‘Looks like Coco is going to be a handful, Edith,’ said George. ‘Are you sure such a lively puppy was a good idea?’

‘No,’ laughed Edith, throwing off her sadness at the thought of their little daughter who had died long ago, ‘but he’s very sweet-natured and amusing, and if Gina Arnold is taking him out most days, then I think he’ll not be too boisterous for me.’

‘Hmm …’

‘She can help me with his obedience training. And it’s nice to have a young face about the place, don’t you think?’

‘I agree. I know it’s a bit quiet for you when I’m out on business, and with Diana and James away now most of the time, though I admit to being confused which of the Arnold girls is which. Suddenly there’s two of them here, and at first glance they do look surprisingly alike.’

‘They do indeed, though I think we’ll all soon learn. Mrs Thwaite says Mrs Bassett was all at sea about them earlier.’ They exchanged amused glances.

‘Mrs Bassett is a dear, and a wonderful cook,’ said George, then lowered his voice, ‘but not especially clever in other regards.’

Edith was thinking. ‘George, I know it’s early days, but if Gina Arnold works out well with Coco, you wouldn’t mind if I gave her a few other little tasks to do for me, would you?’

‘No, darling, if you think she’s the right person. What have you in mind?’

‘Oh, just keeping me company, really. It’s a big effort to go out if I’ve got one of my headaches or I’m in a sad mood.’ She sighed. ‘I can hardly ask Mrs Thwaite, can I?’

‘Of course not.’ George thought of the elderly and humourless housekeeper. She had been at the Hall for several years and, really, with Diana and James in London much of the time, there was little for her to do most weeks. She was only kept on out of kindness because she was a widow, but Edith had never been especially fond of the prickly woman. ‘But Gina Arnold – I’m assuming she’s a village girl through and through, if she’s anything like her sister. Though of course their mother is Dora, and she has her own dignity, for all she’s had very few advantages, nor, I imagine, lived anywhere but Little Grindle. But do you really think Gina Arnold would be the kind of young woman to amuse you when you’re feeling low?’

‘Ah,’ said Edith. ‘There you have me. But I think I might find out as time goes on. I suspect that a lively, reliable and good-natured girl about the place will probably do me no end of good.’