‘Be careful, Mam,’ Billy whispered as she went on her way.

Inside the barn, Bob Morris waited impatiently. ‘Where the devil is she?’

He’d collected the money at the back door as usual, and afterwards parked his cart where the husband couldn’t see it. She had given him the wink and he’d been here waiting for her for at least half an hour already but there was no sign of her.

He looked towards the house. ‘What’s the silly cow playing at? If she doesn’t get a move on, I might be seen, and that would never do. A few more minutes, that’s all. After that, I’m away.’ But he did so want her. He’d wanted her all day. She wasn’t like Bridget. Bridget was a lady, with a lady’s tenderness, while this one was rough, needing it more than he did, and that always excited him.

Thinking of her, he began to tremble with anticipation. When at last she came rushing in, he threw her to the ground and began to tear at her clothes.

‘No!’ she protested, struggling against him. ‘I think he’s on to us! He’s been watching me like a hawk. I only managed to get out now because he’s tending a fevered lamb.’

When he wouldn’t listen but instead began undoing his trousers, she grew frantic. ‘No, Bob! I’ve got to get back before he does. Tomorrow though… we’ll meet tomorrow.’

‘Shut your mouth, woman.’ Laying her beneath him, he lifted her skirt and prepared to enter her. ‘You kept me waiting, you bitch. Nobody keeps me waiting.’ He was a man used to getting what he wanted – or meting out punishment if denied. He had killed before and it was all too easy.

The more she struggled, the more determined he was to have her.

Just then Fanny arrived at the barn door. She saw them writhing on the ground but didn’t realise the woman was resisting. She thought it was just two lovers having a good time.

Envious, she turned away. ‘The eggs can wait.’ She smiled wistfully. ‘I wouldn’t dream of interrupting when they’re enjoying theirselves so much.’ Through the window, she took another look. ‘Lucky buggers. It’s a long time since I had a man atween me thighs.’

She sat down on an upturned log, one eye on the barn door, the other on lookout. ‘Hurry up, yer buggers,’ she whispered, ‘or I must be off and our Billy will have to go without his eggs.’ Loitering on private property was always dangerous. ‘Some o’ these farmers only want half an excuse to point a double barrel at yer.’ Restless, she got up and walked towards the bushes. ‘Best keep well out o’ sight. I’m too young and beautiful to have me bleedin’ head shot off.’

A few minutes later she heard the woman call out. ‘Help! Somebody help me!’

‘Gawd almighty!’ In a panic, Fanny took flight, but after a few yards, her conscience stopped her. ‘The bastard’s turned nasty on her.’ She knew only too well how men could turn nasty at the drop of a hat. ‘He might be killing her for all I know. I’ll have to go back or I’ll never forgive meself.’