‘Farthing, ma’am. She was Sarah Farthing, only we called her Sally or Sal.’ Emmie glanced nervously over her shoulder. ‘What are you going to do, ma’am? Trimble will be furious if he finds out I told you all this.’

‘Tommy stays here, no matter what. I don’t care if he is my nephew or not, he is still a dear child who needs a good home. I’m fond of him already and I have no intention of allowing Mr Trimble to take him away from us.’

‘Will you tell his father?’

‘I will, when I’m certain that Tommy is his child. My brother is in the Crimea as we speak, so I don’t know when I’ll see him again, but I hope it won’t be too long.’

Emmie’s pale grey eyes filled with tears. ‘I’m so grateful to you for looking after the boy. I can’t protect him from Trimble. He just sees Tommy as a way of making money. Poor Sal would be turning in her grave if she knew.’ She turned with a start as the door opened and Trimble marched into the room, followed by Jarvis.

Bob was instantly alert and he sat up straight, eyeing Trimble warily.

‘I’m sorry, Mrs Blanchard,’ Jarvis said stiffly. ‘This person insisted that he wanted to speak to you.’

‘Just look at you, Emmie Trimble! Sitting there like you was a lady, which you ain’t.’ Trimble dragged her to her feet. ‘Go outside and stay with the horse. I want a word with madam.’

‘There’s no need for that, Mr Trimble.’ Rosalind said icily. ‘Mrs Trimble is entitled to a little civility, and I have nothing to say to you.’

‘We want our son back, or else some recompense for his loss.’

‘You won’t get a penny piece from me.’ Rosalind faced him angrily.

‘Then I’ll inform the police that you’ve kidnapped our boy.’

‘Trimble, please don’t do that.’ Emmie clutched his sleeve. ‘Can’t you see that he’s better off here? We need to go home. I can’t leave Ma in charge of the babes for long. You know what she’s like when she starts on the gin.’

He threw her to the floor with a casual flick of his wrist. ‘Shut up, woman.’

Bob rushed at him, barking and baring his teeth.

‘You, sir, are a bully and a rogue.’ Rosalind helped Emmie to her feet. ‘Are you all right?’

‘Yes, ma’am. I tripped and fell.’

‘That’s not what I saw.’ Rosalind grabbed Bob by the collar. ‘I’m asking you to leave, Mr Trimble. If your wife chooses to remain here I wouldn’t blame her.’

Emmie hurried to her husband’s side. ‘No, ma’am. I thank you for the tea and biscuits, but we’d best be on our way.’