That sounded grand, as did the words ‘a place’. Grindle Hall was ‘a place’, and Gina thought James must have a big house with a garden all round.

‘Just wondered if you’d like to come out with me this evening – if my mother can spare you, of course, now she hasn’t got the girls to amuse her?’

‘Well, I’m sure your mother can spare me if you ask her,’ said Gina. ‘Besides, I understand your father is at home this evening, so I shan’t be needed for company.’

‘And would you like to come out for a jaunt?’

‘Yes, please.’

‘I’ve got a couple of people to see, but when I’ve done that we’ll have the evening to ourselves.’

‘That’s all right, James. You did say you’d business to do up here. But you won’t be going to that horrible Duke of Clarence pub again, will you? ’Cos if you are, you can go by yourself.’

‘No, Gina. As I said, that was a recommendation that I won’t be taking up again. Put on your prettiest frock and I’ll square your outing with Ma. I’m sure she won’t mind you going out with me for a little jaunt before I go back to London if I ask her. I’ll have the car out the front at six thirty.’

Gina beamed at him. James knew lots of people and lived in a grand place in London. Who knew what opportunities would be opened up if she played her cards right?

When Gina had finished her work and returned to her room that evening to get ready to go out, she decided to take a quick look in her little book of spells. If she kept in with James, who had a place in Pimlico, so many opportunities would appear, she was sure. Maybe there was an incantation she could try to help things along …

Ellen and Dora took a paper carrier bag each and strode down the drive to the Lodge. Tom had cooked their tea for them since they’d escaped Philip’s violence at Highview Cottage a few days ago, but Dora had said she would cook this evening. She’d walked into Little Grindle earlier and bought a few things from the village shop that she thought he might like to eat. That had been a very enlightening visit.

Ellen had apprised Sally of the news that she and her mother were now living at the Hall when they had gone to see Mr Shepherd the previous day, and she had sworn Sally to secrecy. Sally was to be trusted and, though one or two people had heard rumours, she expertly batted away their questions as she served them in the shop.