As she entered the bedroom, at Mr Roford’s command to do so, Betsy was full of apprehension. And this only deepened when she saw him standing just inside the door.

‘Put it down over there for me.’

Almost running to the dresser he’d indicated, Betsy plonked the tray down, noticing that his bed had already been turned down for him. She almost scampered back towards the door to leave. Before she got there, Mr Roford barred her way. ‘Please, sir, I have to go. I’m due home, and me husband will be waiting.’

‘What I have in mind will be far more pleasant than going home to a cripple, who I’m sure cannot do you justice, pretty lady.’

Betsy swallowed hard. The remark insulted her beyond words. Mags must have told him about Bill. But despite feeling angry, her normal feisty nature deserted her. ‘Please, sir, I – I’m sure as it’s just the drink making you talk like that. Let me pass, and nowt will be said about this, I promise.’

His hand caught her arm in a painful grip. ‘I don’t think I will let you leave. And for sure you will not speak of what passes between us, otherwise you will be out on your arse without a job. That wouldn’t suit, would it? No, I thought not. Well, I am adding more duties to those that you have, and I will pay you well. You’re to make yourself available to me, whenever I want you to be – understand?’

Betsy could only stare at him.

‘Understood or not?’

Betsy didn’t know where her audacity came from, but she spat out the words. ‘Naw! And that ain’t how it’s going to be. Touch me and I’ll scream the house down, and you’ll be caught red-handed and shown up for what you are – a pig!’

His free hand lashed out, but Betsy dodged it.

‘How dare you! I am your master and you will do my bidding.’

‘Your bidding don’t include me lying with you. I’d never do that – not willingly, I wouldn’t!’

‘Ha! You’ll just have to do it unwillingly then, won’t you?’

His grip tightened and his movement – swift and vicious – caused Betsy’s body to fly across the room towards his bed. Her breath left her body as she crashed against the corner of the four-poster. In a moment he was by her side, pushing her onto the mattress. As he discarded his dressing gown, his naked body showed his intentions. Her husband Bill came to her mind. Frail Bill, who had once had a physique like this man’s. Aye, and he had once taken her to places she longed to be taken again. Feelings rose in her that had her gasping against them.

‘You want it, don’t you? I’m right, aren’t I? It’s been a long time since you saw, or felt, something like this.’ He held himself and made gestures towards her. Betsy could feel herself weakening. Don’t let me. Oh God, help me.