‘I reckon there is,’ said Gina. ‘You see, James, I don’t care for folk “taking pity” on me, especially when I’m just doing my job. Now, I see Mrs Bassett there with a tray of tea, so I’m off to give her a hand. Thanks for your help with that bit of bunting.’

She walked away without looking back, though the temptation to do so was almost overwhelming. What an annoying man, she thought, smiling to herself. Good-looking, though.

‘But, Dad, we’re all going to the fête. We always go. It’s just that it’s at the Hall this time, like it used to be years ago. Please go with us,’ said Ellen.

She wasn’t especially bothered whether Philip was there or not, but she knew if he stayed away he’d only be making a martyr of himself, and probably be in one of his sulks by the time she and Dora got home, spoiling their day.

‘You can help Mr Hardcastle with the Splat the Rat. There’re always little lads trying to get a free go. You’d keep them in line, like.’

‘You’d get to see what our Nellie’s been up to in the gardens. It’s really lovely,’ encouraged Dora. ‘I’m that proud of her, and you would be too if you just took a look.’

‘And there’s a tea tent, Dad. If nowt else you’d get summat nice to eat. Mrs Fowler’s been baking for days. I hear there’s chocolate cake,’ Ellen added.

‘All right, all right, stop going on at me. I’m not a child, to be bribed with a bit of cake,’ grumbled Philip.

‘Well, please yourself,’ said Dora. ‘But I’m not putting up with any bad moods when we get back. It’s supposed to be a nice afternoon for everyone to join in, so if you’re not joining in then that’s your choice. But I wish you’d come with us, I really do.’

‘I’ll think about it,’ Philip mumbled. ‘Now shut up about the blessed fête and give a man a bit of peace.’ He flapped open an old copy of Farmers Weekly and held it up in front of his face, cutting off the sight of them.

Edward and Nancy came to call for Ellen and Dora on their way past, and the four set off to the Hall without Philip, who said he might go later, though his wife and daughter didn’t expect to see him. Dora was carrying a tin of flapjacks and Nancy had a Victoria sponge. Cake was a big feature of the event.