The way this was said opened Mags’s eyes to how life for Betsy must be. Young and old men alike had an eye for her, and she wasn’t the type to take them up on what they might offer her.

A lovelier, more caring person than Betsy it would be hard to find. And Mags dreaded what might have happened last night . . .

Mags’s knock on Betsy’s cottage door was met with a flicker of the curtain. She had to knock again before Betsy appeared, and then she sidled out of the open door and closed it behind her. Her look was one that Mags had never seen before. Defiance, and a readiness to fight her corner, showed in Betsy’s expression.

‘I – I, I’m sorry, Betsy. I—’

‘Oh, lass. You haven’t come here accusing me, then?’

‘No. I know something happened, but I don’t know what. Will you tell me?’

‘Eeh, naw, let’s forget it. Mr Roford had taken a drop too much. And I shouldn’t have gone to his room. Let’s leave it at that, eh?’

‘I need to explain why he is like he is. Can we go shopping together? We haven’t had time to get your frock yet. I’ve seen one. It’s in the window of Madame Ruen’s shop, and it has a matching hat, too.’

‘Oh, me lass, I can see you’re suffering, and I understand. That man of yours is going to take some handling, or let’s say that if you carry on with marrying him, you are going to have to tolerate a lot as many couldn’t put up with, if you’re going to have any kind of happiness with him. It ain’t too late, you knaw – you could still get the upper hand. You need to break the engagement and shock him that way. If you choose to give in to him, you’ll be setting a rod for your own back.’

Mags knew Betsy was right. But did she have that much of a hold over Harold’s heart? Would he simply accept her breaking off their relationship and not care? She couldn’t bear that, she couldn’t. ‘But I love him, Betsy. And I think once we are married, and guilt about my situation leaves me, everything will be all right.’

‘Aye, you made a bad mistake, taking him to your bed afore you’re wed. You gave him the upper hand. Now I knaw the predicament you’re in, as I knaw it’s not easy to live without what he gives you. We’re all the same, lass.’

Though she blushed, it was a relief to have Betsy to talk to. They’d always had this kind of relationship, and shared secrets, though nothing of this nature before. Mags was glad they could talk. ‘I didn’t have much choice. I . . . well, I know things. We can’t talk here on your doorstep, but I can explain.’

‘My Bill’s going out in a while. He thinks he could manage a few hours’ work, and Mr Hopkins at the local shop has a notice up for someone to mind the store while he does his deliveries. That Lucy, as was from the workhouse, used to do it, but she’s found herself a man and is getting her freedom-papers to go and be a farmer’s wife. We’re all that pleased for her. Anyroad, Mr Hopkins has agreed to give Bill an interview, to see if he’s up to it. He’s right chuffed with the idea, is Bill. So come in and I’ll just see to a few things, then we can have a chinwag over a pot of tea.’