16 April 1931

"I feel like the headmaster of some sort of awful boys' reformatory school," Siegfried groaned over breakfast. "I mean, don't they teach them to get up at a decent hour at that place?"

"They're on 'oliday," Mrs Hall reminded him, smiling over her teacup. "You can't expect them to be up and at it first thing in the morning."

"Oh, can't I? I don't see why not when they're staying in my house." He put his cutlery down and sighed. "That was delicious, as always, Mrs Hall. It's a shame some people don't appreciate it." Tristan and his friend George had been at Skeldale House for four days and though Siegfried couldn't really fault his brother's friend in terms of manners and comportment, when the two of them were together it was like trying to corral a couple of hyperactive monkeys. Not that it wasn't good to see his brother, but every time he found himself despairing of him, he would hear his father's voice in his head.

"Promise me you'll take care of Tristan, Siegfried. You're all he has left now."

The thought always made him melancholic. That neither of his parents were here to see their youngest son or, indeed, deal with him. A banging noise from upstairs brought him back to reality and, moments later, Tristan and George appeared, throwing themselves into their chairs at the table with aplomb.

"Good morning Siegfried!" Tristan greeted him cheerfully. "Good morning Mrs Hall!"

"Good morning Tristan, George," she replied good-naturedly. "You'll both be wanting some breakfast I shouldn't wonder."

"Yes, we're both starving, aren't we George?"

"Yes, starving."

Siegfried rolled his eyes as Mrs Hall dished up breakfast for them and then watched as they both dug in quite without compunction. "You would think neither of you had eaten for a week!"

"It's the country air," Tristan replied, his mouth full of sausage. "It gives you an appetite, doesn't it George?"

"Yes, an appetite."

"Yes, well…" Siegfried lifted the newspaper that was sat on the table. "What exactly are your plans for today then?"

"Not much. Go for a walk around the village."

"Isn't that what you've done every day since you arrived? You must have combed every inch of the place by now."

"If this is to be my new home, surely I should become well acquainted with it?" Tristan said. "And if George intends to visit me regularly…"

"Does he indeed? Well, neither of you will be going anywhere if you don't pass your exams and get into Edinburgh. Don't you think a little studying might be a good way to spend some of your time?"

"There's plenty of time for that. I saw a sign up yesterday for the village gala," Tristan observed. "Apparently, it's tomorrow."

"Oh yes, it's always a good day is gala day," Mrs Hall said. "Always well supported by the locals, especially if the weather 'olds. There's the crowning of the gala king and queen, then a parade through the streets down to the common followed by a big party with food and music and stalls to buy things from. It's s shame it only 'appens once a year is all. It's a good opener for Darrowby Show."

"And are there many pretty ladies in attendance?"

"Tristan, for heaven's sake," Siegfried said, over the top of the newspaper. "Is that all you can think about, female company?"

"And what's wrong with female company? George and I don't get enough of it stuck at school and I dare say university won't be any better. Besides, perhaps female company, is something you should be seeking more of, dear brother."

Siegfried lowered the newspaper and looked over at his giggling brother. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, come now, the local vet? You're probably the most eligible bachelor in Darrowby. I'm sure there must be scores of women lining up at the door."

"Hardly."

"And why not? You're not exactly over the hill yet," Tristan looked wickedly at George. "A little out of practice, perhaps…"

"That's enough."

"What about that barmaid at the Drovers? Or maybe Mrs Hall knows a few ladies who would…"

"I said, that's enough!" He hadn't intended to shout but had been quite unable to stop himself and found Tristan, George and Mrs Hall looking at him as though he had grown an extra head. "I don't wish to discuss this. By all means waste your time lolling around the village, but don't come crying to me when the school kicks you out and you have nowhere to go." Pushing back his chair, he rose from the table. "Now, unlike some, I have work to do."

Leaving the kitchen at a brisk pace, he found himself quite unexpectedly in the animal shed. He wasn't sure why he had sought it as some sort of refuge, but being in amongst the various animals made him feel calmer, more under control. He knew Tristan had only been teasing and, after so long, he would have thought that the notion wouldn't rankle so much and yet…

"I'm sorry," Tristan's voice came out of nowhere, causing him to jump slightly. Turning, he saw his brother leaning over the half open door, his expression contrite. "I didn't mean to poke fun. I was only…"

"I know."

"It's been a long time, brother…"

"That's not a fact you need remind me of."

"I'm sure that she…" he broke off and looked at the floor.

Siegfried looked at him. "You're sure that who what?"

Tristan met his gaze again. "I'm sure that Evelyn would have wanted you to be happy."

Evelyn…

"I'm…very content," he said, thinking back on what he had said to Lily Bailey when she had asked him if he was happy. "And that's enough for me."

"If you say so," Tristan replied, in a tone that indicated he wasn't entirely convinced by his brother's answer.

"I do…say so. Now, if you and George are intending on loitering, please do it somewhere else. Some of us have work to do." He waited until his brother had disappeared and then leant back against the side wall, a long breath escaping from his chest, the smart of tears at the corner of his eyes. "You can't bring her back," he told himself quietly yet fiercely. "You have to go on. You have to go on."

It was easier said then done at times, even all these years later. There were days when he longed to see her, nights when he longed to touch her. He couldn't help but think on what might have been had she lived, had he not been so damned far away thinking he was doing something good when, all of the time…the mewling of a cat brought him back into the present moment and, stepping forward, he opened one of the cages and lifted it out. The warm softness of its fur seemed to soothe him and, as he gently stroked it, he couldn't help but wonder if, underneath it all, his brother wasn't right.

XXXX

The day passed relatively uneventfully for Siegfried. He made a few calls to some local farms before returning for lunch prior to afternoon surgery. There was no sign of Tristan or George, with Mrs Hall advising him that they had requested she make them both a picnic lunch as they intended going for a walk in the hills and most likely wouldn't be home until supper time. He had shaken his head in mild frustration and gone about the business of the day, finally hanging up his coat at just past four o'clock. Though the temperature was still relatively brisk, the sun was still bright and after informing Mrs Hall that he intended taking a walk around the village before the evening meal, set off to clear his head.

The village was alive with people, the finishing touches being made for the following day's gala event. Perched on some rather precarious looking ladders, bunting was being strung by some of the locals, bright flower pots were being placed outside of the shops and as he walked down the hill in the direction of the common, he could see the large marquee that had been erected containing the various stalls and tea room that would, inevitably, be full to bursting. There were empty pens dotted around and he could only assume that animals would fill them early the next morning. It was pleasant, very pleasant and, in a way, he was looking forward to being part of it.

As he rounded a corner, he was suddenly greeted by the sight of Lily Bailey sitting on a low stone wall, a large package at her feet. Surprised to see her, yet somewhat pleased, he hurried forwards. "Good afternoon, Miss Bailey."

"Oh…" she started at his greeting, "Mr Farnon…"

"It's a lovely afternoon for a sojourn around the village isn't it?"

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"All the preparations appear to be coming together nicely for tomorrow. Here's hoping the weather holds." He paused. "Were you heading anywhere in particular?"

"Well I…" she broke off suddenly and her face creased in pain, an action that brought him up short.

"Are you all right?" he asked, bending and putting his hand on her shoulder.

"Yes…yes, I'm…I'm fine," she winced again and bent forwards slightly, her hand going to her abdomen.

"Have you eaten something that hasn't agreed with you?"

"No, no, it's nothing like that."

"Ah," he said, realisation striking. "Menstrual cramps?" She looked at him slightly agog. "My late wife was terribly afflicted. Left her bedridden for days on occasions. Have you tried warm compresses and sweet tea? Well of course you have," he chided himself. "What a ridiculous notion to suggest that you haven't. No, no," he insisted as she made to stand up. "Just sit a while until it subsides." He positioned himself beside her. "As I said, it's a lovely afternoon."

"Yes," she agreed, and, for a time, they simply sat on the wall together in silence, looking down the hill at the lowering sun. "I was on my way to the green to drop off some 'ome baking for tomorrow."

"Oh, splendid! I shall have to make sure to have some given how delicious I found your scones the last time." She blushed slightly. "I take it that's what you have in the package, scones?"

"And some other things. I don't just bake scones."

"I'm sure whatever you have will taste wonderful." He paused. "How are things at the farm?"

"Fine, thank you. The surgery?"

"Oh, can't complain, can't complain."

"'ow's Winston? Was 'e returned safely to 'is owner?"

"Ah, how thoughtful of you to remember. Yes, thank you. It was such a relief to hand him over. I felt a great weight lift from my shoulders. And he appears to be doing well by all accounts. Hopefully his days of running wild and causing injury to himself are over." He paused and looked at her, relieved to see a bloom spreading on her cheeks. "Your colour's returning."

"Yes, I'm feeling a little better now, thank you." She got to her feet and reached for the package.

"Oh, allow me!" he leapt up and bent to retrieve it for her.

"Thank you. I really should get these over to Mrs Norris at the baking tent."

"Allow me to walk with you."

"Oh, you don't 'ave to…"

"I'd like to, please. If only to make sure you arrive there safely."

"I'm not liable to collapse in a 'eap," she said with a smile.

"Well I would be no gentleman at all if I simply left you now, would I?" he gestured to the package now in her arms. "Would you like me to carry that for you?"

"No, I can manage, thank you."

They started to walk down the street towards the common in companionable silence and when they reached the marquee, he waited outside whilst she delivered her wares. As he looked around at the picturesque scene before him, he suddenly caught sight of Tristan and George sitting on a bench surrounded by a group of young girls.

"For heaven's sake…" he muttered.

"What is it?"

He jumped and turned to see Lily standing behind him, her arms now free of her delivery. "Oh, it's my brother and his friend," he gestured across the common. "They're staying with me for the school holidays and…well…he does love to try my patience."

"That's your brother?" she said, shielding her eyes from the sun. "'e looks very young."

"He is. Very young with a head full of complete nonsense." He sighed. "I worry about him but, what can I do? I'm not his father, no matter how hard I try to be."

"Are your parents not around then?" she asked, as they turned back in the direction of the village square.

"No, both dead. Tristan was only four when our mother died, fourteen when father passed."

"I'm sorry to 'ear that. It can't be easy being the older brother."

"It isn't, I can assure you. He's becoming a man and sometimes…sometimes I wonder if I'm doing anything right." She didn't say anything, and he suddenly realised that, despite how easy it seemed to be to converse with her, he really didn't know her. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't be offloading my familial problems onto you."

"I suppose it's only fair given 'ow kind you were earlier."

"Ah, yes, forgive me for being so forthright. When I opined on the reason for your discomfort, that is. I'm obviously not a doctor of medicine."

"Obviously."

"Now, were you a sow or a ewe, I might have been able to recommend something more useful in alleviating your discomfort than hot compresses and sweet tea but, as it is…" he trailed off as she started to laugh. "I'm glad I amuse you, if nothing else."

"I'm very grateful for your concern. Believe me when I say that the discomfort is something which I'm very accustomed to."

"I'm sorry to hear it."

"I suppose it's the lot of every woman."

"Well, it shouldn't be. Not for something over which you have no control. One would have thought modern medicine might have improved things for you, but I suppose as it stands…" They slowed as they reached Skeldale House. "Is your father coming to collect you?"

"No, I walked down, and I'll walk back."

"What?" he looked at her in slight astonishment. "All the way to Windy Hill? That's miles!"

"I 'ave done it before. It's not that far when you put your mind to it."

"Well, yes but…surely the bus would be a better alternative? Or I'm happy to drive you…"

"No!" she said sharply. "No, that's very kind but, honestly, I enjoy the walk. It…" she broke off suddenly and her face paled again. Her hand once more went to her stomach and he found himself taking hold of her arm as she swayed slightly.

"You're not well," he said. "Come inside and at least have a cup of tea."

"No, really…"

"I insist, please." Before she could argue any further, he propelled her up the steps and through the front door. "Mrs Hall? Mrs Hall!"

"I'm 'ere, what's the…oh my!" Mrs Hall appeared from the kitchen. "Lily, are you all right, love?"

"No, she isn't," he said. "She needs a comfortable chair and some strong tea."

"Well, what on earth's appened?" Mrs Hall asked, taking hold of her arm.

"I'm fine," Lily replied weakly.

"It's…well…it's womens' troubles," he found himself enunciating as though it were some kind of secret and, automatically, felt stupid.

"Oh, I see. Well come away into the sitting room, lass, and let me get you some tea. 'ere, give me your coat."

"I don't want to be a burden…"

"You're not, of course you're not. Just you sit yourself down there a moment." Mrs Hall helped her into the armchair. "My, you do look pale."

"She walked all the way down from Windy Hill," Siegfried said.

"Well that won't 'ave 'elped, will it now? I'll get you some tea and then we'll see 'ow you are. Mr Farnon'll sit with you, won't you?"

"Yes, yes of course," he replied taking the couch opposite and watching as Lily sat back in the chair and briefly closed her eyes. "You can, of course, tell me to mind my own business, but have you consulted Dr Bellamy?"

"Yes," she replied.

"And he wasn't able to prescribe something to give you relief?"

"I don't think there's much 'e could prescribe. Like I said, it's the lot of every woman. Me mother was affected the same, or so me father tells me. I don't really remember myself…" she trailed off as Mrs Hall reappeared with a steaming cup of tea. "This is very kind of you, really it is."

"It's no trouble at all. Will I phone your father? Tell 'im what's happened?"

"Eh…no. I mean…don't tell 'im about…I'm not…"

"I could just tell 'im you've stopped in 'ere for a brew and a catch up and that you'll be a bit late getting 'ome, 'ow would that do?"

"That would be fine, thank you," she replied.

"And tell Mr Bailey I'll give Lily a lift home," Siegfried added.

"No! No, don't tell 'im that," Lily interrupted. "I'll honestly be fine to walk."

"You cannot walk when you're not well," he insisted.

"I am fine," she sat forwards and fixed him with a look that seemed to flit between determination and concern. "Please…"

"I'll give you a lift back," Mrs Hall interrupted. "If I may be allowed to borrow the car, that is?"

Siegfried paused, "Yes, of course you may."

"Good, that settles it then. You drink your tea lass, and we'll see 'ow you are in a while." She left the room and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Siegfried and Lily alone together.

For a time, there was silence in the sitting room, Lily carefully sipping the tea and clearly attempting to avoid eye contact with him. Something about the whole situation bothered him, and he wasn't quite sure that he could put his finger on it, or that he should even attempt to. As she grew more comfortable, Lily sat back again and her gaze returned to his, a small smile venturing across her lips.

"Does your father have a problem with me?" he asked, after another long moment's silence.

"No. Not with you specifically."

"Then…is it something to do with…" anything further he might have wanted to say was drowned out by the sound of the front door crashing open, then crashing closed again and the mingled sound of voices coming down the hallway, indicating that Tristan and George had returned home. He got to his feet, hoping to head both boys off at the pass, but before he could say or do anything, they had tumbled into the living room and stopped to stare at the visitor.

"And who is this beauty?" Tristan enquired, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"Tristan!" Siegfried glared at him. "This is Miss Bailey."

"Does Miss Bailey have a first name?"

"Lily," she replied, before he could rebuke his brother further. "You must be…?"

"Tristan Farnon," Tristan held out his hand and she shook it solemnly. "This is my friend, George Rawlings."

"Pleased to meet you both."

"And you." He glanced at his brother. "Is Miss Bailey staying for supper?"

"No," she said hurriedly. "I've got supper to prepare at 'ome."

"That's a shame." Tristan looked between them. "Well, I suppose George and I should clean ourselves up. Leave you pair to it." With a laugh, he and George tumbled back out of the room and, moments later, thudded up the stairs.

"I apologise for my brother," Siegfried said, sitting back down again. "As I said earlier, a head full of nonsense."

"'e seems quite charming," she replied.

"He certainly likes to think he is." He paused again. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"I'm fine, Mr Farnon, thank you."

"I'm glad." He held her gaze, once more marvelling at the colour of her eyes and was about to say something more, when Mrs Hall returned.

"Well that's all settled then," she said, "I told your father I'd 'ave you 'ome before it gets too late. Can't 'ave 'im going hungry now, can we?"

"No," Lily smiled tightly. "We can't."