Kate suspected that, despite her grumbles about the children, Martha Boggis was in her element now that her services were needed again. Kate finished her meal and collected her bonnet and shawl from her room. She did not bother Jenny as she intended to go out on her own. Being seen with a servant in attendance would only draw attention to herself, and that was the last thing she wanted. She knew little about village life, but she suspected that the gossips would delight in passing on titbits of information concerning Warren House.

She set out with a wicker basket slung over her arm and a list of groceries in her reticule. Outside the gates was a strange new world of narrow country lanes bordered by deep green forest, farm land and the marshes stretching as far as she could see. As directed by Martha, Kate carried on until the lane widened into a street lined with cottages, a smithy and at the far end she could see the steeple of a church. Cyrus Ruggles’ shop was situated opposite the Nag’s Head Inn, adjacent to an ancient timber-clad house.

Inside the shop the floor was covered in sawdust and Cyrus himself presided over a highly polished counter, behind which shelves were lined with bottles, jars and a side of bacon, waiting to be sliced. A wheel of cheese sat on the end of the counter, and a sack of flour was carefully opened to reveal its contents.

The only other customer was an elderly woman, who turned her head to stare openly at Kate.

‘That’ll be tuppence halfpenny, Mrs Sloan.’ Cyrus rapped on the counter to attract her attention.

Mrs Sloan delved into her pocket and produced two pennies and a halfpenny, which she threw down on the counter. ‘That’s robbery, if you ask me. How’s a poor widow supposed to survive with prices so high?’

‘I’m not the one to blame, Mrs Sloan. It’s them in the Government who control everything.’

Mrs Sloan grabbed her basket and pushed past Kate. ‘I wouldn’t shop here, if I was you, dear.’ She slammed out of the shop.

‘Don’t take no notice of her,’ Cyrus said, chuckling. ‘Dora Sloan likes to grumble, and she likes to gossip. It’ll be all round the village now that we have a newcomer in the village, Miss, er …’

‘Miss Martin,’ Kate said, smiling. ‘I’m a guest at Warren House.’

He leaned across the counter. ‘I heard there was new folk moved in there. That accounts for Martha’s large order. Very good for business.’

Kate handed him her list. ‘I hope we’ll be staying for a while.’

‘Have you come from far away, miss?’ Cyrus busied himself checking the list and adding the items to her basket.

‘Not too far, Mr Ruggles.’