The wind was blowing a gale as the couple walked up the lane towards the farm house. Rain sleeted into their faces and wet leaves clustered around their rubber boots. It was a relief to finally see the warm lights of the kitchen window glowing at them.

Mr Moseley reached up and knocked at the door, which was answered in no time at all by Mrs Patmore.

"By 'eck, you two picked a rotten night for a walk. Come in, the pair of you..."

Beckoning them into the warm kitchen, Mrs Patmore called over to the snug.

"It's the Moseleys!"

Daisy sprang to her feet and scampered over towards the door.

"Hello! What are you both doing here, it's wild out there..."

Mrs Moseley, formerly Miss Baxter, leaned in for a kiss on Daisy's cheek.

"...you're frozen! Like a cup of tea would you?"

"Yes please Daisy, that would be very pleasant. Good evening Mr Mason..."

Bill reached over to grasp Joseph's hand and beckoned him over towards the snug.

"Good to see you Joe, what brings you out here?"

"Well, we wanted to bring you up to speed on a little plan we're involved in. With Mr and Mrs Bates."

"Oh aye? What's all this then?" Mrs Patmore emerged with a tray of tea mugs and a plate of biscuits. In a short time everyone was settled in comfortably. Leaving the sofa to Joseph and Phyllis, Daisy pulled up the pouffe and perched next to the fire, reaching for a gingersnap.

Phyllis explained the plan and the reason behind it. Daisy's expression lit up with delight to hear of Anna's pregnancy, while Mrs Patmore and Bill's expressions twisted into concern.

"She's a little old for it now, isn't she..." Bill puffed into his pipe, hoping that the nice couple weren't heading for the same sort of tragedy that had dogged his family almost without mercy.

"Well, the doctor has told her that she's to rest. So Joseph and I are going up there to give them a hand to run the The Gull's Nest."

"You never are! Lawks and saints, you only just got into your own retirement! Can't they close for a bit at this time o' year?"

"Not a chance," Joseph sipped his tea. "Mr Bates said they're stuffed to the gunnels, he daren't turn the business away when it's running at such a demand."

"Blimey... just when we think we're all settled down, it all stirs up again..." Mrs Patmore dunked the ginger biscuit into her tea and munched thoughtfully. "How long 'as she got to rest for?"

"Well, it depends on how things go. We'll have to see."

"But you can't go up there and stay for all that time! Won't you miss your home?"

Joseph and Phyllis looked at each other fondly. Joseph cleared his throat.

"Well, the thing is Mrs Patmore, I've always thought that people were more part of your home than a house. And... well... we'll be together. That's the most important thing."

There were a few minutes of silence as each of the Mason's choked down the slight lump that had formed in their throats at the words of the man they used to call Poor Old Moseley.

"Well," Bill tapped out the ashes of his pipe and hauled to his feet. "You make sure you take our love with you to see them all. Perhaps we could put a basket together, what do you think Darling?"

"Oh I dare say so. I've got a few bits and pieces squirreled away. What do you think Daisy? Bit of late night baking?"

"'Course! There's plenty of flour, and the apple harvest was good last week. Reckon I can make an apple tart in no time."

"Knew I could count on my girls," Bill grinned as he returned from his sideboard, watching the two of them heading for the kitchen to stoke up the Aga and get busy. "And now, Joe, and Phyllis too, can I interest you in a small drop of cherry brandy...?"