The doors opened and Kate noticed that everyone who came through the doors was wearing their Sunday best for the occasion, even though it was Saturday. When the hall was crammed with people Elaine Courtney stepped onto the rostrum and patted Annie on the shoulder, which was a signal to stop playing. Elaine clapped her hands to gain the hall’s attention, and then she welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. She handed over to Lady Lyndon, who was dressed like a duchess and looked resplendent in lilac silk trimmed with blonde lace and a purple velvet mantle with a fur collar and cuffs. Her silver hair had been coiffed by Miss Hattersley, who kept herself to herself and took her meals on a tray in her room rather than mix with Martha and the servants. Miss Hattersley was not present, using a headache as an excuse, but she had been well enough to help her mistress dress and to add the finishing touch of a perky little fur hat with a black lace veil.

There was silence in the hall while her ladyship made the opening speech and then the voices rose in a crescendo as everyone pushed and shoved in their attempts to find bargains.

Ivy nudged Kate in the ribs. ‘The tea urn is half empty. We’re going to need more hot water very soon.’

Kate nodded. ‘I’ll go and fetch the kettle from the vicarage kitchen. I can’t see Frankie; I think he’s met up with some friends from his school, but I don’t need him yet.’ Kate edged her way through the crowd and went outside. It was a relief to be in the fresh air, but it was chilly even though the sun was shining. She hurried across the yard and was about to enter the vicarage garden when a man emerged from behind the box hedge.

‘Kate, there you are. I’ve been searching for you.’

She stifled a cry of surprise, glancing over her shoulder to make sure there was no one about. ‘Harry! What are you doing here? Have you escaped from prison?’

He seized her hand and dragged her into the privacy of the vicarage garden. ‘No one must know I’m here, not even my mother.’

‘You broke out? Are you on the run?’ She stared at him in dismay. Harry had always been immaculate and clean shaven, but now he had a straggly beard and moustache, and his face was gaunt, but his eyes still held the same old spark of humour.

‘In a manner of speaking,’ he said in a low voice. ‘But I’ll explain everything later. I mustn’t be seen.’