sister here. He proudly gave Eloise the rag doll. He took control of the pram and pushed Eloise about to further show her off. People were putting sixpences and shilling pieces into the smiling baby’s tiny hands for good luck and fortune and Finn carefully gathered them from Eloise’s clutch.
While Belle went back to the white elephant stall, Verity led Fiona and Guy to the tea tent, where she introduced the couple to everyone there. They bought tea and plain scones, butter only available on the first batch laid out. ‘Seems you’ve just missed the vicar,’ Verity said, as they sat at a table covered in snowy linen with a small vase of violas. ‘The Reverend Lytton never has much to say anyway. He’s an old misery. May I ask if you’ve thought about having Eloise christened in the church? St Nanth’s is lovely inside.’
‘No, I haven’t thought about it at all, but I will. I’ll talk to Finn. I’m sure he’ll agree on the Godparents being Guy, Dorrie and yourself, Verity. Would you do us – and by that I mean Finn and me – the honour of becoming one of her Godmothers, Verity?’
‘I’d be delighted, and it would be my honour. Wentworth Lytton will rush through the ceremony but it’s what we all promise God that counts.’
‘I’ve still got Finn’s christening robe. I’ll put on a little tea after the church. Invite Nurse Rumford and Mrs Pentecost too, and the Lawrys and the Vercoes.’
‘What, all the Vercoes? The children too?’ Verity laughed. ‘Are you sure about that?’
‘Yes, I am,’ Fiona smiled. ‘Jean and Jenna will keep the children in line, and it’s only for one afternoon anyway. Jean and Denny have been good to me. I want to repay all for their kindness. It’s time I faced up to life again. Thanks to Dorrie, Greg and yourself, Finn and I have been quickly accepted into the community. And Guy will be there, of course.’ Fiona looked at her lifeline.
‘You’ll always be able to count on me, Fiona,’ Guy said.
Verity saw the love for Fiona shining out of his pleasant eyes. Perhaps in time there would be another cause for celebration.
‘Enough about us,’ Fiona said, nudging Verity gaily. ‘I want to learn about your Mr Newton. Is he here? I haven’t as much as caught a glimpse of him yet.’
‘Jack is not my Mr Newton.’ Verity made a surprised face. ‘He’s my employer and I see very little of him. I enjoy my work in his farmstead office. It was in a bit of a mess but I soon cottoned on to his disordered way of doing things. He actually had everything pretty much up to date. He didn’t really need my services, but he’s good about finding people work. I dare say he would have found something for Finn if he had gone there instead of The Orchards that day. The staff are a cheery lot, from cowman to stable boy. From what I’ve gathered Jack was so horrified as a boy by his father and grandfather’s harsh treatment of the workers, including regular thrashings and docking of pay, that he is set on making amends. There are only workhorses kept there now. I learned that Jack was thrown off his pony as a youth and hurt his back and hasn’t ridden since. Accounts for his passion in fast cars, I suppose. Apparently, he begged the Forces to let him join up, even as a squaddie, but they all turned him down, declaring his back would soon give up on him so there was no point. Next week I’ll be starting in the library of Meadows House. It needs to be put into order. His father was a great collector of books and maps, he says. Some are still packed in boxes and have never seen the light of day. I can’t wait to open them!’
‘Jack Newton sounds fascinating, so much more than a ladies man. I hope I get to meet him sooner rather than later,’ Fiona said.
‘Sounds like my kind of chap,’ Guy agreed. ‘Passed him on the road once or twice, drives a bit too madly, of course, but I suppose it keeps his mind off things. Can’t see him being a happy man, really. May I filch the last scone?’
Fiona put the scone on his plate. ‘Tuck in, you are a one to fill up,’ she told Guy indulgently, then back to Verity. ‘So is Jack Newton here today?’
‘Oh, definitely not.’ Verity dipped to