‘Ah, no, that’s the thing, ma’am,’ said Gina, looking regretful. ‘I really wanted to work here in the garden with my uncle Tom Arnold but my sister, Ellen, was given the job just because she’s the oldest. Now I’m at a bit of a loose end, running messages and occasionally helping out at Highview Farm if they’re really busy, which they’re not just now.’

‘Well, we can’t have a clever girl like you wasting away without a suitable opportunity,’ said Mrs Stellion. She indicated the armchair next to her. ‘Do sit down and let’s think what we can do for you.’

‘Thank you, ma’am.’

Mrs Stellion gently patted her forehead, as if it hurt her to think too deeply. ‘How would you like to come here and take Coco for his walk? I’m not much of a walker and he’s a lively boy who’d benefit from running off some excess energy. I’d want you to clean him up afterwards, of course, make my lovely boy all pretty and respectable,’ she said, cuddling the dog until he struggled, escaped from her knee and came to sniff around Gina’s well-worn lace-up shoes.

Gina didn’t think that sounded like much of a job, but it had all the advantages she’d come here looking for. She would have a foot in the door at the Hall, and a job that was a lot easier than cleaning out those smelly old hens at Highview Farm, and all the other horrible jobs she did for the Beveridges. Who knew where this chance would lead? But one thing was for certain: it would lead somewhere. She was quite decided on that.

‘I would pay you for your time, of course,’ Mrs Stellion said, obviously thinking Gina was silent because she was wondering if she were to be paid and was too shy to ask. She went on to name a sum slightly greater than Gina was earning at the farm. That settled it: no need to go back there. ‘And maybe, if that works out, there could be other little jobs for you to do for me.’

‘That sounds grand, thank you, Mrs Stellion. When would you like me to start?’

‘Well, why not now? It’s a lovely day for a walk and Coco is getting a little fidgety. His lead is hanging in the boot room next to the hall. Let me show you …’

They reached the hall, Mrs Stellion moving slowly, the dog running ahead of them and then back again, just as the door at the rear – through which Gina had entered uninvited less than an hour earlier – opened, and Tom and Ellen appeared.

‘Good heavens,’ said Tom, seeing Gina looking even more like Ellen than usual today. ‘That is … good morning, Mrs Stellion.’ Even as he spoke, his questioning eyes were on Gina.