‘Good luck on your last day, Freddie,’ she said. ‘When you go back after the summer you’ll be in the juniors – one of the big boys.’

Freddie grinned and pushed his empty cereal bowl to one side. ‘I’m a big boy now,’ he said defiantly.

‘Well, be good and enjoy today, and then it’s the holidays and we can have fun together.’

Lily made sure he had a clean handkerchief in his pocket, then she prepared to go and leave him with Florence.

‘Good luck, Lily,’ said Florence guardedly. ‘Hope today goes well,’ she added, but there was no warmth in the message.

‘Thanks, Mother,’ replied Lily. She gave Freddie a hug and set off on her bicycle.

A refreshing breeze blew in her face and, as always, she slowed on the bend where she had been forced off the road many months ago. In contrast, on this quiet morning the scene was a peaceful one, with cattle in the fields chewing the cud under the welcome shade of a copse of sycamores. Honeysuckle and wild roses intertwined among the hedgerows as she passed Pratt’s garage and Coe Farm before Ragley village came in sight.

Lily slowed as she reached the top of the High Street. To her surprise there was a brightly painted gypsy caravan parked on the village green. It was causing great interest and a few curious children were trying to peer through the windows, but the blinds were drawn and no sounds could be heard from within.

Edna Trott was at the school gate, leaning on her yard broom and talking to John Pruett. They were staring at the caravan. Lily dismounted and propped her bicycle against the school wall.

‘Good morning,’ she said. ‘This is interesting.’

‘It’s Seaside Gladys, Miss Briggs,’ said Edna.

‘Seaside Gladys?’

‘She comes every year during the school summer holidays,’ explained John. ‘The children are always excited.’

‘Ah’ve no doubt she’ll be out sellin’ lucky ’eather an’ clothes pegs,’ said Edna. ‘She goes door to door an’ if y’cross ’er palm wi’ silver she’ll tell y’fortune.’

‘I’ve never had my fortune told,’ said Lily.

‘Perhaps you should,’ said John with a gentle smile. ‘You never know what might be in store for you.’ He glanced up at the clock tower. ‘Anyway, things to do,’ and he set off up the cobbled drive.

‘Mebbe you ought t’give it a try, Miss Briggs,’ said Edna with a grin.

‘Perhaps,’ said Lily.

Edna could see the doubt on Lily’s face. ‘Talk t’Ruby. Seaside Gladys is ’er aunty from Skegness. Ruby told me that Gladys were born on t’day Queen Victoria died in 1901 an’ that it gave ’er some sort o’ special power.’

‘And what might that be?’ asked Lily with a smile.

‘She knows what’s goin’ to ’appen before it ’appens.’