29 August 1931

Ten weeks later

"Well now," Tristan grinned broadly across the breakfast table. "I think you owe me a few drinks today, Siegfried, don't you?"

"Do I?" Siegfried asked, looking back at his younger brother in faint amusement. "Now whatever might have given you that idea?"

"Oh, come on! It's not every day I pass my final exams and start my journey into the next phase of my life with such excitement and vigour!"

"Really Tristan, you've done as I expected. Passing your exams at school is hardly cause for a major celebration. The real work starts now, you know. The next six years are going to be a testing time for you and then, only then, will we see what you're really made of."

"Well thanks a lot," Tristan grumbled. "You certainly have a way of making a man feel like he's hasn't achieved anything."

"Come on now," Mrs Hall chided gently. "Tristan's done well, Mr Farnon, you 'ave to give 'im that. Edinburgh will be lucky to 'ave you."

"Thank you, Mrs Hall," Tristan beamed again. "At least someone can be pleased for me."

"I am pleased for you, of course I am," Siegfried said. "It's only no less than I expected. But I suppose, given that you'll be leaving us in a week or so to head north, I could at least find it in me to buy you a pint or two."

"That's more like it!" Tristan drained his cup of tea. "I have to make sure that I say farewell to all the pretty ladies in Darrowby, though I understand that the ladies in Scotland are not to be sniffed at. I hear they're all quite beautiful."

"Tristan, really…"

"A lot of them are redheads apparently. And you know what they say about redheads."

"No, what do they say about redheads?" Siegfried asked with a sigh. Tristan simply looked at him, his smile broadening with every moment that passed. "Oh, for heaven's sake, you really are incredibly juvenile, not to mention, focused on entirely the wrong thing. I fail to see how a woman's hair colour could be any indicator about her…her personality."

"I wasn't thinking about their personalities."

"Tristan!" Mrs Hall gasped. "I'd thank you to keep that kind of talk away from the breakfast table, if you don't mind."

"Sorry Mrs H. Speaking of redheads, I haven't seen the lovely Miss Bailey since I've been back in Darrowby, have you seen her at all, Siegfried?"

Siegfried froze at his brother's words. "Uh…no, no I haven't."

"I was hoping that I might run into her but, alas…" he paused. "Perhaps we'll see her out and about today at the show."

"Perhaps," Siegfried got to his feet. "I know that she spent some time in Scarborough earlier this summer."

"How exciting. I can only imagine what she might have gotten up to there."

He rounded on his brother before he could stop himself. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

"Nothing. I was being facetious." Tristan peered at him. "Why, what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," Siegfried replied hurriedly, unwilling to give his brother any opportunity to guess that, rather than decrease with her absence from his life, his thoughts of Lily seemed to increase with every day and week that passed. "I'll be interested to see how Mr Grier gets on as attending vet, given how you've alluded so much to it being a terrible task, Mrs Hall."

"I'm sure once you've seen it in action, you'll be throwing your 'at into the ring for next year," she smiled.

"Yes, quite."

"Well, come on then," Tristan got to his feet. "I believe that the refreshment hall awaits us."

"It's ten o'clock in the morning," Siegfried said. "Don't you think it's a little early?"

"Oh, it's never too early, big brother. Unless…"

"Unless what?"

"Unless your impending entry into your fortieth year means that you can no longer handle your ale."

Siegfried knew that the remark was made immaturely, with the wit only an eighteen year old could possess and that he should roundly ignore it, but something in his younger brother's expression, not to mention his own thoughts of his impending birthday, put paid to sense. "I can handle my ale perfectly well," he replied, ignoring the look on Mrs Hall's face. "To the refreshment hall we go!"

XXXX

For the first time in as long as she could remember, Darrowby Show held no great lure for Lily. It was a bright, sunny and warm day, the perfect setting for the last show of the local season and yet, she knew she would have been quite content simply to stay at Windy Hill rather than venture into the village.

Content.

It was a word she had grown used to over the last few weeks, a word that she could apply more readily to her life than she ever could happy. Her visit to Scarborough, ultimately lasting six weeks, had been very enjoyable. Emily had proven good company, despite her ailments, and the two women had enjoyed sight-seeing and simply relaxing in the warm sea air. The mistress of the boarding house where they had stayed, had seemed keen for them to mix in local circles, advising them constantly of local dances that they could attend, and whilst she had enjoyed herself for the most part, something had most definitely been missing. By the time she had returned home to Windy Hill, she had felt a certain sense of relief at the familiarity and her father had seemed pleased to have her back. Routine had followed and, after a while, it had felt as though she had never been away.

She thought of Siegfried often, wondering how he was and what he was doing. On occasion, she had been tempted to go into the village on the chance that she might see him. Once, she had considered knocking on the door of Skeldale House on a ruse to see Audrey in the hope that he might answer. But when she had considered these thoughts in the cold light of day, she had chided herself on how ridiculous they were. He had made himself clear, as had she. The feelings of foolishness at her thoughts and actions had been replaced by something more akin to regret, though when she thought of their time together, it did bring a slight smile to her face.

So there seemed little to take her into Darrowby, other than for the show itself, and wandering with no real purpose she knew might lead to a meeting that, in reality, she wasn't quite sure she was really prepared for.

"Come on lass," her father's voice broke into her thoughts as she cleared up the breakfast dishes. "Time to go."

"Time to go where?"

"To the show, where do you think?"

"Oh…no, I'm all right 'ere, Dad. You go though, enjoy yourself."

"You don't want to come?"

"Not really. I think I'll just stay 'ere. I've plenty to be getting on with. I could pick you up later if you wanted to 'ave a few drinks."

"Are you worried you might see 'im?"

"Who?"

"Mr Farnon."

The very mention of his name brought her up sharply and she paused before continuing in her tasks. "No, not at all. Why should I be worried?"

"Don't you worry, lass, 'e'll not say anything to you, I've seen to that."

Lily paused and then turned to face him. "What do you mean?"

"I saw 'im at church a few months back, when you were in Scarborough."

"And?"

"And I told 'im to stay away…in so many words."

She gaped at him, "You did what?"

"I told 'im that I didn't know what 'ad 'appened between you, but that I'd be watching 'im and that I'd be taking me services elsewhere in the future."

"Dad, for heaven's sake!" she thumped the cloth she was holding down into the sink. "What on earth did you do that for?"

"I did it because you're my daughter and you 'adn't been right since you saw 'im last. I wanted 'im to know that I knew that 'e were the cause of all your upset."

"I wasn't…well that's just wonderful! I can only imagine what 'e thought when you said that! For your information, Siegfried did nothing wrong!"

"Oh aye? Siegfried, is it?"

"I don't need you to fight my battles for me! Not that…not that there was any kind of battle…" she turned away again and closed her eyes, frustrated beyond words at what he had done and knowing that she was now going to have to seek Siegfried out to put him straight, if for no other reason.

"So, what did 'appen then?"

Slowly, she turned back around to face her father, his expression curiously expectant. Clearly, he had been working up to asking her the question for some time. "If you must know…" she paused, considering what to censor. "We 'ad a nice meal and then 'e told me that 'e was still in love with his late wife and that 'e couldn't ever see 'imself with anyone else, not that I 'adn't already figured that out. You see, you and 'e aren't really that different."

There was a brief silence as Tom digested her words. "'e lost 'is wife?"

"Yes, just after we lost Mum and, like you, 'e's remained alone ever since." Saying the words aloud brought a sadness to her heart, even if it was what Siegfried wanted for himself. Tom opened his mouth as though to respond and then closed it again. "So…" she untied her apron and laid it on the table. "I suppose we'd better go."

XXXX

The show was well attended, much as the Gala had been, though Tristan had only been placated by a quick look around before dragging him into the refreshment hall which, unsurprisingly, seemed the busiest area of all. There was no sign of Mr Grier, the attending vet, though his name had been called on several occasions through a loud hailer and several people had started muttering about some of his judgments. As such, Siegfried found himself starting to see what Mrs Hall had meant.

"I 'ear you passed your exams," Henry Dinsdale said as Tristan procured yet another pint of ale.

"That I did, Mr Dinsdale, that I did."

"You'll be off to university then."

"Edinburgh awaits me," Tristan said proudly. "But I'll be back regularly and then, one day, in practice with my brother."

"Oh aye," Henry looked sideways at Siegfried. "That'll be a grand day for Darrowby, so it will."

"See," Tristan elbowed him when they were alone again. "Everyone else believes in me. I don't see why you can't."

"I do believe in you, you know I do," Siegfried sighed. "But you tend to treat everything important with a complete lack of seriousness. And you haven't exactly sailed through your schooling. Forgive me for being slightly dubious as to how you'll survive at the next level."

"Well, perhaps losing my father midway through my schooling didn't help."

Siegfried looked at him seeing, for the first time, some genuine emotion in his brother's eyes. He often forgot the trials that Tristan had gone through. Losing his mother at such a young age and then his father at a crucial time in his teenage life when he himself had had the luxury of both of them well into adulthood. There really could be no comparison. "I know," he said. "And I'm sorry for that. I'm trying to be a suitable substitute and, well, sometimes I feel that I'm failing."

"You're not failing, really you're not," Tristan said hurriedly. "I'm lucky to have you."

"And I you….I suppose."

"But I still think you need something more in your life."

"Tristan…"

"I'm serious. Miss Bailey was lovely. I can't understand why you didn't pursue her."

"I did," he said hurriedly. "I mean…I invited her to the house for dinner and I took her out for dinner too."

"When?"

"A few months ago, before you came home."

"And?"

"And…and nothing. I enjoyed her company but that…that was as far as it went."

"On your side or hers?"

He paused, remembering the look on her face after he kissed her and then pulled away. The hopeful expectation reduced to crushing disappointment. Not that he considered himself worthy of such feelings, but he had seen that they were there. "It's just…just better this way, that's all."

Tristan shook his head and lifted his pint glass. "Well then, perhaps if she's fair game, I should throw my hat in the ring."

He started laughing before he could stop himself, only pausing when he saw the serious look on his brother's face. "You're joking, of course."

"Why would I have to be joking? She's nice to talk to, not to mention pretty. Perhaps if one Farnon brother has rejected her, she might take a chance on the other."

"You're…you're far too young for her!" Siegfried blustered. "You can't possibly consider…" he shook his head, almost unable to get the words out. "It's ridiculous, Tristan. As if she would have any interest in a schoolboy!"

"Ah, so you don't want her, but no-one else is allowed to have her either?"

"That's not what I said. I don't think that way at all, not at all. If…if you think that you have a chance with her then, by all means, try your luck."

"Right then," Tristan drained the last of his ale. "Maybe I will."

Before Siegfried could reply, he had slammed his glass down onto the side and headed for the door. Momentarily frozen, he made to go after him and then stopped. Far be it from him to stop his brother making a complete fool of himself and, in any event, as much as he might want to see her, he wasn't sure that a conversation with Lily was the best tonic for him at the present time. At least, not without the fortification of more ale.

XXXX

In a way, she was glad she had decided to come. The atmosphere at the show was good, despite the undercurrent of displeasure at some of Mr Grier's judging decisions. Her father had long since abandoned her, heading in the direction of the refreshment hall and so Lily found herself wandering around the stalls, greeting others cheerfully and surreptitiously keeping an eye out for any sign of Siegfried. So far, she had been left wanting and as she was rounding the rear of one of the cattle pens, she suddenly caught sight of Tristan making his way in her direction. When he saw her his face suddenly lit up.

"Lily Bailey!"

"Tristan Farnon."

"How the devil are you? I can't believe I've been back in Darrowby these months and not set eyes on you until now. Did you enjoy your sojourn to the seaside? Scarborough," he clarified on her look. "Siegfried said you had spent some time there."

"Oh, yes. It was very nice, thank you for asking. Is that you all finished at school now then?"

"Yes, finally! I'm off to university in Edinburgh in a few weeks time."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you, though I must say I'm looking forward more to the company I might keep than the work itself. You'll probably know the answer to this, being one yourself, are there many redheads there?"

She laughed at the seriousness of his question and the notion that she, of all people, might know the answer. "Well I wouldn't know. I've never been to Edinburgh. Never been to Scotland, in fact."

"Oh, then you must come and visit me!" He took her hands in his and pressed them together. "Yes, that would be such a splendid idea! I could show you all the sights and take you out for dinner and drinks!"

Lily found herself laughing again at his enthusiasm. "You're a nice lad, Tristan."

"I see…not quite man enough for you?" he grinned and then gestured behind him. "My brother's in the refreshment hall if you're looking for him."

"Oh, well I wasn't…I mean…"

"I think seeing you might do him some good. He's had a face like a wet weekend for weeks now."

"Really?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "I 'ope 'e's not sickening for something."

"Hmm…well…" Tristan smiled mischievously at her. "Well I must dash, but I really think you should rescue him from what is sure to be the devil of all hangovers."

Before she could say anymore, he had loped away from her at speed and she found herself quite wondering what to do next. Coming across Siegfried in passing would have been one thing, but seeking him out seemed like quite another, especially in the refreshment hall. Then it dawned on her that her father might be there and settled that the best thing to do was to make her apologies as soon as she could, lest he say anything more damaging.

The refreshment hall was bursting at the seams, but a quick look round showed no evidence of her father. Siegfried, on the other hand, was standing near the bar involved in a lively conversation with Dick Rudd. For a moment, she hesitated, unsure whether to chance joining them or just hover inconspicuously. Before she could decide, however, Siegfried turned and met her gaze, his expression dropping slightly, and she automatically felt self-conscious.

Aware that turning and fleeing would just be ridiculous, she instead put a smile on her face and ventured forwards towards him. He moved away from Dick to greet her, a half-empty tankard still in his hand. "Hello," he said, when they reached one another.

"Hello," she replied.

"How…how are you?"

"I'm well, thank you."

"I'm glad to hear it. You look well. Your father told me that you were spending some time in Scarborough over the summer."

"Yes, I got 'ome a few weeks ago."

"And did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, it was nice to get away for a bit. It's a lovely place."

"Yes, from memory it has a very nice beach."

"Yes, very nice." She hesitated slightly, almost wishing that she didn't have to address the issue and yet knowing that there was no way she couldn't. "I…uh…I understand that my father spoke to you at church some weeks ago, presumably when 'e told you I 'ad gone to Scarborough."

"Ah…yes, yes he did."

"I wanted to apologise for what 'e said to you. 'e 'ad no right to do that and, well, I only found out this morning that 'e 'ad and I gave 'im a right ear-bashing for it. 'e won't apologise for 'imself, I know that, so I suppose you'll 'ave to just take it from me."

"There's no need for an apology."

"I think there is."

"Really, there isn't. He was just acting the way any father would, I suppose, when they see that their child's been…hurt."

"I'm not a child," she said, irritated at his use of the word.

"No, no of course not, I wasn't suggesting…" he trailed off. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I know you're not a…a child."

"Enjoying yourself then?" she gestured around, keen to divert the conversation. "First Darrowby Show, and all that."

"Yes, most enjoyable. I must say, having seen how utterly exhausted Mr Grier has looked, I now feel I understand what you and Mrs Hall were getting at about the role of the attending vet. I'm not so sure that I'm up for the task."

"Oh, I'm sure you'd manage." He held her gaze for a long moment and she felt her cheeks start to flush. "I…uh…I saw Tristan earlier."

"You did?"

"Yes, 'e told me you'd be in 'ere."

"Did he now? Did he happen to say…anything else?"

"Only that 'e's going to university in a few weeks. You must be very proud."

"Well, yes, that's one word for it."

"I don't know why 'e though I'd know, but 'e was asking me whether there were a lot of red'eads in Scotland."

"Oh Lord…" he sighed. "Please ignore his juvenile attempts at conversation. If there's one aspect of his upbringing I really have failed at so far it's his interactions with women."

"I find 'im rather sweet, to be honest."

He stared at her, "You do?"

"Yes, so far as boys 'is age go." He appeared to visibly relax, and she laughed and looked around. "I suppose I'd best go and try and find me dad. 'e must be around 'ere somewhere, Lord only knows in what state. It was nice to see you, at any rate."

"Lily…" as she turned to go, he reached out and took hold of her hand and she felt her skin burn at the connection with his own. She looked down at her hand and then back up to meet his gaze again, her heart thumping loudly in her ears. "I wanted to say…that is, I wanted to thank you for your letter. I was going to reply but then I recalled what you said about certain…obligations when you receive a letter, and I didn't want you to then feel obliged to respond."

"I recall you saying that replying to a letter of mine would never be an obligation," she said without thinking, an immediate feeling of shame washing over her at the implication that she thought him open to rebuke. "I mean…I…"

"No, you're right, I…I did say that, and I meant it. I suppose I just assumed that, well, that you might not welcome any further correspondence."

"I suppose I took from your letter that there wouldn't be any."

"Yes…" he said, looking down to where her hand was still in his. "Yes, I suppose that's quite right…"

"There you are! I've been looking for you all over! I suppose I really should 'ave started 'ere, shouldn't I? 'ello Lily, 'ow are you, love?"

"Audrey," she said, stepping back from Siegfried as he simultaneously dropped her hand. "I'm well, thank you, 'ow are you?"

"Can't complain. Even if I did, nobody would listen," Mrs Hall smiled and then turned to Siegfried. "I've 'ad Mrs Calvert on the phone. Sounds like one of 'er cows is 'aving a bit of trouble calving, and she asked if you could go up."

"Yes, yes of course. I'll…well…I…" he looked down at the half-empty glass in his hand. "Ah."

"'ow many 'ave you 'ad?" Mrs Hall asked.

"Well…" he paused, as though mentally counting. "Perhaps…too many."

"I could drive you," Lily said quickly, and without really thinking. "Our van's parked round the corner and it's 'ighly unlikely me dad'll be fit to drive it, not to mention the fact that 'e probably isn't in the mood for going 'ome yet anyway. You saw what 'e were like at the gala."

"I…couldn't ask you to do that."

"Why not?" Mrs Hall asked. "Lily's a very capable driver."

"Yes, I don't doubt that but…" he paused and looked between them. "You sure you wouldn't mind?"

"Of course not," she replied, her throat feeling suddenly dry. "I've never seen a cow give birth before." He looked at her squarely and she suddenly realised how strange that must sound living, as she did, on a cattle farm and how presumptuous, as though her offering to drive him came with certain conditions.

"Well then," Siegfried said, recovering quickly. "Never let it be said that I'm one to waste an opportunity to teach someone something. I suppose it really should be Tristan I'm teaching, but in his absence…"

"'s loss is my gain, I suppose," she said cheerfully.

"Yes," he looked at her again. "Yes, I suppose it is."