‘Who is your landlord?’ Kate repeated patiently as a germ of an idea came into her head.

‘I believe it belongs to the Church,’ Goodfellow said solemnly. ‘We was going to ask the vicar if he’d let Marie off paying the rent.’

‘How many bedrooms does it have, Mrs Goodfellow?’

Marie puffed out her chest. ‘Three all told, and a small attic room. It were a good size when the late Mr Parker rented it for us. We was going to fill the bedrooms with nippers, but it never happened.’

‘I think I might have the ideal tenants for your cottage, Mrs Goodfellow. I’ll have a word with the vicar after church tomorrow morning, so don’t worry.’

‘Thank you, miss. I’d be ever so grateful. I had to take in washing to keep up with the rent, and mending, too. I’ll be quite a lady of leisure now I’m married to Seth.’

Goodfellow slipped his arm around her ample waist and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Come on, love. Let’s go home.’

Kate closed the door with some difficulty as a strong wind hurled snow around like a hooligan intent on making mischief. As she made her way back to the drawing room Kate could hear Annie playing carols on her concertina with the children singing the words at the tops of their voices. It was going to be a happy Christmas, but maybe some people would be happier than others.

After church on Christmas morning, Kate complimented the vicar on his sermon before broaching the subject of Marie Goodfellow’s cottage.

Humphrey’s bland smile faded. ‘You want me to rent Church property to a former felon?’

‘Yes, I do,’ Kate said firmly. ‘Your brilliant sermon on love and forgiveness really touched my heart, Vicar. Ted Harris is not a bad man. He was desperate for money to feed his family when he committed the crime. He has served his time and surely he deserves a chance to rebuild his life?’

‘Yes, of course, but the cottage is my responsibility, and with a family that large there is the possibility of damage to the fabric of the building.’

‘The children have been living with us at Warren House for several months now. We’ve had minor breakages but nothing very serious, and I will undertake to pay for any repairs that are necessary. I can say that with complete confidence, Vicar. Surely, on this holy day, it would be a wonderful thing to give the family a home?’

‘Well,’ he said doubtfully. ‘If you put it like that, I suppose …’

‘Humphrey.’ Elaine abandoned a group of her friends and came hurrying towards them. ‘What are you talking about? If it’s to do with my son …’

‘No,’ Kate said hastily. ‘This has nothing to do with Hedley. I was speaking to Mr Courtney about a Church matter.’

‘Yes, my dear, a Church matter,’ Humphrey agreed nervously.