Mrs W was the coolest and she spoilt them rotten. Even Rosie’s mum and dad were impressed with how she looked out for their daughter, which is why when they had to go away for the weekend for Rosie’s great-aunt’s birthday, she ended up staying at the farm.

Initially, she was supposed to go with her parents, but her aunt was turning eighty and Rosie couldn’t think of anything more boring. She mentioned it in conversation to Mrs W one day and was excited when the woman offered to look after her.

The Emersons said no at first. Rosie was to go with them, but she begged and pleaded, eventually guilting them into agreeing.

They were away for two nights and the first night’s sleepover was so much fun. Rosie had never been at the farm without the others, but she didn’t really miss them, lapping up the attention as Mrs W spoilt her rotten, brushing her hair, allowing her to play with her music box and letting her have all of her favourite food treats. She helped Mrs W feed the chickens, and even Bill, who could sometimes be a bit of a grump at times, was okay to her, agreeing – at his mother’s request – to take Rosie for a ride on his quadbike around the farm. Rosie decided this was the best weekend ever, and when she saw Miles the following day, she told him all about it, keen to brag about how cool it was.

As she expected, he was green with envy.

‘I wish I could stay over. My dad’s away with Jill and I’m stuck at home with the step-monster.’ He pulled a yuck face. ‘I bet she’ll make me go to bed early because she has her friends coming over for some make-up party.’

‘That’s rubbish.’

‘I know. It sucks. You’re so lucky. Mrs W is really nice.’

Rosie had an idea. ‘Why don’t you stay over too?’

Mile’s eyes widened behind his glasses, but then his shoulders slumped. ‘She might not want me to. My dad says it’s rude to impose.’

‘We could ask her. I bet your stepmother would agree so she can have the house to herself.’

‘Do you think we should?’

‘I’ll do it.’

Rosie knew she was Mrs W’s favourite, so she had no issue with asking the question.

Mrs W pulled a face as though considering it, but it didn’t take much to get her to agree.

Once Miles had the go-ahead, they cycled over to his house and put the idea to Veronica, who, as Rosie suspected, was on board straightaway. She didn’t even seem that bothered about where Miles was staying, more interested in rearranging furniture for her party guests.

Rosie helped Miles pack an overnight bag and they headed back up to the farmhouse.

This was going to be so much fun.