‘Walter Simpson.’ He looked Silas up and down in a way that made him feel ashamed of his working clothes.

‘Aren’t you going to introduce me, Walter? I’m Albert Boothby, Mr Simpson’s business partner and a friend to Miss Wragg.’

Silas nodded quickly then turned back to Walter Simpson. ‘I’m back on me feet, workin’ to help repair the town, an’ I lodge here, at the King’s Arms.’

‘Then, well done.’

‘I just wanted to thank thee for saving my life. I still have the clothes tha loaned me.’

‘Oh, I did not save your life. That was my niece. You may keep the shirt and britches. I have no need of them.’

Mr Boothby laughed, then hiccupped. ‘It’s a night for losing your britches, eh, Walter?’ He turned to Silas. ‘We’ve been to Mrs Exton’s in Eyre Lane. Are you aware of the establishment?’ Silas shook his head. ‘Some fine rides. Your saviour here likes to partake of a ride, even though he still has no horse!’ The gentleman seemed to find this uproariously funny.

‘I didn’t save him,’ Water muttered. ‘Just a moment.’ He patted his pockets. ‘I have no coin on me.’

Silas clenched his fists. ‘I don’t want tha money!’

‘Well, I shall say goodnight then.’

‘Goodnight,’ said Mr Boothby.

Walter strode a few steps down the street. He looked back and waited for the other man to fall into step beside him. Silas followed. He wasn’t finished.

‘Mr Simpson, can you slow down for a minute before I go arse over elbow on these cobbles?’ Silas raised his voice. ‘Wait up!’

Walter stopped and turned to face him.

‘I’m not sure how my family can be of further assistance to you,’ he said, coldly.

‘I’d just like to give my thanks to the young lady in person.’ He reminded himself of his mother, putting on the posh for the vicar, his father would say. ‘Mr Simpson, your niece saved my life and you very kindly allowed me to remain in your house until the flood subsided and I would like to call on you.’

Walter waved his hand in the air. ‘Well, Harriet is…’

Silas beamed. ‘Ah, her name’s Harriet? I never did get ’er name. Harriet.’

The other man snickered.

‘Yes.’ Walter glanced at his companion and lowered his voice. ‘Well, Harriet is shortly to be moving down to London. She’s going to live with her brother. The flood, you see, it has had a terrible effect on her. She wants to put it behind her, to make a fresh start. We shall miss her, of course.’

‘Aye.’ Silas scratched his head. ‘Still, if I could just come an’ say—’

‘She’ll be leaving in a few days, I’m afraid, and is very busy in the meantime.’ He raised his voice. ‘Mr Boothby, shall we away?’ Walter Simpson gave Silas a thin smile. ‘I am glad you are well. I am sorry to seem abrupt, but we lost our darling Alice in the flood and I am not well myself. My chest.’ He put his hand to it. ‘So the weight of the world is bearing down.’