‘It was Gina who came to me last week and suggested I brought you that bouquet of your favourite roses from the garden to raise your spirits. “If Mrs Stellion doesn’t feel up to going out, you could bring the garden in to her,” she said, and so I asked Ellen to cut me the best ones in bud and it was lovely to see your face when I gave them to you, my darling.’

Edith laughed softly. ‘And there I was thinking you had decided to bring me the flowers all on your own.’

‘With three Arnold women working for me, I hardly need to think a thought, never mind lift a finger,’ he replied.

‘Yes, and we’ve got Tom Arnold, too, of course.’

‘He’s a sound man,’ said George. ‘He’s bringing on Ellen to be very useful about the garden. I like to keep abreast of how they’re getting on, and I couldn’t ask for better from either of them. So, shall I tell Gina that we’ve decided to alter her duties a little, or will you?’

‘I think I should like to, George, if you don’t mind?’

‘Excellent. I’m so glad to see the roses coming back in your cheeks after your walk this morning. I suspect Gina Arnold is just what you need.’

‘Thank you, George. I think so, too.’

‘So more than just the housekeeping duties?’ asked Gina. ‘And walking Coco, of course.’

‘Yes, it would be nice for me if we could have our meals together when Mr Stellion is out, and we’d also do more things together during the day so I wouldn’t be bored by myself.’

‘But what about the housekeeping?’

‘I think we both know there’s not much to it, with only my husband and me living here: just making sure the house runs smoothly. It isn’t a lot of work for you, is it?’

‘Not at all,’ said Gina.

‘And, in all honesty, you’ve become much more than a housekeeper over the weeks anyway. I just think it’s time to acknowledge that. So do you agree, Gina?’

‘Yes, please, Mrs Stellion. That is, thank you for asking me,’ grinned Gina.

As soon as Gina could, she went down to her own little sitting room and thought through the surprising news. Since she’d cast that first spell all those weeks ago, her life had been transformed – and so quickly that she found it hard to believe. It was almost as if the magic power was in her and she’d somehow tamed it so that all she had to do was want something and it would happen. It was strange and wonderful.