might not be there mesen.’ She glanced at her stepfather. The indulgent smile that had curved his gentle mouth when the excited Rosie had climbed into the trap faded. He looked away and flicked the reins to make the pony walk on.

‘What d’ya mean?’ The little girl was mystified.

‘Me mam might be sending me away to school. I’ll only be here in the holidays.’

Rosie blinked rapidly. ‘You – you mean you won’t come home at night?’

Kate, unable to speak, shook her head.

Rosie, sitting beside her, snuggled closer and took Kate’s hand in her small one. She patted it and then held it tightly for the rest of journey to the school. Neither of them spoke again. Not even Rosie could think of anything to say.

Moving day for the Maine family caused great excitement for everyone who lived at the Point.