‘I don’t even know what he’s called, and I’m not sure I want to.’

‘I do ’cos Mum just asked outright, but I won’t tell you if you don’t want me to.’

‘Oh, go on then.’

‘Lucas Hillier.’

‘Lucas? I don’t know anyone called Lucas.’

‘You do now, Nellie. What happened was this. Mum took the babies into the library van and of course they began making a noise – not yelling or anything but just being babies – and this Hillier fella started on about silence in the library, as if people don’t go and chat in there. So Mum said summat like, “Let me introduce you to the little ’uns and you can address your concerns to them. This is David and this is Frank. And your name is …?” And the fella was so startled that he said his name like he was speaking to the twins so now we know what he’s called. Then Mr Fowler came in and started making a fuss of the babies, and Mum said, “Mr Fowler, this is Mr Lucas Hillier, our new librarian, and he’s just about to tell David and Frank the rules about visiting the library.” Of course, that shut up Lucas Hillier, and serves him right.’

‘Your mum’s brilliant,’ laughed Ellen. ‘My mum will be amused by that story, and so will Uncle Tom.’

Ellen said goodbye to Sally at the Masons’ cottage and walked on to the lane that led to Highview Cottage and, ultimately, Highview Farm. As she went, swinging her satchel, she thought of how pleased Mr Shepherd had been to see his visitors, and she wondered if – as Sally’s mother had suggested to Sally – Mrs Stellion felt like that about Gina and that was why she employed her. She clasped her hands together and muttered a kind of prayer-wish that the lonely lady would not regret her decision.

Edith Stellion had gone to see a private doctor in Preston about her headaches and exhaustion that Wednesday afternoon, leaving Gina with the task of going to buy the special rose-scented soap she liked to use from the smart chemist’s shop in Great Grindle.

Until a few weeks ago, Gina would have taken the short cut over the fields on foot but, wearing her shiny new black shoes, and with the fare to spare, she decided to take the bus.

Gina knew the name of the chemist’s and exactly where it was, but she had never been in before. A bell tinkled loudly as she opened the door and the scent that greeted her was comforting: talcum powder, something vaguely medicinal and a sweet floral soap smell.