‘I dunno what exactly I can do for him,’ Spears said warily. ‘I mean, it sounded like a good idea yesterday, but the more I think about it the less likely it seems that he’ll want to have me hanging around.’

‘You don’t know him, Augustus. He’s very proud and he doesn’t like to ask for help, but he’s limited physically and even tacking up his horse must prove quite difficult.’

As if to prove her point a large black horse came cantering towards them, with its saddle coming adrift. In the distance Kate could see Joe standing in the middle of the path, leaning heavily on one crutch.

‘Whoa there.’ Spears held out his arms and the horse came to a halt, snorting and pawing the ground. ‘Steady there, old fellow.’ Speaking gently in a tone that Kate had never heard him use, Augustus soothed the agitated animal.

‘I couldn’t fasten the girth properly and he bolted,’ Joe said apologetically. ‘I don’t know if I’m fit for this job, Kate. I think Mr Pomeroy-Smith will have to find someone better suited.’

‘I don’t think that will be necessary. I may have the answer for you.’ Kate waited until Spears was within earshot. ‘Joe, this is Augustus Spears. He’s a military man like yourself and he’s looking for work. You need someone to assist you and I thought you might be able to help each other.’

Spears came to a halt, clicked his heels together and saluted in a dramatic way that seemed to impress Joe. ‘Good morning, Captain.’

Joe grinned. ‘No need for formalities, Spears. I was only a private.’ He held out his hand. ‘Joe Blythe.’

‘I know your sister, sir. Me and Annie are old friends.’ Spears shook hands and the horse nodded as if in approval.

‘As you can see, I do need some help if I’m to continue working for Mr Pomeroy-Smith, but I can’t afford to pay you, Augustus. It wouldn’t be fair to keep you from getting a better position.’

‘Money doesn’t come into it,’ Kate said hastily. ‘There’s a grant available for ex-soldiers. I know someone who applied for it and is now in full employment, all expenses paid for by a grateful government.’ It was, of course, pure fabrication, but Kate could see that they believed her. She would fund Spears’ wages herself, but there was no need for anyone to find out, and she would be putting her uncle’s legacy to good use. It was a well-intentioned lie and surely she could be forgiven for that. She looked from one to the other. ‘Well? Are you willing to give it a try?’

‘I am, most certainly,’ Joe said with feeling. ‘What about you, Spears?’

‘I’m very willing, sir.’