‘Well, I deal in things,’ he said vaguely. ‘Buying and selling.’

‘What kind of things?’

‘Oh, just little pieces: sometimes jewellery, watches …’

‘Goodness, that sounds grand. Do you have a shop?’ asked Gina, to whom a shop in London represented the height of business success.

‘Oh, no,’ said James, looking amused.

‘What then?’ How can you sell owt if you don’t have a shop?

‘I have contacts. I know people, see?’

Gina nodded, though she didn’t understand at all. She didn’t want him to think she was an ignorant country bumpkin.

‘Right, well, I’d better say good night,’ said Gina now, unlocking her sitting-room door in the downstairs corridor.

‘It was a good evening … very interesting. I was glad of your company,’ said James softly, and then turned her towards him, bent his head and kissed her on the mouth. ‘Good night, Gina,’ he whispered, smiling, and then walked away, leaving her standing watching him, her hand to her kissed lips.

The next morning was all bustle at Grindle Hall. Diana and Penelope were going back to London and Edith was fussing about their departure, whether they’d remembered all their things and what time the train was. George drove the big car round to the front and the two girls and their luggage were installed inside.

‘Thank you for making our stay so nice and everything you’ve done for us, Gina,’ said Penelope smiling and shaking Gina’s hand.

‘Yes, I think Mum’s much jollier with you as housekeeper, Gina,’ said Diana. ‘And you’ve done well with Coco’s training.’ She gave a little laugh. ‘Housekeeper and dog walker – my parents know how to get good value from their staff, it seems.’

‘Thank you, Diana.’ Making sure I know my place, I reckon. ‘Have a safe journey,’ said Gina, turning to smile at Penelope. Despite Diana’s slapping her down, Gina thought life at the Hall much livelier and more interesting in the few days Diana and her friend had been there.

There was a lot of waving as they were driven away.

James had made the effort to get up in time to see them off, standing on the front steps with his hands in his pockets. He winked at Gina as he turned to go back in and sauntered off to his father’s study, saying he had to telephone someone.

Dora arrived at the back door to start her work soon after that, with Tom accompanying her.

‘I know Mr S has taken the girls to the station and I didn’t like to come first thing,’ he said to Gina, ‘but I’ve some news and I reckon Mr and Mrs Stellion should be told it as well as you.’

‘I’ll go and make a start and you come up when you’re ready,’ Dora said to Tom. ‘We’ll talk later, love,’ she added to Gina.