He cut a wedge off the cheese and weighed it on his brass scales. ‘There, that’s two pound of best cheddar exactly. Martha must be doing a lot of cooking. How many did you say there were staying at Warren House?’

‘I didn’t,’ Kate said casually. ‘But there’s quite a few extra mouths to feed.’ She watched him as he weighed tea leaves into a paper poke.

‘I’ll put all these things on the Warren House account, shall I, miss?’

‘Yes, please.’ Kate picked up the basket, which was significantly heavier than when she had started out. ‘Thank you, Mr Ruggles.’

‘It’s a pleasure, miss. Anything to oblige.’

Kate left the shop and was walking towards the church, admiring its square Norman tower, when she was accosted by a woman who emerged from the school playground and hurried towards her.

‘Just a minute, miss. May I have a word with you?’

Kate came to a halt. ‘Can I help you?’

Slightly breathless, the woman clutched the cross hanging on a chain over the high-necked white blouse she was wearing. ‘I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself. My name is Elaine Courtney, my husband is the vicar of St Mary’s.’

‘How do you do?’ Kate said politely. ‘I’m Kate Martin.’

‘You must be one of the guests staying at Warren House. Word gets round very quickly in the village.’

‘I was doing some shopping for Martha Boggis, and I thought I’d take a look at the church.’

‘Everyone is welcome at St Mary’s, Miss Martin. I hope we’ll see you on Sunday.’

‘I expect so, Mrs Courtney.’ Kate was about to walk on when the vicar’s wife barred her way.

‘I believe there are children staying at Warren House. We have an excellent infants’ school.’

‘I will certainly tell their mother.’

Mrs Courtney eyed her uncertainly. ‘I could call on her at Warren House.’

Kate hesitated. The last thing they needed was for the whole of the village to know their business, and she could see that the vicar’s wife was filled with curiosity.

‘My mother is with me at Warren House. She used to do a great deal of charity work in London with ladies from our local church. I wonder if I might bring her to see you. She is recently widowed and in great need of something to take her mind off her loss.’

‘Oh, the poor lady.’ Mrs Courtney’s sympathetic expression was then replaced by a smile. ‘I would be delighted to help her through this difficult time. Why not bring her to see me tomorrow afternoon? I’d love to show her round the church and we can discuss the charitable works that the other good ladies do.’

‘Thank you, ma’am. What time do you suggest?’

‘Three o’clock would suit me, but if you wish to come earlier I will be at home.’

‘We’ll see you tomorrow, Mrs Courtney.’