30th December 1931

The sun was shining brightly in the sky and, despite the chillness of the wind, Siegfried felt perfectly happy as he drove towards the train station to collect Peter. Christmas, so far, had been a roaring success. Lily had hosted at Windy Hill and they had all gathered there as a very amiable company. Tristan had behaved himself and Tom had even participated in the joviality of the occasion, something which he had been very grateful for, for Lily's sake if nothing else. He wasn't sure that he had ever seen her so happy and it made him swell with pride that he was partly responsible for that. He couldn't help but think ahead to Christmas 1932 when she would be his wife, perhaps they might even have a child or one on the way. The future seemed so bright and it made every mundane aspect of each day so much easier to deal with.

And now, he was about to meet one of his oldest friends, someone he hadn't seen for longer than he felt comfortable admitting. Peter had always been a good friend, a true friend, despite Tristan's baseless accusations about his character and he only felt sorrow, and some shame, that it that it had taken so long for them to be in each other's company again.

"Do I have to be here for dinner?" Tristan had lamented earlier that morning. "I'd far rather being out doing something fun than stuck in here having to watch my back."

"You will be here and you will be gracious and welcoming," he had replied, furious beyond measure at his brother's crudity yet equally determined that it wouldn't spoil his good humour. "After that you may be as you please." To his relief, Mrs Hall had agreed with his sentiment and, faced with matriarchal authority, Tristan had seemed to wilt into acceptance, though he was under no illusion that the meal could be fraught be difficulty.

He reached the station just before the train arrived and, as he stood waiting on the platform, he couldn't help but think back to his own arrival in Darrowby and all the feelings that had generated within him. If only he had known where electing to relocate there would have led. In the distance, the train sounded its whistle and, moments later, it drew into the platform with a puff of steam. As he watched the passengers disembark, he found himself scanning the faces for that of his friend, momentarily concerned that he had perhaps met the wrong train. Then, a familiar face appeared in front of him, a wide smile spread across it.

"Siegfried!"

"Peter!" he allowed the other man to envelop him in an unmanly embrace. "Jolly good to see you!"

"And you!" Peter pulled back and surveyed him critically. "You look so well!"

Siegfried paused momentarily, wishing that he could easily say the same. Peter had changed in the years since he had last seen him. His figure wasn't as robust as it once had been and his pallor was tinged with grey, but the latter could have been as a result of the long journey and he smiled despite his misgivings. "As do you. It's been too long, far too long."

"My fault as much as it is yours. But it's lovely to be here now. I'm looking forward to seeing Darrowby and meeting your fiancée of course. From everything you've told me, she's quite something."

Siegfried blushed as they began walking back to the car, remembering how he had waxed eloquently about Lily when he had spoken to Peter on the phone only realising later how he had monopolised the conversation. Ever the gentleman, however, Peter hadn't intervened to stop him. "She's looking forward to meeting you at dinner this evening. How was your journey? You must be tired."

"Yes, it was rather long," Peter admitted. "But I'm glad to be here now, and at least the sun is shining."

"Yes, there is that." Siegfried put his friend's belongings into the car and then, once both on board, slowly pulled away from the kerb to make the journey back to the village. As they drove, Peter chatted about his practice and his housekeeper, a fearsome sounding woman who was not to be trifled with. It made him very glad indeed to have found Mrs Hall. "Well, I suppose Mrs Jones will be pleased to have you out of her hair for a few days then."

"Oh indubitably. And I'm rather pleased to be out of it myself." He sighed and looked out at the passing scenery. "You really do live in a wonderful part of the world, Siegfried."

"As do you. You have rolling fields around you."

"Not like this, nothing like this. It makes me feel…almost melancholy…that I chose to practice so near the city. Not that I have little work, on the contrary, but I can imagine that dealing with farm animals must be more rewarding than cats and dogs and the like."

"They all need taken care of."

"Yes, I suppose they do. Much like people."

Though he found the other man's comment intriguing, Siegfried elected not to enquire as to his meaning at that time, concentrating instead on winding his way through the streets of Darrowby before pulling up in front of Skeldale House.

"How charming!" Peter said, stepping out of the car. "The whole village is quite something."

"Yes, it is rather lovely. You'll have some tea before I take you to Mrs Weatherby's guest house?"

"Oh, I don't want to put you out."

"Not at all! Mrs Hall would think very ill of me if I didn't invite you."

"But I'm already coming for dinner later."

"Yes, but she will have the tea tray all ready and though she may be more forgiving than your Mrs Jones, she still has a tongue on her that I do hate to feel the lash of."

"Well," Peter laughed. "I wouldn't want to be the cause of it."

"Good." Leading the way up the steps, Siegfried pushed open the front door and stepped inside, wiping his boots as he did so. "Mrs Hall?"

"Oh, you're back," she appeared from the sitting room. "And this must be your friend."

"Peter Perkins, my dear Mrs Hall," Peter said, stepping forward. "Enchanted to meet you."

"Oh, and the same to you," she replied, blushing slightly as he took her hand and gently kissed it. "You picked a nice day for it, at any rate."

"Yes, and I was just telling Siegfried how lovely Darrowby looks on first appearance."

"It 'as its moments. Sit yourself down, both of you, and I'll bring through the tea. You must 'ave a lot to catch up on."

"Shall we?" Siegfried gestured to the sitting room and Peter nodded in acquiescence, following him inside. "Oh good, the fire's lit. Nothing better than on a cold day like today." He rubbed his hands together at the warmth. "I know tea will be served shortly, but can I tempt you to anything else? Whisky perhaps?"

"Oh, no thank you," Peter replied.

"Really? You do surprise me. You were never one to refuse a drink in the old days."

"Old being the operative word. I'm not as young as I used to be. Come to mention it, neither are you."

"Peter, you're four months older than me, so hardly old. And I'm in my prime."

"You wouldn't have said that a few years ago."

"No, I suppose not." Siegfried sat down in the armchair. "I suppose a lot has changed since we last met."

"Yes, not least of all the loss of your father."

"Yes, he was a good man," he mused, though hoping the conversation wouldn't stray any further in that direction.

"And, of course, your impending nuptials," Peter smiled. "I'm only sorry I won't still be here in a month's time."

"Oh, you must travel back, if you can. We'd be delighted to have you as a guest."

"Oh, I'm getting too old for travel now. Two trips in the space of a month seems rather excessive." Peter got to his feet and examined the bookcase. "Still an avid reader, I see."

"Well, most of them are professional texts, as you'll see, but there is the odd occasion when I might read something for pleasure."

"You always had a book in your hand at college. I remember Evelyn complaining that your nose was always stuck in some tome or another."

Siegfried paused, her image flashing before him. They had made a sort of threesome for a while. He, Peter and Evelyn. He knew that she had despaired sometimes of how dedicated he was to his studies to the detriment of time spent together. Perhaps…perhaps if he had known what would befall her, he might have done things differently…

"I must say, I never expected you to consider marrying again," Peter broke into his thoughts. "I took it that you had embraced everlasting bachelorhood, much like myself."

"Well, I'll admit that it wasn't something I had thought about, marrying again that is. Not until I met Lily."

"Yes, I'm keen to meet the creature who has changed you so dramatically." Peter smiled as Mrs Hall appeared with the tea tray. "Oh, scones! I do so love a scone."

"'omemade," she said proudly. "Mr Farnon's rather a fan."

"Oh, I confess I am, especially with your jam, Mrs Hall." He waited as she poured a cup for Peter and then one for himself. "Won't you join us?"

"I've still some preparation to do for this evening," she replied. "You pair enjoy catching up on old times."

"I must say, I certainly would never ask Mrs Jones to socialise with me in any way, shape or form," Peter said once they were alone again. "I rather think she might box my ears for even suggesting it."

"Mrs Hall is like family. Much like a sister in a way, I suppose." He sipped his tea. "And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Well, you spoke of embracing bachelorhood…has there really been no-one in recent times who might have turned your head, so to speak?" he held his breath slightly, wondering how his friend might respond, deliberately staying gender neutral in his question lest, heaven forbid, Tristan might be right. "Don't say that you're too old," he added when Peter remained silent. "I won't hear that."

"I've always been content with my own company, you know that."

"Yes, but…"

"Now, in my advancing years, I find myself quite unwilling to undertake the compromises that would be required for any sort of relationship. I enjoy my work, I have friends, a comfortable home…what more could a man ask for?"

"Not even…a companion? For cold, winter nights by the fire?"

"I have Bertie."

Siegfried paused, "Bertie?"

"Yes, he's a wonderful companion, keeps my feet warm, and will do anything for me so long as I give him a biscuit."

"A…a biscuit?"

"Yes," Peter looked at him. "He's a dog."

"Oh…oh of course!"

"What did you think he was?"

"Well, I…I wasn't altogether sure to be honest, but yes, what else could he possibly be?" He laughed and drank more of his tea, careful to avoid his friend's gaze. "I'd like to have a dog, but I've always been too busy to really think about it. And they can be very time-consuming."

"You don't need a dog. You'll have Lily to keep your feet warm," Peter smiled over the top of his cup. "And other places, I shouldn't wonder."

Siegfried felt himself blush at the insinuation. There was no way Peter could have known that he and Lily had already given in to carnal desires and he couldn't help but suddenly think of her, naked in his bedroom above, and how it had felt illicitly making love to her on Christmas Eve, the last moment when there had been occasion to do so. He had found himself acutely missing the warmth of her touch since then...

"Don't worry," Peter said. "I doubt you'll have forgotten how to do it."

"No…" he said, smothering a smile. "Doubtful indeed."

XXXX

"Will you be late?"

"I shouldn't think so," Lily replied, looking at herself critically in the mirror. "It's just dinner and then possibly a few drinks. I should be 'ome before midnight."

"Well, you enjoy yourself."

"I will, thank you." Turning to look at her father, she found herself still amazed at the change in his attitude of late. He seemed to have no concern at her spending time at the surgery, or with Siegfried and had spoken, with rather a lot of excitement, about the upcoming wedding. She couldn't help but wonder sometimes if he had undergone some sort of brain transplant behind her back. "What are you going to do?"

"Oh, read the paper and listen to the wireless I shouldn't wonder," he replied. "Once I've 'ad me dinner that is."

"Well, be careful taking it out of the oven," she cautioned, pulling on her gloves. "The last thing we need is you burning yourself."

"I'm sure I can manage," he replied, kissing her cheek briefly. "You be careful on the roads. It's cold enough for ice tonight."

With a reassuring smile and wave, she headed out into the yard and over to where the van was parked thinking, not for the first time, that she would be glad when she no longer had to drive it. Siegfried had told her that, once they were married, she could use his car whenever she needed it, and had even hinted that he might buy her one of her own. The thought in and of itself was exciting, never having really driven, much less owned, a car before.

As she wound her way slowly along the road towards Darrowby, she couldn't help but think on Siegfried's friend, Peter, and what he would be like. Tristan's comments still rang in her ears and she could only hope that there wouldn't be any awkwardness at the table. Sometimes, despite how he came across, Tristan's youth was patently obvious.

When she rang the bell at Skeldale House it was himself who answered, his face breaking into a smile when he saw her. "Lily Bailey!"

"Tristan Farnon," she greeted him in their way. "I 'ope you're behaving yourself."

"Do come in," he said, bowing comically as he opened the door wider for her. "All I can say is, thank the Lord you're here. All they've talked about is being a vet and all the different cases they've ever had in their whole working lives. You'd think there was nothing else in the world to discuss."

"I would 'ave thought that talk would 'ave interested you, given 'ow you're heading down the same path," she said, allowing him to take her coat. "Or aren't you enjoying your studies?"

Before Tristan could reply, Siegfried appeared in the hallway and swept her up into his arms. "Darling, you're here! I was beginning to think you'd got lost."

"Sorry, I were taking my time on the roads. Me dad was going on about it being icy."

"Yes, as he should," he kissed her briefly. "Come through, I want you to meet Peter." Taking hold of her hand, he propelled her into the sitting room and she found herself face to face with a tall, thin man with a wide smile who immediately came forwards to greet her. "Peter, this is Lily."

"Enchanted to meet you," he said, kissing her hand. "I'm sure it'll come as no surprise to learn that Siegfried has told me so much about you. But he certainly wasn't able to describe accurately how lovely you are."

"Oh…well…" she felt herself blush under the compliment. "It's lovely to meet you Peter. Siegfried's told me about you too."

"I doubt in such glowing terms." He surveyed her and then turned to Siegfried and nodded. "You've done very well for yourself Siegfried, I'll give you that."

Under his inspection and clear approval, Lily found herself struggling to see anything that might lead her to lend credence to Tristan's opinion of the other man's predilections and, as the conversation flowed easily from one topic to another, she found herself quite taken with him. Tristan, on the other hand, remained in the corner of the room, nursing a glass and looking thoroughly bored. At a convenient moment, whilst Peter and Siegfried reminisced about an old tutor, she wandered over to him. "Not enjoying yourself then?"

"It's as dull as ditch water," he replied with a sigh. "Honestly, the man lives near London. You'd think he'd have been to some parties or gatherings that might be marginally more interesting to talk about than treating dogs' anal glands."

Lily stifled a giggle. "I suppose when that's your life, that's what you talk about."

"Have you noticed…I mean…can you see anything that makes you think that he might be…?"

"Might be what?" she lowered her voice. "A deviant?"

"Well, exactly."

"No, I 'aven't, and you really need to stop peddling such a rumour, Tristan, it's not right. Even if 'e were that way inclined, which I'm not saying 'e is, it's nobody's business but 'is own."

Before Tristan could say anymore, Mrs Hall appeared in the doorway. "Dinner should be ready in about five minutes," she said, accepting a drink from Siegfried. "I 'ope you're all 'ungry."

"Well I'm famished," Siegfried replied. "Peter?"

"Yes," he replied slightly hesitantly. "I'm looking forward to tasting your creations, Mrs Hall."

"Oh, don't get too excited," she laughed.

Peter smiled, "Would you all excuse me for a moment before we eat? Siegfried?"

"Yes, of course," he gestured in the direction of the pantry. "Just through there."

"Thank you." Peter placed his glass on the side and then disappeared from the room.

"Well?" Siegfried came over to her. "What do you think?"

"I think 'e's very charming," she replied honestly. "And 'e seems to think a lot of you."

"Yes, he's such an old friend. It must be, oh, twenty years or more since we first met. He was probably the only person at university that I really bonded with." Tristan snorted. "And what's so funny about that?"

"Seems rather appropriate," he replied.

"Tristan…" Mrs Hall warned.

"What? I haven't said anything untoward, have I?"

"No, but you've been skulking in the corner like some sort of spectre all evening," Siegfried replied. "I wish you would make more of an effort to be cordial. It's only one night."

"Only it isn't only one night, is it? He's here for four days!"

"And after this evening you don't have to see him again if you don't want to, but please just try and inject a little more good grace into your demeanour…" he smiled as Peter reappeared. "Another drink, Peter?"

"No, not before dinner, thank you. Perhaps afterwards," Peter replied, glancing at her and smiling. "I'm keen to hear more about your forays into the world of veterinary medicine, Lily."

"Well let's do it over dinner, shall we?" Mrs Hall interjected. "I believe it should be ready now. Take your seats and I'll dish up."

Placing his hand on the small of her back, Siegfried propelled Lily over towards the dining table, positioning her on his right next to Tristan, Peter on his left with Mrs Hall. "I'm not sure I'm really qualified to speak about any aspect of veterinary medicine," she replied with a laugh.

"But Siegfried tells me that you've been going out and about with him and helping him here in the surgery."

"Yes, but…" she glanced at her fiancé. "I'm not sure how much real progress I'm making, or where it might lead."

"As I've told you before, you're making excellent progress and as for where it might lead, it all leads here, my darling, as well you know."

"Three Farnons' under one roof?" she teased, glancing at Tristan.

"Exactly."

"What a capital idea," Peter said. "A husband and wife practicing together, how novel. Is Darrowby ready for something so forward thinking?"

"Doubtful," she replied. "I'm sure a lot of folk still think I'm playing at it, or 'ave no business doing it."

"Nonsense," Peter said. "You have every right to do whatever makes you happy. In any event, if Siegfried here decides not to employ you, I will. I'm serious," he added on her look. "You'd be the toast of London town."

"Keep your ideas to yourself, Peter," Siegfried chided him jokingly. "Lily's not going anywhere near London, not without me at least."

Peter smiled and met her gaze again and Lily couldn't help but detect a note of wistfulness in his expression. "No, I don't blame you. Lovely creatures like her are hard won and not to be lost without a battle."

XXXX

"I think that went rather well, don't you?" Siegfried said, walking her to the van. It was almost midnight, the temperature had dropped, and he couldn't help but shiver in the night air, even under the warmth of his coat. "How did you find Peter?"

"Very charming," she replied. "And in no way that I could fathom, a deviant."

"No, I really don't know where Tristan has gotten that notion from," he sighed and shook his head. "At least he wasn't completely rude, for that I have to be glad. I think Peter really rather liked you." He raised his eyebrow at her.

"Give over," she laughed. "'e were a perfect gentleman."

"Oh, apart from saying that he would spirit you away to London given half a chance."

"I don't think for one moment that 'e meant that in any romantic way whatsoever," she replied. "Besides, it would take something very wrong 'appening for me to want to leave 'ere…to want to leave you." She leant into him and kissed him, and he felt his insides flood with warmth at the connection.

"I shall hold you to that," he replied huskily, pulling her into him. "And many, many other things to come. Make sure you drive home carefully."

"Now you sound like me dad," she laughed. "I do know 'ow to drive."

"You're a precious commodity. I'm not sure what I would do if anything were to happen to you."

"I promise, I'll be careful," she kissed him lightly and then opened the van door. "We'll be 'aving a few drinks in the Drovers tomorrow night then?"

"Oh absolutely. Nothing worse than spending New Year's Eve on your own. Peter said that he'd come and help me with surgery tomorrow, though Lord knows why he wants to when he's technically on holiday."

"You don't 'ave many patients tomorrow, do you?"

"No, just a few. Enough to ensure that he feels at home." He kissed her again. "Good night darling. I love you."

"I love you too."

He waited until she had driven around the corner and out of sight before heading back to the house where he found Peter pulling on his coat. "Care for another one before we call it a night?"

"Oh, no thank you," the other man replied. "It's been a lovely evening, Siegfried, truly it has, but I'm really quite fatigued. All the travelling has caught up with me I'm afraid. I rather think I'll be asleep the moment my head hits the pillow."

"You know, you really don't have to come here tomorrow for surgery," Siegfried cautioned.

"Not at all, I want to," Peter reassured him. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to work alongside you again, like the old days." He clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, goodnight then Farnon."

"Goodnight Perkins," he laughed. "You know how to get back to Mrs Weatherby's?"

"I doubt I'll get lost. Until tomorrow."

Farewells exchanged, Siegfried closed the door and turned to see Tristan standing in the hallway behind him. "Well, I hope you're satisfied with your behaviour this evening," he said. "Thankfully, I don't think Peter noticed."

"And he's coming back tomorrow?" Tristan asked disdainfully.

"Yes, to assist with surgery, which is a damn sight more than you do. Honestly, Tristan, for someone who claims to want to be a vet you show very little interest in the profession."

"Well maybe I don't want to be a vet," Tristan scowled before turning away.