Gethin indicated the mountain behind the house. ‘I won’t take you to see the sheep as you can see them from here. I suggest we start with the yard first.’ He took the girls round the stables which were mostly used for storing farming equipment, animal feed and things of that nature. ‘We only really use the stables for when one of the stock is sick,’ he explained to Mabel, who had rather hoped to find foals, lambs and calves inside them.

Leading them round the back, he pointed to two pigs which he introduced as Bonnie and Clyde. ‘They’re our breeders, a fine breed called Gloucestershire Old Spots,’ he said conversationally, before pointing out the chickens. ‘We let them roam free during the day but lock them up at night, safe from the foxes. Come with me, and I’ll show you how to round them up. There’s ten hens and one cockerel.’ He grinned at Mabel, who was looking anxious. ‘Don’t worry, it’s easy to tell which is which.’

The girls spent the next ten minutes chasing chickens around the yard, whilst Gethin looked on in mild amusement. ‘Every time I get near one, it flies off!’ said Mabel as they herded the last chicken into the enclosure.

Gethin then led them to a field and leaned against the wooden five-bar gate. ‘That’s the dairy herd,’ he informed the girls. ‘We’ve fifteen cows and one bull.’ He winked at Mabel. ‘Again, you’ll know which is which, especially if you try to milk the wrong one …’

This comment caused Roz to go off into hoots of laughter, whilst Mabel stood looking perplexed. ‘I don’t get it,’ she said, frowning.

Smiling kindly, Gethin laid his hand on her arm, much to Mabel’s secret delight. ‘You’ll see what I mean tomorrow.’

With Roz still giggling, he led them round to another gate, and pointed to the sheep who were grazing in the distance. ‘You don’t have to do much with the sheep at this time of year, but come springtime, you’ll have your work cut out for you with the lambing. I won’t be here then but you’ll be in good hands with Dad. There’s nothing he doesn’t know when it comes to lambing.’

By the time the girls had finished their tour they were both yawning widely. ‘I’ll be asleep before my head hits the pillow,’ Mabel told Roz as they followed Heulwyn up to their bedroom at the back of the house. Opening the door, Heulwyn stood to one side, allowing the girls to step through.

‘Howell’s already brought your bags up, and I’ve run you a bath,’ she indicated a room across the hallway. ‘Take all the time you need, girls, and I’ll see you in the morning. Nos da.’

‘Sorry?’ said Mabel.

‘Nos da,’ repeated Heulwyn, ‘it’s Welsh for goodnight.’