She knew Mr Stellion was in his study this morning and she wanted him to see them. As they approached the study window, she started telling Edith something amusing the little dog had got up to and Edith laughed, which was exactly the desired effect. Gina bent down to tie her shoelace more securely, telling another tale of Coco’s talents, taking her time just in case Mr Stellion hadn’t noticed them.

They moved on to the rose garden, where Ellen was deadheading.

Edith stopped to speak to her assistant gardener and ask something about one of her favourite varieties, then walked on, stopping to smell the flowers every so often.

Gina found herself smiling: it was good to see the lady enjoying what was hers instead of lying about alone in her big, empty rooms, and it was sweet the way Coco kept looking up at her as if seeking approval.

They walked on, next viewing the topiary garden, which Tom was constantly snipping away at, maintaining the strange shapes that cast interesting shadows, and then back to the big border, which was magnificent with colour in all its summer splendour.

Mr Stellion came out of the doors at the back of the house and down the wide steps.

‘Edith, my dear, it’s so nice to see you out.’

‘It was Gina who persuaded me to come for a walk with her and Coco,’ beamed Edith. ‘And, do you know, I feel a lot better for it already? I feel as if my head has cleared for the first time in weeks.’

Gina smiled and George Stellion put an arm around his wife’s shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

‘Gina, would you like to walk Coco a little further while we go back to the house?’ he suggested.

‘Of course, sir.’ Gina took the lead and went on with the little dog by her side.

‘Now, I’ve been thinking about what we discussed, Edith, and I can see that maybe now Mrs Thwaite has retired it’s time to reorder our household a bit. I know she hasn’t been at the Hall long, but Gina Arnold has been a godsend and, frankly, we’d be silly not to give her more of a rein in entertaining and occupying you. It’s lonely for you when I’m so busy with the brewery, and of course it’s been so hard for you since Cassie … since we lost Cassie.’

‘Yes, George. I think of her and miss her every day. It’s a long time ago now but it doesn’t get any easier. I know you feel the same. But having Gina around – well, I think she helps. She’s got a no-nonsense attitude but she’s also very kind.’