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Chapter Text

It was a cold, clear night and Audrey had almost finished her first shift as Darrowby’s newest air raid warden. The hills had been dark as she cycled round, checking the outlying farms. Now only the main street was left and then it would be straight home to her cosy little cottage, where her dog Dash would be waiting patiently for her.

She’d moved to Darrowby on Edward’s insistence, away from the bright lights of Scarborough. He wanted her to be safe and she wanted him to be happy so she’d complied willingly enough, found a little cottage to suit her and daily housekeeping duties at the big manor down the road. Darrowby had welcomed her in and taking on ARP duties was her way of paying back the kindness she’d been shown.

She turned the corner into the square. All was dark – almost all. A light was showing at the vet’s. She swung herself off her bike, propped it against the wall and stared up at the imposing features of Skeldale House. She’d never been in – Dash was the picture of health – and she was grateful. The villagers she spoke to had a lot of respect for Mr Farnon’s veterinary abilities. They gave him almost god-like powers when they spoke about him. They all agreed, however, that he was bad tempered, irascible and generally hated people.

Bad tempered or not, she had a job to do. Just this one, and then she could go home to bed. Steeling herself, she knocked on the door.

It swung open a moment later, violently.

“Surgery is closed!” Mr Farnon snapped.

“I’m here about the light,” Audrey said, eyeing the man. He looked marginally unkempt – a man at the end of a hard day, she thought. He had a glass of whiskey in hand.

“Light?!”

“I’m an air raid warden, Mr Farnon,” she said patiently, “And I must ask you to ensure that no light is showing from your house after dusk.”

“If you’re so bothered about it, you can sort it out.” He stepped back from the door and gestured for her to come through. It seemed to be a challenge. She accepted it.

“Thank you, Mr Farnon.” She stepped through calmly and closed the door behind her. “Audrey Hall,” she offered, proffering her hand.

“Humph.” Was all the reply she got.

She moved into the house, guessing her direction, and found herself in a good-sized living room. The curtains were half open and she immediately hastened across the room to close them. As she did, she realised the windows weren’t taped. She turned round to find the man of the house watching her closely.

“There,” she said brightly. “And may I suggest, Mr Farnon, that you get your windows taped as soon as possible?”

“Two-person job,” he muttered. “I’ll get the tape now.”

He disappeared out of the room and left Audrey alone. She took the opportunity to look around a little more closely. The room was well furnished, but a thin layer of dust over the surfaces suggested neglect. There was a collection of photos on the sideboard. She bent to look at them; several of a handsome young woman, a few of a young lad with a bright smile. Centre and front, a wedding photo of the young woman with a man who could only be Mr Farnon. He looked different. Not just younger, but neat, well-attired... smiling. A very nice smile, she thought to herself.

“My late wife.” His voice sounded by her ear and she jerked upright, ready to apologise.

“She died nearly ten years ago. And my brother.” He pointed to the young lad. “He’s joined up.”

Audrey wondered at the absence of a photo in uniform, but decided it was best not to ask.

“They look very nice,” she offered.

“Hmm,” he muttered. “I brought the tape.”

Audrey took it from him and looked up at the tall windows.

“You’ll have to climb up on the window sill,” he said. “I won’t risk it with my weight.”

Audrey unlaced her boots, pulled them off and put them neatly under a side table. Then she looked up at the window again, and the narrow window sill. “I’ll need a hand, Mr Farnon,” she said, as calmly as though she always stood in her stockinged feet in unknown men’s houses. She tucked the roll of tape into her pocket and held out her hand to the man.

He blinked, then moved forward to help. She held him tight, depending on him for balance as she scrambled up onto the window sill. Clinging onto his hand – his warm hand – she stood upright. The window sill creaked. “I think you were right not to risk it,” she said, rather breathlessly, and Mr Farnon huffed a laugh in response.

Carefully, she pulled the tape out of her pocket. She drew the curtain open a fraction and then, reaching up as high as she could, she could just fix the tape to the top of the window pane. She unravelled it and let it drop.

“I’ve got it,” said Mr Farnon, his voice somewhere near her middle.

“Good,” she murmured.

A moment later, the roll was being nudged back into her hand. “Back to the top,” Mr Farnon instructed.

“I know how to tape a window, Mr Farnon!” Audrey objected.

“Humph,” he said.

Finally, the window was taped to mutual satisfaction. Audrey shuffled around on the window sill, wobbled, and felt hands at her waist steady her.

“Careful,” he muttered.

She managed to turn so that she was facing into the room. He was looking up at her, hands on her waist still, a curious expression on his face. Gingerly, she put her hands on his shoulders and jumped down. Almost immediately that her feet touched the floor, he let go of her and moved swiftly away.

Audrey turned to tug the curtain completely shut and then quickly put her boots back on. She straightened, ready to go, to find a whiskey glass being proffered.

“A drink?” Mr Farnon offered, not meeting her eyes, “as a thank you for helping?”

Audrey thought briefly of her waiting cottage, then looked at the tired man in front of her. “Why not?” she said, “Thank you.”

Mr Farnon gestured her towards the sofa. She sat, gingerly, next to a stack of textbooks.

“My bedtime reading,” Mr Farnon said.

She looked at him. There was a crinkle of amusement in his eyes that made him seem much more like the man in the wedding photo. “Sends you to sleep right away, does it?” she said, and he outright laughed. She felt oddly proud of herself.

He sipped his whisky and eyed her. “You’re new to Darrowby aren’t you?”

“Moved here a year ago. From Scarborough.” He was still looking at her and she felt the need to elaborate. “My son was worried about me, wanted me to be somewhere safer.”

“Meanwhile he is…?”

“In the navy,” she sighed.

“And your husband?”

“He died years ago. The Great War.”

“I’m sorry,” Mr Farnon said quietly. “A truly terrible war.”

“It were.” Audrey thought back to all those years ago when Robert had come home, injured only in his mind. About the dreadful years before it had all become too much and he had removed himself from life. It had almost been a relief.

“I was in the veterinary corp,” Mr Farnon said. “Saw some awful things. We all thought it could never happen again. And yet… here we are.”

He looked miserably at his drink.

“Have you lived here long?” Audrey asked, wanting to distract him from his thoughts.

“All my life,” he said, raising his head to look at her. “This was my father’s practice. I grew up here, in and out of the surgery – though there weren’t many pets in those days – and helping him up on the farms. I delivered my first lamb at nine.” There was a hint of pride in his voice that Audrey responded to.

“Nine! Well, I never. That must have felt quite something.”

“I was very proud of myself,” Mr Farnon said, a tiny smile playing at his lips, “and I decided right then that I was going to be a vet too. I think my father was pleased, knowing he could pass the surgery on to me. And what about you? What do you do, when you’re not enforcing the black out?”

“I’m a housekeeper. Since I moved here I’ve been working up at Pumphrey Manor.”

“I thought it was an army hospital now?”

“Mrs Pumphrey moved into a cottage in the grounds. It’s a mite easier, and gives me plenty of time for my ARP duties.”

“And you enjoy it? Keeping house?”

“It’s fine. I like cooking and cleaning.”

“I wish I did,” Mr Farnon interjected with a groan.

She laughed. “Do you not have a char lady, at least?”

“Tried a few times. They couldn’t stick it out. Something about my terrible temper.” He grinned at her, a full on grin that made her smile in return.

“I don’t believe it!”

“Don’t you?” he retorted. “I’m sure you’ve heard about me in the village.”

“They say how good you are with the animals,” she hedged.

“Well, I am. The animals are easy. It’s the people that are the bother.”

Audrey laughed again. “I can understand that. My Dash is very easy to live with.”

“Dash?”

“My dog. Lovely boy. I took him in when his previous owner couldn’t keep him any more.”

Mr Farnon’s eyes were bright. “That was kind of you. I have Jess. She’s getting old now; she’s asleep in the kitchen by the Aga.”

“It’s good to have a dog around,” Audrey said. “Makes the evenings less lonely. Speaking of the dogs, though, Dash will be expecting me. I’d better get home. Thank you for the whisky, Mr Farnon.” She put her empty glass down and stood up.

Mr Farnon stood too. “And thank you for your help, Mrs Hall.” He walked her to the door, then stuck out his hand. “Good to meet you.”

“And you.” She clasped his hand, looked into his bright eyes. “Good night, Mr Farnon.”

“Good night, Mrs Hall.”

Chapter Text

Audrey’s second patrol followed the same route as the first. This time, there was a quick stop in to a farm; a hasty apology given and a precious slice of cake offered. Definitely some compensations to the job, Audrey thought, as she dusted crumbs from her top.

Everywhere else was dark, until she turned into the square. Another light showing at Skeldale, this time from the first floor. She propped her bike against the wall and knocked on the door, wondering what reception she would receive tonight.

Quick footsteps and the door opened. Mr Farnon was in a white coat, looking harassed. “I’m in surgery. You sort it,” he said shortly, before vanishing.

Audrey stepped into the hall and shut the door behind her. She could make out Mr Farnon’s outline behind a closed door, bent over. Busy at work. She headed down the hallway to the stairs and a woof at her feet made her jump. “You must be Jess,” she said, stroking the dog’s head gently. “I’ve got permission to be here.”

With Jess trailing her, she headed up the stairs. At the top, she took a moment to orientate herself. There was a long passageway with a number of doors. The light had been showing at the front of the house. She headed down the passageway and tentatively opened a door. It was the right room – a table lamp was on, and the curtain open. She pulled the curtain shut quickly and looked around curiously. A book, abandoned open on the desk by the lamp, suggested its owner had been interrupted rudely. For a wonder, it was not a text book, but a recent Agatha Christie. Then there was a bed, a large one, with rumpled sheets, a wardrobe and chest of drawers with drawers hanging open and clothes spilling out. Mr Farnon was clearly badly in need of some organisation. She shook her head slightly, turned off the lamp and made her way cautiously out of the room.

She had planned to creep out, but Mr Farnon left the surgery as she stepped into the hall. He rubbed his eyes tiredly and looked at her.

“It’s all sorted,” she assured him.

“Thank you,” he said wearily. “Finished your rounds?” She nodded. “Care for a drink?” he offered, “I need one – emergency surgery at the end of a long day – and it would be nice to have company.”

Jess woofed and pushed her nose into Audrey’s hand. Audrey laughed. “Why not?” She pulled her hat from her head, hung it up and followed Mr Farnon into the living room.

He poured them each a glass, passed her one and sank into his armchair with a heavy sigh. “What a day,” he said, and took a sip.

“What did you get up to?” Audrey asked, curiously.

His tale started with a phone call at three in the morning, went through three different farm calls, a busy afternoon clinic and then the emergency surgery he’d just completed. Audrey listened, wondering how on earth he was still awake, let alone coherent.

“Sounds to me,” she said, “as though you need an assistant.”

“Assistant!” He glared at her. “Just another person to worry about. I don’t need an assistant. I’m fine on my own.” His gaze wandered over to the photos on the sideboard and he sighed.

“Your brother?” Audrey wondered aloud. “Was he a vet, before he joined up?”

“Humph.” Mr Farnon glared at his drink.

Audrey waited, patiently.

Mr Farnon twisted his fingers around his glass. “He started his training. Kept failing his exams.” Suddenly he scowled. “All he was damn well doing was partying. Night and day. Didn’t care about learning anything. Then he lied to me and said he was qualified when he wasn’t. That was the last straw.”

Audrey clenched her own glass. This sounded painful, well beyond her own trials with a teenage Edward. “What happened?”

He looked at her and his expression was bleak. “We had a blazing row. He left. That was two years ago.”

“Have you heard from him?”

He drained his glass and put it down. “One letter, when he joined up.”

Audrey felt the pain in his words. “That sounds hard.”

He buried his head in his hands. “I’m sorry,” he muttered. “It’s been a long day.”

Audrey stared at him as his head dropped and his shoulders tightened. He was clearly on the verge of losing control. Poor man, she thought. Poor, poor man.

“Can I -” she started hesitantly – “Mr Farnon, can I make you a cup of tea?”

A slight shrug of his shoulders was all the response she got. Nevertheless, she took it as agreement.

She made her way out into the corridor, passed the stairs, past various cupboard doors, a dispensary – what a maze the place was – and eventually found herself in a large kitchen. She found the light switch and flicked it on, then hastened to draw the curtain over the window.

The room was, as she’d expected, something of a mess. Several pans discarded on the stove. A plate with an abandoned half-eaten sandwich bore out his tale of a busy day. She wondered if he’d managed to have anything for tea.

The kettle was on the stove, so she filled it up, put it on the hob and went on a hunt for tea leaves. The larder was not well stocked; it looked like he didn’t have time to go shopping very often. She found a tin of tea, half full.

While she waited for the kettle to boil she washed the pans and cleared the plate. It didn’t seem like much to do for a man who worked so hard. Finally, she located tea pot and cups and eventually carried a laden tray through to the living room.

Mr Farnon was staring silently into space but looked up when she entered. “I beg your pardon, Mrs Hall. I really didn’t intend to…” he trailed off.

“Tea will help,” she said briskly.

He smiled slightly. “It always does.”

Audrey poured out and Mr Farnon took his cup gratefully. “Perfect,” he said with a sigh, and lent back in his chair.

“There you go,” Audrey said with a smile.

“Thank you,” he said after a moment.

“It’s no problem.”

“I meant – for staying.” He took a sip and continued, “I don’t have company much. People seem to be – scared of me.”

“Your growl is quite intimidating, I suppose.”

“You’re not scared of me, Mrs Hall.”

She smiled at him. “I’ve faced scarier things in my time than a tired and grumpy vet.”

“I am not grumpy!” he protested, then subsided. “I’ll give you tired.” He eyed her curiously. “So, what scarier things than me have you encountered?”

Audrey’s thoughts flew to Robert, and she pushed them aside firmly. “I were in the WRENS,” she said. “Harbour patrols at night looking for mines were a little scarier than you.” She grinned. “Just a little, mind.”

“Humph,” he muttered, and grinned back at her. He was quite attractive, she thought, when he smiled.

They sat in companionable silence for several minutes.

Then Mr Farnon spoke, pondering. “The WRENS to housekeeping. Bit of a change?”

“My boy, Edward, he arrived not long after the war ended. Couldn’t stay in the WRENS then.” She hadn’t minded. She’d adored Edward from the moment he’d been placed in her arms, a howling, red faced bundle. “And… after my husband… I needed a job. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and cleaning, I’ve got the education, I could bring Edward with me. It just made sense.”

“And what is it like working for Mrs Pumphrey? I see quite a lot of Tricki.”

Audrey smiled. “Tricki is adorable. Very spoilt, but adorable.” A thought crossed her mind. “Mrs Pumphrey has spoken about you. You’re Uncle Siegfried!” She grinned at the look on his face.

“Don’t ask,” he said, ruefully.

“About which bit?” she asked, teasing.

“My father was a fan of Wagner. As for my familial epithet, I can’t explain.”

“You must have known Mrs Pumphrey a long time?”

Mr Farnon nodded. “Since I was working with my father. She and her husband kept a lot of dogs. She was in and out all the time.”

“I imagine she doesn’t stand any of your … grumpiness…” Audrey suggested.

“I don’t think she notices it,” Mr Farnon replied. “And being Uncle Siegfried has it perks. I used to get a nice hamper at Christmas. Before the war, of course.”

“She’s taken up the victory garden, so you might get a hamper this year. But it’ll be filled with vegetables.”

“Not quite the same.”

He’d finished his cup of tea and his eyes were dropping with tiredness. Audrey stood up. “I’d best be off. I’ll see meself out,” she added quickly, before he could heave himself out of his chair. “Goodnight, Mr Farnon.”

His smile was tired, but true. “Goodnight Mrs Hall. And thank you, again.”

Chapter Text

Audrey sat at the table, shelling peas. Mrs Pumphrey was – not underfoot, Audrey scolded herself mentally – keeping her company.

Since the move from Pumphrey Manor to the cottage, the close quarters had meant the women spent more time in each other’s company. Audrey was trying to get used to casual conversation with her employer.

“And how are you finding your warden duties?” Mrs Pumphrey asked as she cuddled Tricki.

“No bother at all,” Audrey said. “Thank you for letting me take it up.”

“Your free time is your own, dear girl. No incidents to report then?”

“I’ve called into Skeldale twice,” Audrey said casually.

“Mr Farnon flouting black out regulations is he?” Mrs Pumphrey arched an eyebrow. “Uncle Siegfried is being a naughty boy!” she said to Tricki.

“No – not flouting,” Audrey said hastily. “He seemed to be too busy to make sure his curtains were closed.”

“Hmm.” Mrs Pumphrey said. “No wife to look after him. Poor man. Losing Evelyn was a great blow to him.”

Audrey kept her eyes on her peas, wondering whether Mrs Pumphrey might divulge further information.

“He has quite a reputation for being a terror, but he used to be rather jovial. A quick smile and an easy laugh. Quite the handsome man – which was how he captured Evelyn’s heart.” Mrs Pumphrey stroked Tricki. “He had to take his younger brother in not long after he and Evelyn married, when his parents died. Tristan was only a boy.”

“A big age gap between them?” Audrey murmured.

“Indeed – nearly twenty years. I remember when Mrs Farnon discovered she was expecting again,” Mrs Pumphrey said reminiscently. “Uncle Siegfried had already left for university. It was quite a shock for her.”

“I can imagine.” Audrey wondered how she’d cope if she had another baby now.

“Uncle Siegfried took over the surgery after his father died, and his mother followed not long after, leaving him in charge of Tristan. I don’t think either of them was very happy about it. And then,” she sighed and shook her head, “only a few years later, and lovely Evelyn Farnon died. Cancer, they said.”

“Poor Mr Farnon.”

“It was as though… a light went out for him. He’d always had a quick temper, but without Evelyn to smooth things over for him… And then of course his famous quarrel with Tristan, and he lost his brother too.”

“Famous quarrel?”

Mrs Pumphrey nodded. “Half the village heard it, the roaring coming from Skeldale. We look in on him, don’t we Tricki? He’s not as fearsome as the reputation he’s gained. We try to bring him a little light.” She shook her head again. “If he could find somebody to bring some happiness back into his life…”

“It’s a sad story.”

“Lots of us have them,” Mrs Pumphrey said. Then she cleared her throat. “I will leave you to it, my dear. Time for Tricki to have a walk.”

Audrey smiled at her as she left then relaxed, pleased to have the kitchen to herself again and the time to mull over the details that Mrs Pumphrey had provided.

It didn’t take Audrey long to cycle home after finishing her housekeeping duties. She didn’t have any rounds this evening, though she did have to see Mr Bosworth, the chief air raid warden, for a debrief after her first shifts. She was quite looking forward to an early night.

At home, she popped the pie she’d made that morning into the oven, then headed out to Mr Bosworth’s cottage.

“Good evening,” he greeted her. He was in uniform – he always seemed to be, these days. Officious, she thought. He ushered her to a hard chair at the small table by the window. She glanced around; the room was spotlessly clean and almost entirely devoid of any personal touches.

“Now, Mrs Hall,” he said, and poured her a cup of tea from the waiting pot. “How have you found your rounds?” He passed her the cup and took out a notepad.

Audrey drew out a notepad of her own. “Nowt much to report,” she said. She read her notes, which detailed the route she’d taken – the route Mr Bosworth had set out firmly to her. She reported the three incidents of lights.

Mr Bosworth’s head snapped up from his notebook. “Two visits to Skeldale House?” he demanded. “That damned vet, thinking he can ignore all the rules.”

“Nowt like that,” Audrey protested.

“Well, he’s earned a fine,” Mr Bosworth said, writing it down firmly.

“A fine?”

“Every discretion is to be fined one pound.”

“One pound?” Audrey said, staggered. “That’s a lot of money, Mr Bosworth! Folk round here don’t have too much!”

“It is not your job to question it, Mrs Hall. It is your job to enforce it.”

“When I’m on me rounds.”

“Exactly so.”

Audrey sighed internally. “As you say, Mr Bosworth.”

The meeting didn’t last much longer, and soon Audrey was packing away her notebook and pencil. She became aware of a distant yelling – one that was getting closer swiftly.

Then there was a hammering at the door. “Mr Bosworth! Mr Bosworth! I need a word with you!”

“That sounds like…”

“Mr Farnon,” Mr Bosworth said grimly. “Excellent, I’ll get the two pounds from him now.”

The hammering continued. “You damn fool!” Mr Farnon yelled, “Cows cannot be painted! They aren’t rocks!”

“Excuse me,” Mr Bosworth said to Audrey and headed to the front door.

The door opened and the thumps stopped abruptly.

“You owe two pounds,” Mr Bosworth said quickly, “for failing to follow black out regulations!”

“What the devil?” Mr Farnon pushed past him and into the room, where he came to a sudden halt. “Mrs Hall! I beg- I beg your pardon, I…” He trailed off, staring at her.

“Mr Farnon,” she said politely. “Mr Bosworth and I have just finished our wardens’ meeting.”

“Yes, yes, I see…” He sounded distracted. “You’re not in uniform…”

“I don’t have to wear it all the time, Mr Farnon.”

“No, no of course not… you look… that is….” He stared at her and swallowed.

Mr Bosworth interrupted. “Mr Farnon, may I remind you that you came round here demanding to talk to me. May I suggest that you do that?”

Mr Farnon swung round to stare at him. “Right! Yes!” Audrey could sense rage bubbling back into his voice. “Whitewash contains lead! It’s toxic to animals! You-”

“I’ll see meself out, shall I?” Audrey suggested. She slipped between the two men. “Good evening.”

The door had barely closed behind her when the shouting started again. She grinned to herself and wondered whether Mr Bosworth was more likely to retrieve the two pounds in fines, or Mr Farnon to get a promise not to paint any more animals. She chuckled. She’d find out soon enough, no doubt.

Chapter Text

Audrey slept soundly that night. As a WREN she’d been used to working all hours, but recently she’d been accustomed to a sensible bedtime. Warden rounds had tired her more than she had anticipated and her bed had never felt more comfortable. She’d felt one pang of regret that without a round, she would not have any chance of sharing a whisky with a certain vet. But then, she considered, he’d almost certainly have remembered to close his curtains.

She woke late the next morning in the happy knowledge that she had a day off. The only being she had to answer to was Dash. She stretched and sighed, and Dash jumped on her bed and licked her face. She fended him off with a laugh. “I know, I know. It’s breakfast time isn’t it lad? I’ll get up now.”

“Woof,” Dash said emphatically. He jumped off the bed and stood by the door, head cocked, waiting for her.

“Patience is a virtue,” she said sternly, and got out of bed to find her slippers and dressing gown.

The day was bright and it called them. Audrey pulled on her favourite jacket and a sensible pair of shoes and picked up Dash’s lead. He bounded for her, wagging his tail furiously.

“Let’s go out, lad!”

Audrey kept Dash on the lead as they worked their way through Darrowby. Then, striking out on a footpath over the dales, she slipped the lead off and laughed as he dashed away. He was aptly named, she thought, as he raced all over, nose sniffing, tail wagging.

The sun was warm and the wind soft, dancing through the grass and making the trees whisper. Sometimes, Audrey missed the hustle and bustle of Scarborough, the noise of people and cars. And then, on days like today, she felt as though there was no more blissful place on earth than the green dales of Yorkshire.

They walked on, skirting the low stone walls that bordered the farmers’ fields, occasionally crossing a deserted road. Dash raced ahead, often vanishing from sight, always returning to check that Audrey was coming along behind.

Audrey daydreamed as she walked, thinking about her son, about her friends in Scarborough, about the way Mr Farnon had looked at her yesterday…

She rounded a corner, and Dash was nose deep in a hole. “Dash, what are you doing?” she scolded.

He ignored her, which was unlike him. Catching his collar, she pulled him back and grimaced. Rats. Dead rats. “Awful boy,” she said to him. “Catch them fresh, if you must! Not dead and buried ones!”

He looked up at her and whined, pitifully. “What’s wrong, lad?” she asked. “Not a good rat?”

As she watched, he started shaking. Fear seized her; dead rats, caught and killed by someone and buried here. Killed how? Dash whined again.

Poisoned.

Dash was poisoned.

She bent and gathered him into her arms. He didn’t curl up – he was stiff. Rigid. She hastened back the way they’d come. How far was it to the road? She needed to get help. Dash shook in her arms as another tremor ran through him.

She picked up her speed, clasping Dash to her, moving as quickly as she could over the uneven ground.

She made it to the road, set off down it and prayed that somebody would come along. A cart, a horse, anything that could get her to Darrowby and help.

The sound of a motorcar approaching filled her with relief. She put Dash down carefully at the side of the road and stepped into the middle, waving, as the car appeared over the brow of the hill.

“Stop, please!” she called, “please!”

The car stopped abruptly and she realised she knew the driver.

“Mrs Hall!” Mr Farnon exclaimed. “Whatever is the matter?”

“Mr Farnon!” Audrey could have cried, she was so relieved to see him. “It’s me dog, Dash! He’s been poisoned. Please!”

In an instant he was out of his car, grabbing his bag and hastening to Dash’s side. “There now, Dash, there now,” he soothed him gently.

“He ate a dead rat,” Audrey said, swallowing down tears.

Mr Farnon ran a hand over Dash’s quivering sides. “Strychnine poisoning,” he said quietly. “Textbook.”

“Can you help him?” Audrey asked, desperately.

Mr Farnon fished in his bag and brought out a syringe. Carefully, he injected it.

“How much did he eat?” he asked, rubbing Dash comfortingly.

“I don’t know,” Audrey said. “There were more than one rat in there, but I don’t know how many he ate.”

“The farmers should know better,” Mr Farnon muttered. “Right, lets get him to the surgery.” Carefully, he lifted Dash up.

“You get in,” he said to Audrey, “and hold him while we drive.”

Audrey slid into the car and took Dash, petting him while Mr Farnon got in and started the engine.

Quickly, Mr Farnon turned the car in the road and then they were racing back to Darrowby.

“You were going somewhere,” Audrey realised.

He shook his head. “Farm visit. It can wait. Dash can’t.” He shot a glance. “How is he?”

“I – I can’t tell,” Audrey said. “Come on Dash,” she whispered. “There’s a good boy. You hold on now.”

In no time, Mr Farnon had screeched to a halt outside Skeldale. He hurried into the house and Audrey followed him, clutching Dash.

“In here,” Mr Farnon said, throwing open a door and pulling his coat off. “Put him on the table.” He took out his stethoscope and placed it against Dash’s chest, listening. Then he prepared another injection and slid it carefully under Dash’s skin.

Then he fetched a blanket, tucked it carefully over the still dog and looked at Audrey. “I’ve done all I can,” he said. “Now we wait, and hope it was enough.”

Audrey looked at Dash’s still form and couldn’t contain a sob. She pressed her hands to her face, swallowing valiantly to keep her emotion in. “Sorry,” she whispered.

“I’ll make you a cup of tea,” Mr Farnon said.

She followed him through the house and into the kitchen, where he ushered her into a chair and busied himself with the kettle. She watched him without taking anything in; her whole mind was on Dash, hoping that he would pull through.

He pushed a cup of tea in front of her. “Thank you,” she murmured.

“Drink up,” he said, with a small smile. “I’m reliably informed that tea will help.”

“It’s me fault,” she said quietly. “I should have had him on the lead, next to me.”

“Nonsense,” Mr Farnon said firmly. “Dogs need to run. The only fault is that of the farmer who poisoned his rats and didn’t dispose of them properly. I’ll be having words.”

Audrey managed a watery smile, and drank her tea. It was strong. A good cuppa.

They sat in silence, finishing their tea, until Mr Farnon checked his watch. “Time to check on him, I think.”

Audrey followed him back to the surgery, hope and fear warring in her heart.

Dash appeared as they’d left him. Mr Farnon produced his stethoscope and bent over the still body. Audrey could barely breathe. Then he straightened, and smiled. “His heart is much stronger. I think he’ll pull through, Mrs Hall.”

As if on cue, Dash’s tail stirred. A tiny woof sounded.

Audrey burst into tears.

Strong arms came around her shoulders and she lent into Mr Farnon, burying her head in his chest as she cried. His hands rubbed her back soothingly.

She fought herself for self control. Eventually, she managed to draw away from the comfort of his embrace. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” he said, smiling at her gently.

Then he scooped Dash up, blanket and all, and carried him through to the living room, with Audrey trailing behind. “There, he can have Jess’s basket for a while.”

“Thank you, Mr Farnon. Thank you so very much.”

“Please, sit down,” Mr Farnon said, gesturing at the sofa. “I’ll bring another cup of tea.”

Audrey sat down gratefully; her legs were starting to feel like jelly. All the emotions of the last hour were swirling through her and she felt like the slightest thing would start her crying again.

Mr Farnon reappeared with the tea tray and set it on the table. “Biscuit?” he offered.

“Oh – no – I couldn’t.”

“It’ll only go to waste if you don’t,” he said, and took one for himself.

“Well – thank you.” He passed her the plate and she took one.

Then he sat down next to her, looking at Dash. “I’m glad I happened to be going that way today,” he said, and chewed thoughtfully.

“So am I, Mr Farnon.”

He turned to look at her. “Would – would you call me Siegfried?” he asked shyly.

Audrey blushed. “I’d like that… Siegfried.” She lifted her eyes to his. “And I am Audrey.”

There was a thump of a tail and a quiet “woof.” They both looked at Dash and Audrey laughed. “And you’re Dash,” she said, happily. She leant against Mr Farnon and he wound his arm around her shoulders. Her heart was beating double time. “You’re Dash,” she said, and Mr Farnon brushed a gentle kiss to her head.

Chapter Text

Audrey could have spent hours there on the sofa with Mr Farnon’s – Siegfried’s! – arm around her shoulders and his thumb tracing gentle circles on her arm.

The phone had other ideas.

“Damn and blast!” Siegfried snapped as it pealed into the quiet. He stomped, irritated, to answer it. Audrey watched him with a smile; she was learning her Siegfried.

He came back a few minutes later. “I’m sorry, Audrey. Another farm calling, and I still have to visit the first one…” he ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

Audrey echoed his sigh and stood up, ready to leave.

“You could – you could always come with me?” he suggested, hopefully.

“D’you mean it?” Audrey asked, intrigued by the idea of accompanying him. Then she looked at Dash. “I can’t leave Dash, though.”

“Bring him too!” Siegfried exclaimed. “He can have a nice comfy nest on the back seat. And I can keep an eye on him.”

In short order, Audrey found herself back in Siegfried’s car. This time, though, Dash was lying happily in the back, ears pricked, watching what was going on. This time, the fluttering in her stomach was nothing to do with worry and everything to do with the man sitting next to her.

Audrey had been on her own for a long time. She’d liked it that way. Liked having her job and independence, raising Edward and seeing him off into the navy. She’d not missed having a man at her side.

And now – Siegfried. His temper, his smile, the way he’d handled Dash… She could imagine having this man at her side.

He seemed nervous, now they were underway. He was talking at speed about the first visit they were to make – his aborted trip from the morning. A cow with a growth, apparently. She let him talk, enjoying his enthusiasm, even if the long latin words were somewhat outside her understanding.

He pulled up the car at the farm gate and Audrey sprang out to open it. She closed it behind him when he’d driven through and he grinned as she got back in the car. “I can see there are some perks to having an assistant, after all,” he said. “Thank you.”

It wasn’t far then to the farm buildings. The farmer strode out to meet them.

“You’re late,” he said.

“Unavoidably detained,” Siegfried said smoothly. “Good afternoon, Mr Lane. Where is the cow?”

“In ‘ere.” He gestured at the barn.

“Very good, thank you.” Siegfried strode forward and Audrey followed, rather more mindful of where she was putting her feet. One year in the dales, and this was the first farm she had visited. She wouldn’t forget the smell in a hurry, she thought. Not that it was bad, just… pungent.

The cow was tied up near the barn door. Siegfried moved to its side, stroking it and murmuring reassuringly. He really was very good with animals, Audrey thought.

The growth on the cow wasn’t hard to spot. Audrey could see it clearly. Siegfried looked at it carefully, then asked the farmer to fetch soap and water. The farmer hurried off, and Siegfried continued his examination, then let out a startled yelp.

“Everything all right, Mr Farnon?” Audrey asked.

He shot her a quick grin but said nothing.

The farmer returned, and Siegfried washed his hands with the soap and water. “We’ll be off,” he said, “and the bill will be in the post.”

“Aren’t you going to do nowt?” the farmer asked. “That tumour needs to come off!”

Siegfried smiled at him. “It’s all done,” he said, gesturing at the cow.

The farmer stared at the cow, then pulled his hat off his head and twisted it in his hands in befuddlement. Audrey felt rather like doing the same. The tumour had been there – she’d seen it clear as day with her own two eyes. But now – nothing. The cow’s side was as smooth as could be.

“But – but – how?” The farmer stuttered. “You ain’t had a scalpel out, you ain’t done nowt!”

Siegfried raised his hat politely. “Good afternoon!”

Audrey followed Siegfried to the car. He drove silently, until Audrey had closed the farm gate behind them.

“Siegfried!” she burst out, “I have to know – how did you do that?!”

He grinned at her, and glanced back to make sure they were out of sight. Then he held out his arm and shook it. Something pink and round fell into his hand.

“What on earth?”

He laughed at her expression. “I was just feeling around the base of the tumour, trying to find out how it was attached, when the damn thing popped out and straight up my sleeve! The skin closed up beautifully. So there you have it.” He tossed the tumour lightly in his hand, then threw it out of the window.

“No wonder they’re all in such awe of you,” Audrey said, shaking her head with a smile.

“Luck of the devil,” Siegfried said cheerfully. “Let’s hope that our next visit is as quick. I want some lunch!”

Siegfried drove them cross-country to the next farm. As they neared their destination, Siegfried began to chew his lip.

“Summat wrong?” Audrey queried.

“Arkwright’s sow,” he said. “I have a feeling my luck is about to change.”

Audrey did gate-duty again and then they were pulling into a spacious yard.

“Pig farmer,” Siegfried said, though Audrey thought she could have worked that out for herself.

“Mr Farnon,” Arkwright greeted him, “she’s in ‘ere for you”.

Audrey peered into the pen. An enormous sow greeted her eyes. “She’s huge!”

“Just needs a wormin’,” Arkwright said with a grin, “nowt to it, is there?”

“Nowt,” Siegfried muttered, emulating the farmer’s accent. He fished in his bag and brought out a syringe, which he prepared. “Wish me luck,” he murmured to Audrey.

The pig looked up sceptically as Siegfried swung himself into the pen. She snorted.

“There now,” he said.

The pig growled.

Siegfried whimpered.

The pig, it became clear, did not want to be wormed.

Arkwright leaned against the pen, not trying to conceal his amusement as Siegfried and the pig chased each other round the pen. Audrey was torn between wanting to laugh and being desperately worried that Siegfried was about to be trampled to pieces.

Siegfried slipped and went skidding on his back through the dirt of the pen. Arkwright gave up and howled with laughter.

Finally one lucky shot and Siegfried managed to inject the pig. He scrambled out of the pen post-haste and looked at himself dolefully. “I’m afraid I’m not going to be very good company in the car.”

“We’ll wind the windows down,” Audrey suggested with a smile.

“Good as a show that,” Arkwright chuckled. He passed several shillings over to Siegfried, who stashed them in his bag. “Worth every penny.”

“Humph,” said Siegfried. “Good day, Mr Arkwright.”

“My luck ran out,” Siegfried said as they drove away from the farm. “And the washing!” he sighed deeply.

“Poor man,” Audrey said.

“I am!” Siegfried said vehemently. “But at least it didn’t take too long. Home and something for lunch. Would you – care to stay?” he asked nonchalantly.

“I’d love to,” Audrey said. She recalled the state of his pantry several nights ago. “What is for lunch?”

“Ah. Hmmm.” He drummed his fingers against the steering wheel. “A good question.”

“I’ve got half a pie left,” Audrey said. “How about we share that?”

“Well, that would be… very kind of you, Audrey. Thank you.”

When they got back to Darrowby, Audrey directed him to her cottage, then raced in to retrieve the pie.

At Skeldale, Siegfried let them in the back door. Dash immediately went to lie with Jess in her basket.

“I – um – I have to…” Siegfried gestured at his grubby clothing.

“Oh!” Audrey flushed and turned away. She heard him pull off his outer layers and drop them into the tub by the back door.

“I’ll be back in a moment,” he said and his footsteps padded away.

Turning, Audrey scrumpled her nose up at the pile of dirty clothing. In all her years of housekeeping, she had never seen quite such a mess. She wasn’t daunted, though.

She popped the pie into the oven to heat up, put the kettle on and then filled the tub with water.

By the time Siegfried reappeared, fully clothed, face gleaming, she’d rinsed them all through once and set them to soak in hot water and detergent.

“Audrey – thank you!” he exclaimed. “You really didn’t have to.”

“I’m happy to help,” she said with a smile. “After all you did for Dash this morning, this seems very little.”

“It’s not little to me,” he said fervently. “I detest washing and I have very little time for it.”

He glanced at the table, pushed his textbooks to one side and quickly set it with cutlery and plates.

Audrey fetched the pie from the oven. It had warmed through nicely, and she served them each a large portion.

“Audrey, you are wonderful,” Siegfried said as he tucked in. “I can’t remember the last time I had such a treat.”

She blushed at the praise. “It’s nowt,” she murmured.

They’d barely finished eating when the doorbell rang. “No peace for the wicked,” Siegfried said with a sigh.

“I’ll make you a cup of tea for when you’re done,” Audrey said, as close as she could get to asking to stay a little longer.

He met her eyes and smiled. “That would be lovely, thank you.”

The doorbell rang again. “I’m coming!” he bellowed, and disappeared towards the door.

Chapter Text

Audrey heard the door open and close numerous times over the next hour – clearly, surgery was in demand.

She made a pot of tea, but Siegfried did not reappear.

She waited, and she finished his washing and cleaned and tidied the kitchen.

Eventually, at tea time, he came wearily into the kitchen.

“Here,” Audrey pushed a cup of tea towards him and he slumped into a chair. “Busy afternoon?”

He rubbed his eyes. “Very busy. Thank you for this.”

“I don’t know how you manage it,” she said, eyeing him.

“It’s not always this busy.”

The doorbell rang again. “Damn,” he sighed. “I’d best get back to it. I’ll see you soon?” he added hopefully.

She smiled at him. “I hope so.”

Audrey had a quiet evening at home. A letter from Edward had arrived while she was out, and she curled up in her armchair, Dash’s head in her lap, to read it. His letters always made her smile. He’d had a rough patch, as a teenager, but she’d pulled him through it and now he was a happy, confident young man. She was very proud of him.

Letter finished, she tucked it back in the envelope and turned her thoughts to Siegfried Farnon’s younger brother. What was he like, this Tristan, she wondered; the smiling youth in the photos had seemed bright and attractive. She hoped that Siegfried would mend the rift between them, before it was too late. She shivered suddenly. It would be all too easy for it to be too late.

It was back to work the following morning. She took Dash with her to Mrs Pumphrey’s and Tricki greeted him enthusiastically.

“Look how happy is he to have a friend to visit,” Mrs Pumphrey said fondly. “What a terrible pity that Dash was poisoned,” she added, “I will have to be extra careful walking Tricki now.”

“Mr Farnon said he was going to have a word with the farmers,” Audrey said, though she wondered how he’d have the time.

“He is very busy,” Mrs Pumphrey agreed. “And you spent the day with him, did you dear?”

Audrey looked down at her washing up, hoping that she wasn’t blushing. “Yes,” she said, “it was very educational.”

“But did you have fun?”

Mrs Pumphrey was looking at her knowingly. Audrey felt her cheeks heat. “I did,” she said.

Audrey was due out on her next rounds that evening. She made herself a quick supper, made sure Dash was happy in his basket, and got out her bike. Dusk had fallen, the skies were clear and the stars shining brightly. A lovely but dangerous night. She made sure her lights were covered by coloured paper, swung herself into the saddle and pedalled away. It was out of Darrowby first – checking on the outlying farms before working her way back in again. She wondered if Siegfried would remember to close all his curtains today. She’d enjoyed her nightcaps with him very much, but a pound fine was steep, so she hoped he would.

All was well at the first few farms. Then, she rounded a hill and there was a light in the barn that she could see a mile off. She peddled fast and skidded into the yard, drawing to a halt beside a familiar car.

“Mr Farnon, the light!” she called from the open door.

“Hang it!” he shouted. “I’m in no position… Dinsdale!” he bellowed.

The farmer appeared abruptly in front of her. “Come in, lass,” he beckoned and she slipped in before he closed the door behind her.

It was gloomy in the shed despite the light from the lantern.

Siegfried was shoulder deep in a cow. “Nearly there…” he gasped. “Got her!”

He withdrew his arm and washed it hastily in a bucket. The cow gave several heaves and then a tiny calf was slipping onto the barn floor. Siegfried grabbed a handful of straw, cleared its nose and rubbed it down.

Mr Dinsdale wiped his eyes. “It gets me every time,” he said to Audrey.

“Perfectly healthy,” Siegfried said, looking up from the calf. “Congratulations.”

“Down to you, Mr Farnon,” Mr Dinsdale replied. “Thank you.”

Siegfried nodded his head. “My bill will be in the post.”

Audrey followed Siegfried through the barn door and shut it, leaving Mr Dinsdale with his precious calf. Siegfried heaved a sigh. “She made me work for that,” he said. He tipped his head up to look at the sky. “What a beautiful evening.”

He threw his bag into the car and smiled at Audrey. “Being out here, getting to see this-” he gestured at the landscape – “perks of the job.”

She smiled back. “It is beautiful.”

“Would you – care for a quick walk?” Siegfried asked suddenly. “If you don’t have to get on right away?”

Audrey’s heart jumped. “I think I can spare you a few minutes,” she said.

He led her up the hill, along a stone wall, until they reached a spot where a tree trunk had fallen, forming a natural bench. The stars and moon were bright enough that it was easy to see where they were going.

They sat side by side on the tree trunk, looking out over the hills to Darrowby, nestling in the valley.

Audrey sighed with contentment.

“How has your day been?” Siegfried queried.

“Oh, you know. Cooking, cleaning. Nothing really changes.” She smiled at him, then added, “I had a letter from my Edward.”

“He’s well, I hope?”

“Very.”

“How do you – that is… Do you worry about him?” Siegfried asked tentatively.

“All the time. But he’s had his training, he knows what he’s doing, he’s on a good ship… It’s in God’s hands.”

Siegfried’s voice was quiet. “I worry about Tristan. I have no idea what he’s doing, if he’s safe or happy…”

“Have you written to him?”

“I don’t know what I’d say.”

“Maybe that,” Audrey suggested. She found his hand and squeezed it gently. “That you hope he’s safe and happy, and that you’re thinking of him.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“Maybe it is.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes, hands joined. Then Siegfried spoke again. “I’m going to hire an assistant. I put an advert in the paper today.”

“Good!” Audrey said emphatically. “What changed your mind?”

“It might be… nice … to have some evenings off.” Siegfried glanced at her and then away, sheepishly. She wondered if he was blushing.

“Well, I’m very glad to hear it. You can’t carry on as you are doing, that’s plain to see.”

“I’m doing perfectly well,” Siegfried snapped.

She raised an eyebrow at him, disbelieving.

“Well – I’m coping,” he amended, subsiding quickly. “Just about. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap.”

“It’s quite all right.”

“It’s not,” he said, forcefully. “Here I am, beautiful evening, beautiful view, beautiful woman beside me and I’m snapping at her!”

“Hush,” Audrey said with a smile. She leant into him, resting her head on his shoulder. “Let’s enjoy it for a moment longer.”

“I suppose you have to be getting on,” Siegfried murmured.

“Mmm,” Audrey agreed, “Mr Bosworth would have my guts for garters if he thought I was neglecting me rounds.”

“We can’t have that.”

“Did you sort it out, your argument the other day?”

She felt his chuckle. “I wouldn’t pay, and he wouldn’t agree to stop advising the farmers to paint their cows. Mutual dissatisfaction.”

“Silly men,” Audrey said comfortably.

“Very silly, my dear. Well, I mustn’t keep you from your duty.” He stood and helped her up. Hand in hand they walked back down the field to the barn and their respective vehicles.

Siegfried paused by his car. “You will – take care, won’t you, Audrey?”

“I will if you will,” she said with a smile.

He scowled momentarily, and she leant forward and brushed a kiss to his cheek. “Goodnight, Siegfried,” she said.

She swung herself onto her bike and pushed off. A soft “Goodnight, Audrey,” followed her out of the yard.

Chapter Text

“I have a serious complaint to make.” With which statement Mr Bosworth started their pre-rounds meeting.

“A complaint?” Audrey asked, astonished. “What about?”

“You interrupted your rounds – part of the vital war effort – to watch a calf being born! Mr Dinsdale informed me you were present.”

“Ain’t it important to be on good terms with everybody in the neighbourhood?” Audrey asked. “Surely they’re more likely to follow our instructions if they like us.”

“Humph,” Mr Bosworth said. “That vet, tempting you away from your duty.”

“He did no such thing!” Audrey exclaimed. Then she realised, with some amusement, that it was the presence of Siegfried that had really wound Mr Bosworth up. She was rather glad that Mr Dinsdale hadn’t noticed that she and Siegfried had taken a while to leave the farm. “Mr Farnon understands the importance of our job!”

“Humph,” Mr Bosworth said again.

“Mr Bosworth, if you and Mr Farnon are quarrelling, it has nothing to do with me.”

“He owes two pounds!”

“And you can take that up with him,” Audrey said, patiently. “Now, shall we get on?”

Unlike the previous night, the cloud cover was thick as Audrey left her house. She cycled out of the village, noting that she was finding the hills easier going than she used to. All the cycling was making her fit. Silver linings, she thought to herself.

Up in the hills, it started to rain. Audrey folded her jacket collar up and huddled her shoulders tight, but the water still found its way down her neck, under her clothes.

All was dark as she cycled, for which she was thankful. She was cold and increasingly damp and she wanted to get home, have a bath and sit in front of the fire. She thought longingly of days gone by, when one could have a proper deep bath. The regulation four inches was not quite enough to relax in. Nevertheless, it would warm her up.

She was chilled to the bone by the time she made it back through Darrowby and into the square. Not a single light had shown. She was crossing the square when a familiar voice called into the rain. “Mrs Hall!”

She turned. A crack of light was showing from Skeldale.

“Mr Farnon,” she said. She swung her bike round and drew up to the steps.

“Come in for a drink?” he offered.

“I’d love to,” she started, and his face lit up, “but I’m soaked to the skin and freezing. I need to get home and dry.” She shivered involuntarily.

He nodded. “I quite understand. Another night, perhaps?” He looked so hopeful.

“Another night, Siegfried,” she said with a smile. The rain became heavier, pounding the cobbled stones. “I must be off!” She climbed back onto her bike, with a grimace for the way that her trousers were sticking to her skin, and hastened for home. She felt his eyes on her till she rounded the corner.

A long, hot, if shallow, bath and Audrey had a solid night’s sleep. She woke up refreshed and pleased to see sunlight streaming through her curtains. Her morning errands were shopping for both herself and Mrs Pumphrey. With Dash at her side, basket in hand, she set out to the shops.

“Excuse me!” called a voice as she headed down the lane. She turned. The speaker was a tall young man with… she squinted… a badger on his shoulder? She shook her head. Surely not.

“Can I help you?” she asked politely. The man came nearer. It really did look like a badger.

“Good morning! I’m looking for Skeldale House,” he said.

“Oh, a problem with...?” Audrey gestured at his shoulder.

“Marilyn?” he asked, “no, not at all. I’m the new vet.”

“Oh – goodness.” She eyed him and Marilyn the badger. She wondered what Siegfried would make of him. She collected herself. “Welcome to Darrowby. I’m heading that way, I’ll show you the way.”

“Very kind of you,” the man said gratefully. “Calum Buchanan.” He held out his hand.

Audrey shook it. “Audrey Hall.”

Calum chattered as they walked, telling her about his training, his love for all animals. “I’ve dogs at home,” he said, smiling down at Dash. “Dobermans.”

“Goodness,” Audrey said again. “Are they joining you here?”

He slid her a grin. “I’ll take it a step at a time with Mr Farnon.”

“Does he know about – Marilyn?”

“He will when we arrive.”

“He’s got quite a temper on him,” Audrey warned.

The lad laughed. “He’ll love Marilyn. Everybody does.”

“But where will she be living?”

“Mr Farnon said there’s a little flat in the house that I can use so she’ll be there with me. But she’s pretty free range. She’s used to having the run of a place.”

They’d reached the square now. Audrey pointed out Skeldale and Calum tipped his hat to her politely and set off. Audrey watched him go, watched the people pass him and do a double-take. She was desperately interested in how Siegfried was going to react, but she had to get on. She sighed, and turned into the grocers.

She finished her shopping and there hadn’t been any chaos erupting from Skeldale. She was almost disappointed. Later on, over a cup of tea, she filled Mrs Pumphrey in on the new arrival.

“A badger?” Mrs Pumphrey said, “How delightfully eccentric! We will look forward to meeting the young man, won’t we Tricki?” She eyed Audrey. “How do think he’ll settle in?”

“I – don’t know,” Audrey admitted. “He sounded more than capable, but Mr Farnon…”

“Can be rather eccentric himself, shall we say?” Mrs Pumphrey said.

Audrey laughed. “That’s about right. I hope he will be happy with the lad. Goodness knows he needs the help.”

“That’s been apparent for some time,” Mrs Pumphrey said. “I wonder what’s finally made him admit it?” She looked at Audrey speculatively.

Audrey blushed. “Who’s to know?” she murmured. She stood up. “I best get on, or you won’t have any tea.”

Mrs Pumphrey smiled at her. “Of course. Come on Tricki, time for walkies!”

That evening, with tea eaten and washing done, Audrey settled down for a couple of hours of knitting before her rounds. She was making a new cardigan out of the wool from several old ones. “Make do and mend,” she murmured to herself as she settled down. She hoped there would be enough wool when the cardigan was done to make socks for the troops. There wasn’t much she could do for them, but a nice pair of knitted socks would at least keep some soldier’s feet warm.

She’d knitted a few rows when there was a knock at the door. She frowned slightly. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Surely this wasn’t going to be Bosworth appearing with a pre-rounds lecture on her duty?

She opened the door to Siegfried’s sheepish smile. “Good evening, Mrs Hall – Audrey. Would you care to accompany me to the pub?” He looked at her hopefully.

She glanced back at her knitting. It could surely wait. “I’d love to,” she said, and enjoyed the way his face lifted.

He bought her half a pint – she’d insisted, having rounds later – and they sat at a quiet table in the corner. Siegfried appeared to be trying to hide.

“What are you doing?” she asked, as he skulked into the shadows.

“Trying to avoid being seen by any farmers. They do have a tendency to harass me in here.”

“Poor man,” she said with a grin. “But you have the evening off…?” she probed gently.

“Yes, my new assistant arrived today. I believe you met him? He described you rather accurately.”

“He seemed like a nice lad,” Audrey said. “Do you think he’ll get on?” She was desperately curious to know what Siegfried thought about the badger.

“Yes, he seems competent. We went through the list together this afternoon and I’m quite happy leaving him to cover any evening emergencies tonight.”

“That’s good,” said Audrey. “Any other… thoughts?”

He met her eyes. She raised an eyebrow. He grinned.

“Why don’t you ask me what you want to know?” Siegfried suggested.

Audrey set her pint mug down with a thump. “Infuriating man! What do you think of Marilyn?”

“Ah yes, quite a lovely specimen of the species. Meles meles, you know.”

“Siegfried Farnon!”

Siegfried subsided with a laugh. “She was certainly unexpected.”

“Did you keep your temper?”

“I did! You would have been proud of me. It took me a while to believe what I was seeing.”

“I understand that,” Audrey agreed.

“Calum says she is perfectly house trained and she’ll live in his flat quite happily. After all, there is plenty of space in Skeldale.”

“It’ll be quite a talking point in the village, but I suppose they’re all used to an eccentric vet already.”

“Eccentric! Me? Audrey, you wound me!”

Audrey chuckled. “You’re rather easy to tease, Siegfried.” She put a gentle hand on his arm. “I’m glad you’re happy with the lad.”

“As am I.” His hand covered hers. “It is a treat, to be out with you.”

Their knees brushed under the table and Audrey swallowed. “I hope… we can repeat this again?”

His eyes were soft. “Dear girl, it’s a promise.”

Chapter Text

Audrey set off on her rounds with a full heart. Siegfried had walked her home from the pub, and there had been a dizzying moment when she thought he might kiss her properly, but then his lips brushed against her cheek. “Good night, take care,” he’d whispered, and hastened away.

Audrey could still feel the touch of his lips to her skin.

“Mind on the job, now,” she told herself sternly. It wouldn’t do to slack off, or worse, come off her bike, simply because she was dreaming about the local vet.

The weather was thankfully dry and she made her way up to the furthest farms without incident. At the highest point of her rounds, she stopped. From this vantage point, with the moon shining briefly between the clouds, she could see down the dales and into distant Darrowby. All was dark, only the moonlight picking out details. She heaved a contented sigh. The thrum of a motor car grew louder, and she wondered if it might be Siegfried, out on a late call. But the car that drew up to her wasn’t his, but a battered old vauxhall.

“Good evening, Mrs Hall!” Calum Buchanan said cheerily, “how funny to meet you out here!”

“Evening, Calum,” she said with a smile. “I’m one of the ARP wardens; I’m doing me rounds. Where are you off to?”

Calum frowned at a scribbled note. “Dinsdale?”

“You’re going the right way then.”

He grinned at her. “That’s a relief.”

She peered into his car and spotted Marilyn on the seat next to him. “You’re taking her with you?”

“Oh yes, she loves the company.”

“And it all went all right with Mr Farnon? He mentioned that he kept his temper…?”

Calum grinned again. “Is that what he said? Well, after he’d shouted ‘what the blazes is that thing?’ and told me emphatically that we were not a zoo, I suppose he did.”

“You won him over quickly, then,” Audrey said, impressed.

“Oh, that’s Marilyn. Wonderful animal.” He patted the badger fondly. “I’d best be off. Good to see you, Mrs H!”

Audrey smiled, liking the informal nickname. “And you, Calum. Good luck at Dinsdale’s!”

He waved a cheery arm at her and sped off into the night.

She cast another glance into the valley, then climbed back on her bike. She had a job to do.

The air raid siren sounded when she was on her way back down to the village. It made her gasp in shock – the sudden, eery, wailing cutting through the darkness. She peddled faster, speeding for the village. She knew exactly what she had to do, thanks to Mr Bosworth’s tedious but thorough training. Mr Bosworth would be taking his station at the phone in the village hall. Her own role was to clear the streets and make sure everybody was heading to a shelter. Luckily it was late, and the likelihood of people being out and about was low. The pub, on the other hand, might well be crowded. She cast a thought to Calum, out with Mr Dinsdale. Hopefully he would stay put and not try to make it back to the village.

Darrowby was dark and the siren now silent as she turned into the square. Then a crack of light showed, and she was hailed.

“Mrs Hall – Audrey!”

She pulled up outside Skeldale. “Siegfried, go and take shelter,” she said.

He slipped out of the door and pulled it to behind him. “You too,” he said, gesturing into the house.

She shook her head. “I’ve got a job to do.”

“But – Aud-”

She cut him off. “It’s me job, Siegfried. Now, go and get yourself safe.” She looked at his sad, worried face. “I’ll be quick, and then I’ll get to shelter,” she assured him.

“Promise?”

“Promise. Now – shoo!” She flapped her hands at him and with a grimace of a smile, he vanished and the door closed firmly.

Siegfried dealt with, she peddled fast around the streets. Deserted. Perfect. Then she headed for the pub.

The crowded room she’d expected to find was absent. In fact, the bar was empty, aside from Maggie. She was behind the counter, pulling a pint. A full tray was next to her.

“Evening Mrs Hall,” Maggie said cheerfully, “didn’t expect you to be joining the crowd.”

“The crowd?” Audrey glanced around, as though it might materialise.

“Down in the basement,” Maggie jerked her thumb. She grinned. “I’m not losing money over a little thing like an air raid.” Audrey opened her mouth to speak. Maggie cut her off. “And before you say anything, old Bosworth has approved it.”

“He has?!”

“Safe as houses, he said.” She paused. “Safer, actually. Mind giving me a hand with this lot?”

“I’m not staying, mind,” Audrey warned, even as she grasped two pints.

“Are you sure? Mind you, I expect you’ve got somewhere better to be.” Maggie winked, and Audrey flushed.

She followed Maggie carefully down the stairs, and they were greeted with cheers. Maggie had transformed the space – tables, chairs, even a sofa piled blankets.

“In case we’re here for a while,” Maggie said, noticing Audrey’s glance. “Just pop this lot here.” They pushed the full pints onto a spare table. “Well, thank you,” Maggie said. “I’ll see you out.”

In the dark and empty pub, Maggie turned to her. “Be careful out there, Mrs Hall.”

“And you down there!” retorted Audrey.

Maggie grimaced at her. “They know which side their bread’s buttered. Good night, Mrs Hall.”

Maggie shut the pub door behind her and Audrey heard the lock click home. The streets were still quiet, so Audrey headed towards the village hall.

Mr Bosworth was waiting for her there. “Report, Mrs Hall?”

“All clear on me rounds, nobody on the streets since the siren went.”

“Good, good. Well, you get off home. If we are bombed, you know your duty.”

“Lets pray it doesn’t come to that,” Audrey said.

“Prayers against bombs,” Mr Bosworth muttered. “We’ll see.”

Back into the dark streets, Audrey paused. Skeldale was just as close from here as her own house. Could she do that – knock on Siegfried’s door, take shelter with him…? The brush of his lips against her cheek came back to her. She stood, dithering. Then she scolded herself and turned for her own cottage.

She’d spent several weeks, earlier in the year, constructing an Anderson shelter in her small garden. It had looked cold and damp when it was finished. It looked colder and damper now. She pulled the door closed behind her, turned on her torch and located her candle and matches. She lit the candle carefully and turned the torch off again – no point wasting batteries. She swung herself onto her bunk bed, pulled off her shoes and wrapped herself, fully clothed, in her blankets. It was dismal, but she was tired. She welcomed the sleep that swept over her.

Siegfried was holding her hand, leaning towards her. She moved forwards, lifting her face to his. Her heart thumped-

The all clear sounded, tearing her unwillingly from her dream. She sighed as she rolled over and sat up. She untangled herself from her blankets, tugged on her shoes and opened the door. A pinking sky greeted her. Dawn was imminent. She blew out the candle, traipsed wearily down the garden path, in through the back door and up the stairs to her bedroom. She paused only to kick her shoes off again before falling into her bed and sleep.

Chapter Text

Despite her disrupted night, Audrey woke at her usual hour. She washed and dressed blearily, peered at her reflection and noted that she looked her usual collected self, even if she didn’t feel it.

At Mrs Pumphrey’s, the lady herself seemed equally tired. They had a quiet day; Audrey undertook her cleaning and cooking, and in the afternoon they both had a short, unplanned, nap in the sitting room after a cup of tea.

Audrey headed for home after work, dreaming about both her bed and Siegfried. She tried very hard not to combine the two imaginings.

She drew up abruptly outside her house; a car was parked on the verge. A lady was sitting on her doorstep, head sunk as if deep in thought.

“Hello?” Audrey called.

The lady stood up and Audrey laughed in surprise. “Dorothy!”

“Aud!” Dorothy came hastening down the path and embraced her.

“Whatever are you doing here?” Audrey asked, pushing her old friend away a little so that she could examine her face.

Dorothy smiled tightly. “Come to throw myself on your pity,” she said. “Scarborough was hit badly last night, and I find myself without somewhere to live.”

“Oh, Dorothy! I’m so sorry. Of course you must stay. Come in and have a cup of tea.”

A cup of tea each refreshed them both, and soon they’d decanted the meagre contents of Dorothy’s car into Audrey’s small guest bedroom.

“I was lucky that the car got through it,” Dorothy said, with a sigh. “Barely a scratch on her. Thank you so much for having me, Aud.”

“As if I could think of turning you away,” Audrey scolded gently, “after all you’ve done for me.”

A knock at the door startled them both. Audrey glanced at her watch, realised with a jolt how time had moved swiftly on. “You haven’t had anything to eat!” she cried.

“Shouldn’t you answer the door?” Dorothy queried.

“Oh, yes – of course – it’s probably…” Audrey stammered.

“You’re blushing,” Dorothy noted. With a grin, she made for the door and opened it.

“Good evening Aud-” Siegfried came to a halt.

“Hello,” Dorothy said chirpily. “Who are you?”

“Siegfried Farnon – don’t ask. Who are you?”

Audrey squeezed past Dorothy. “Good evening Siegfried,” she said. “This is my friend Dorothy.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Dorothy said, sticking out her hand.

Siegfried shook it.

“I came to – um – ask you if you’d like to come to the pub?” Siegfried said with a slightly panicked look, eyes darting at Dorothy.

“I’m afraid we haven’t eaten yet,” Audrey said, apologetically and not without regret.

“Oh.” His face fell.

Audrey spoke before she could think. “Maybe – you’d like to join us?” She avoided looking at Dorothy.

“Well, if you’re sure… that would be very nice.”

“Come in,” Audrey gestured. Siegfried stepped over the threshold. “I’ll take your hat,” Audrey offered. Siegfried handed it over and they both stared at it for a moment before she hung it up on the coat rack.

“You have a very nice house,” Siegfried said, standing motionless in the hallway, from which he could see none of it.

“Thank you,” Audrey murmured.

They stared at each other, almost toe-to-toe in the narrow hallway.

“Shall we get some food on then, Aud?” Dorothy suggested, breaking into the silence.

“Food!” Audrey said. “Yes, of course. Come through, Siegfried.”

In the kitchen, Audrey bustled around, trying to disguise how flustered she was with looking busy. She didn’t have to invite Siegfried in, of course, but she did so want to spend time with him. Somehow, it was different here, in her own house, with Dorothy looking at her with bright, amused, knowing eyes.

Siegfried was peeling potatoes, badly, while Dorothy chopped up carrots and parsnips. Audrey’s planned meal was going to have to stretch a little further than she’d anticipated. She glanced at Siegfried’s hacking. The temptation to take the potato and knife from him, to show him how to old them, how to scrape the skin off without removing half the potato too, was high. She imagined holding his hand with hers, leading him through the motions…

She swallowed. Dorothy bumped her shoulder lightly. “All right there, Aud?”

“Yes,” Audrey said tightly.

“I was bombed out last night,” Dorothy said to Siegfried.

“Sorry to hear that.”

“Audrey has offered to put me up for a while.”

His eyes lifted and met Audrey’s. “That’s kind of you.”

“No less than I would expect from my former commanding officer,” Dorothy said.

“Commanding officer?”

“Oh, has Audrey not told you?” Dorothy said lightly. “Audrey was a section leader when we were in the WRENS.”

There was a pause. Siegfried ducked his head. “She didn’t mention it, no.” His voice was slightly strangled.

“Kept us all in line with a stern hand,” Dorothy said.

“Dorothy!” Audrey found her voice at last. She glared at her friend. Dorothy winked. “Don’t make me regret this,” Audrey warned quietly.

“Ma’am.” Dorothy threw her a sharp salute.

“I do apologise for Dorothy,” Audrey said to Siegfried, “I think being bombed must have gone to her head.” She kicked Dorothy’s ankle surreptitiously, hoping that her friend would take the not-so-subtle hint.

Dorothy subsided. “So, Siegfried Farnon don’t ask – what do you do?”

Audrey relaxed with relief as Siegfried let Dorothy question him about his veterinary work. He had plenty of amusing tales which kept them entertained as they cooked, then ate.

Siegfried kept his famous temper at bay, the atmosphere relaxed, and Audrey was happy. It had been a long time since she had had company at her dinner table and now – it warmed her heart. She was so content that she forgot to keep an eye on the time, and with a start she realised that it was dark outside and that she was due on her rounds very shortly.

“The curtains!” she cried, jumping up and interrupting Siegfried mid-tale.

“Let me help,” he said and suited action to words, crossing to tug the kitchen curtains shut as Audrey fled to sort the bedroom windows.

She raced back downstairs and nearly crashed into Siegfried at the bottom of the stairs. He caught her elbows. “Steady there,” he said. “All done down here. No need to fear Bosworth’s wrath.”

His thumbs were stroking gently over her arms and she struggled to find words. “I’m not afraid of him,” she retorted eventually, then added, “but thank you.” She paused again. “Siegfried, I…” His eyes were fixed on hers and she trailed off, having no idea what she was planning to say. He was so very close to her.

“Audrey?” he murmured.

She caught a movement out of the corner of her eye; Dorothy, leaning against the kitchen door, watching them closely.

“I’d best get on,” she managed, “me rounds.”

“Of course.” His fingers smoothed her blouse sleeves into neatness. “Thank you for a very pleasant evening, Audrey.” He let go of her slowly. “And delighted to make your acquaintance.” He nodded at Dorothy.

“Likewise,” she drawled.

Siegfried looked up at Audrey, eyes soft. “Good night, Audrey.” Then he tore his gaze away from hers and hastened out of the cottage.

“Well!” Dorothy burst out as the door closed behind him.

“I’ve got to get changed,” Audrey said, avoiding looking at her friend. She headed up the stairs. Dorothy, undeterred, followed her.

In her room, Audrey pulled off blouse and skirt, headless of Dorothy watching her. She’d seen her in her slip often enough over the years.

“Siegfried Farnon,” Dorothy mused. “Rather a dish.”

“Hm,” Audrey said, non-committally.

“And only eyes for you, Aud. Though I say it myself, it’s a while since a man failed to notice me so completely.”

“What do you mean?” Audrey demanded, pulling on her uniform shirt, “He talked to you!”

“Ah,” said Dorothy, “but he didn’t notice me. I could have put the colander on my head half way through dinner and he wouldn’t have blinked. He’s rather taken with you, I think?”

“Hm.”

“And you like him?”

Audrey pulled on her trousers – an action that was now almost familiar. “Hm.”

“Audrey!” Dorothy said, exasperated. “How long have we been friends!”

Audrey pulled on her jacket, did it up, then fastened her helmet. Finally, she faced her friend. “I do – like him,” she admitted finally, thinking to herself that liking didn’t exactly do justice to her feelings, and that she wasn’t prepared to admit anything further to Dorothy at the moment. “And now,” she said, with finality, “I have to go. Help yourself to anything you need.”

“I will.” Dorothy’s face softened. “I’m pleased for you. And good luck!”

Chapter Text

Audrey’s rounds were uneventful. All was dark on the hills and in the village. She headed through the square, exhausted and ready to go home, when suddenly a tiny crack of light showed in a window. Her heart bounded, her tiredness vanished, and she turned towards Skeldale.

“I hope you’ll forgive the momentary infraction,” Siegfried said lightly as he opened the door to her.

She smiled at him, undid her helmet and hung it up on the stand by the door. “You’re forgiven.” She followed him through to the living room, where he had two glasses waiting. “And you’re spoiling me,” she said as she relaxed onto the sofa and took a glass from him. Whiskey. Perfect.

She glanced around; it was the first time she’d been to Skeldale since Calum arrived. The furniture bore some signs of wear at badger-height. “Where’s Calum?”

“Out on a call,” Siegfried said, and blushed. He sat down next to her. “You spoiled me, with tea earlier. Thank you for inviting me. And it was good to meet your friend.”

“We’re very old friends, and she enjoys teasing me. Thank you for putting up with her.”

Siegfried’s hand found hers and held it gently. “I would put up with a good deal to spend time with you, Audrey. Please – forgive me…” He turned to face her.

“Whatever for?”

His fingers curled around hers. “It has been a long time since I’ve – I’ve courted… I’m a little rusty.”

She took an unsteady breath. “It’s been a long time for me too.”

“Perhaps, we can muddle through it together?” he suggested, a hopeful smile on his face.

“I’d like that. Very much.”

“May I kiss you?”

“Please,” she breathed, then blushed.

She put her glass down on the table and he followed suit, then turned back to face her. Her heart was racing.

In some of her dreams they’d come together in a crash, emotionally fraught, frantic. This was nothing like those dreams.

This was his hand gentle against her cheek, stroking her skin, coaxing her forward. This was his eyes soft on hers, the brush of his nose against her own, their lips grazing, the faintest burn of whiskey.

He drew back, uncertain. “Was that…?”

She followed him, pulse racing, wanting more. “It was perfect.” This time she reached for him, caressed his cheek, feeling the prickle of his beard. He watched her as she studied him, tracing her fingers over the lines of his face. She dropped a kiss to the tip of his nose, startling a laugh from him.

When she pressed her lips against his, it was no hesitant graze. She kissed him firmly and he reacted, putting his arms around her, pulling her close.

When they finally drew apart, they were flushed and breathless. Audrey looked away, faintly embarrassed.

“Audrey.” Siegfried’s fingers slid under her chin and tilted it so she had to look at him. “Darling girl.” His eyes were soft and so full of affection.

Audrey smiled, the embarrassment vanishing into nothing. She leant into him, resting her head on his shoulder as his arm slipped round her waist. “Is this courting?” she wondered with a laugh.

“Part of it, perhaps,” Siegfried said. “May I take you out to dinner? Your next free night? Calum can take any calls.”

“I’d like that very much,” Audrey said.

He brushed a kiss to her hair and she melted into him, enjoying the feeling of being held securely. She could have spent all night like that, but then the phone rang.

“Damn and blast!” Siegfried pulled himself reluctantly away from her. “Of all the times!” He ran his hand through his hair and stared at her hopelessly.

“You get it,” she urged gently. “It’s about time I got home anyway. It’s late and Dash and Dorothy will be wondering where I am.” The phone rang on. She stood up. “I’ll see meself out.”

They stood quietly for a second, looking at each other.

“I’m so glad you came in tonight,” Siegfried said eventually. “Good night, Audrey.” He closed the small gap between them and brushed a kiss to her lips. “Goodnight, my dear.”

It took all of Audrey’s willpower to step away from him. “Goodnight, Siegfried,” she said softly.

She headed for the door and she heard him run for the phone. “I’m coming!” he shouted to it, as if that made any sense, and she chuckled to herself as she closed the front door behind her. What a man.

“I’m home,” she called, a few minutes later, having clambered wearily off her bicycle and closed her own front door firmly. “Hello, Dash!” she said as her dog trotted into the hall to greet her, tail wagging. “Is Dorothy still up?”

“In here,” Dorothy called.

Audrey went into the living room to find her friend curled up on the sofa with a book, in her night clothes with her hair in curlers. “I borrowed this, I hope you don’t mind?” Dorothy waved the book. “How was it out there?”

“Quiet,” Audrey said, slumping thankfully onto the sofa beside her. “The citizens of Darrowby are remarkably law-abiding.” Then she struggled to her feet. “I can’t sit here, I’ll fall asleep. I’m off to bed. Goodnight.”

Dorothy looked up at her. “Are you sure it was all quiet?” she asked. “There’s something different about you, Aud.”

Audrey blushed. “Don’t be daft. I’ll see you in the morning. Night.” She left hastily, before Dorothy could notice anything else.

She got through her nighttime wash swiftly, tumbled into bed, pulled her blankets up and closed her eyes. She fell asleep thinking of the brush of Siegfried’s lips against hers.

“I’ve called Uncle Siegfried,” Mrs Pumphrey said when she arrived at her cottage the next morning. “I’m afraid Tricki Woo has come down with a cold overnight.”

Audrey eyed the pekinese. He wagged his tail. “He looks quite well to me?”

“Oh, but if you had only heard him coughing at breakfast this morning, Audrey! The poor boy! I was so worried about him. I called Uncle Siegfried immediately.”

“I suppose its best to be on the safe side,” Audrey said.

“I’m so glad you agree dear. Tricki needs the best possible care!”

Audrey nodded and headed off to start her cleaning. Outwardly, she was her usual calm self. Inwardly, her heart was pounding. She hadn’t expected to see Siegfried again so soon. She scrubbed the kitchen floor with vigour, attempting to distract herself. But when the doorbell rang, she straightened and pressed a hand to her chest. She was being silly, she scolded herself. She was a grown woman! She should not be this flustered by a man.

“Audrey dear, would you bring some tea?” Mrs Pumphrey called.

“Yes, Mrs Pumphrey,” she called back. The kettle was full and ready, so she made up the tea pot. Fresh leaves – a treat. She’d reuse them for the rest of the day, and maybe tomorrow too. There were a couple of biscuits left from the last time she’d baked; she added them to the tray too. Siegfried might have had a long night and now he was attending to the world’s most fussed-over dog. He deserved them.

“Thank you, Audrey dear,” Mrs Pumphrey said as Audrey set the tray down on the side table. “And do join us,” she added, patting the seat next to her.
An unusual request, Audrey thought, but she sat down obediently, not unhappy to have a few moments away from her jobs. On the sofa opposite, Siegfried was listening closely to Tricki’s chest. He gave her a swift, sidelong glance and a tiny crinkle of a smile.

“He seems perfectly sound, Mrs Pumphrey,” Siegfried said after a few moments. He tucked his stethoscope into his bag. “Perhaps there was a minor irritation which set him coughing. At any rate, he’s a healthy little thing, aren’t you Tricki?”

Tricki wagged his tail proudly.

“Oh, I’m so pleased to hear that!” Mrs Pumphrey said. “He worried me ever so.” Then she glanced at the clock and stood up abruptly. “Oh my dears, I’m so sorry – I forgot, I have a meeting with my land girls! I’m going to be late. Audrey dear, will you help Uncle Siegfried to a cup of tea? I must be off!” With which she bustled from the room at speed, leaving Audrey staring after her.

“Well-” Audrey said after a moment, and turned to Siegfried “tea?”

Siegfried smiled at her. “Lovely, thank you. How – um – how are you?”

“Very well, thank you.” She passed him a cup and blushed as their hands touched. “How was your call?”

Siegfried took a sip of tea and sighed. “Perfect. Not too bad, in the end. I was home just after one.”

Audrey shook her head. “I don’t know how you cope with so little sleep.”

“Perils of the job.”

“Is it easier now, with Calum?”

Siegfried laughed. “If I wasn’t so grateful, I’d be quite put out.” He cleared his throat. “Aye but can I have t’ vet wit’ badger?” he said, doing a fair imitation of the farmers’ broad Yorkshire. “He’s certainly a favourite with our clients.”

“Does he take Marilyn with him on all his calls? I met him one night on his way to Dinsdale and she was on the passenger seat.”

“Every time,” Siegfried shook his head. “An odd fellow, but a good man and an excellent vet.”

He set down his empty tea cup. Audrey filled it up again. “Biscuit?” she asked, proffering the plate. “You’re spoiling me again,” Siegfried murmured. He took one and bit into it. “Lovely,” he said, with his mouth full.

“Manners,” Audrey scolded lightly.

He swallowed and grinned. “Sorry, my dear.”

Audrey tingled at the words. Daring, she stood up from her seat and sat down next to him.

“Hello,” he said quietly. He put his biscuit down and slid his hand into hers.

“Hello,” she whispered back.

“Every time I see you, you’re more beautiful than I remember.”

She blushed wildly. “Nonsense. Look at me.” She gestured at her sensible blouse and skirt, her pinny tied over the top.

“I am, Audrey,” he said. “I am looking.” He cupped her cheek, stroked it with his thumb. “I’m so looking forward to taking you out to dinner. I’ll be the proudest man in Darrowby, with you on my arm.”

Impetuously, Audrey leant forward and kissed him. It was as perfect as the previous night. His lips soft, the slight prickle of his beard, the way they were drawn so irresistibly together.

Tricki barked, and the reminder that she was kissing Siegfried in her employer’s living room drew Audrey back in an instant. “Sorry, Tricki,” she said. Then she squeezed Siegfried’s hand and looked at him apologetically. “I probably shouldn’t have – here…”

“I understand. I had better get going. This lad is in the rudest health. Did you hear him coughing? I wonder if Mrs Pumphrey imagined it. I can’t think of anything that could have caused it.”

She shook her head. “No, he seemed fine when I arrived.”

“How very odd.” Siegfried stood up with a sigh, picked up his bag and stashed the rest of his biscuit into his pocket. “For later,” he said with a grin.

Audrey followed him to the door. “Will I… see you tonight?” she asked hopefully. “Would you like to come for dinner?”

“Perhaps I should give you my ration book,” he replied with a laugh. Then he cupped her cheek again. “If I am free of calls, I will be with you at six.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Goodbye for now, my dear.”

“Till later, Siegfried.” She watched him from the door as he flung his bag into the car and climbed him. An arm emerged from the window and waved at her. She waved back, and then he roared away.

Chapter Text

Audrey turned back into the house and bumped straight into Mrs Pumphrey. “Oh, I beg your pardon!” she exclaimed. “Your meeting is over then?”

“I have a tiny confession to make,” Mrs Pumphrey said. Audrey stared at her, confused. “There was no meeting.”

“And Tricki?” Audrey asked suspiciously. “Was he coughing over breakfast?”

“Well – not so much…” Mrs Pumphrey sighed. “I suppose I should apologise. I thought you and Uncle Siegfried might get on rather well together. I called him out so I could see if my suspicions were correct.”

“Were you – spying on us?!”

“Only a very tiny bit,” Mrs Pumphrey said sheepishly. “As soon as it became clear that you’d made your own minds up in that direction, I left post-hate.”

“Oh, goodness,” Audrey said, rubbing a hand over her face. She didn’t know whether to be embarrassed, humiliated or amused. Eventually, she settled on angry.

“Siegfried has enough to do with out being called out on pointless visits!”

“I know dear, I am sorry. But he had a nice sit down, a cup of tea and a biscuit,” Mrs Pumphrey said placatingly. “And I’ll send him a hamper for Christmas.”

“Hmm.”

“Don’t be angry with me, dear. And you know,” Mrs Pumphrey touched her tentatively on the arm, “I am absolutely delighted for you both.”

Audrey let herself smile at her infuriating employer. “Thank you.”

Back at home, just about recovered from her astonishment at Mrs Pumphrey’s matchmaking attempts, she found a stew bubbling on the stove and Dorothy mashing potatoes.

“I thought I’d make a potato pie,” she said, as Audrey entered the kitchen.

“I hope your cooking has improved since our WREN days,” Audrey said with a laugh. “Thank you, Dorothy. I appreciate it. Oh – and – Siegfried might join us for dinner.”

Dorothy ditched her fork. “He might, might he?” she asked, with a delighted smile and a raised eyebrow.

“He might,” Audrey said firmly. “If he doesn’t get caught up in any calls.” The statement was as much for her as for Dorothy; a reminder to herself that she knew how hectic Siegfried’s life was.

“Aud…” Dorothy said, picking up her fork and turning back to her potatoes, “did something happen last night?”

“You’re prying.”

“Unashamedly!”

“Well – we came to an understanding,” Audrey said. Then she laughed. “And today, Mrs Pumphrey called him out for what she claimed was Tricki’s terrible cough. But-”

“But?”

Audrey shook her head. “She was matchmaking.”

“Your employer?!” Dorothy said, amazed and amused. “What a place this is!”

“It’s certainly different to Scarborough,” Audrey mused. “I love it, though.”

A little later, there was a knock at the door and Audrey hastened to answer it. On the doorstep were Calum and Marilyn.

“I take it Mr Farnon has been called out?” Audrey said, resigned.

“He has, Mrs H. He asked me to drop round and apologise that his assistance was required on a farm.”

“Did he say that?”

“Well. No. There was more shouting involved.”

“I appreciate your tact, Calum,” Audrey said with a smile. She gestured into the house. “Would you like to come in then? There’s plenty.”

“That’s kind of you Mrs H, but we’re actually heading out as well. Otherwise I’d have done Mr Farnon’s call. He was very cross,” Calum added.

“Come in quickly and I’ll put something together for you both. Then you won’t have to worry about cooking.”

“Thank you,” Calum said gratefully. “Neither of us are much in the way of cooks.”

Audrey led the lad through to the kitchen, where Dorothy had dished up the stew and was spreading the mashed potato on top ready for a final grill.

“Dorothy, this is Calum. And Marilyn.”

Dorothy turned and took a step back. “That’s a badger.”

Calum grinned. “That’s right, this is my Marilyn. Comes all over with me, she does.”

“Calum has joined Siegfried at the surgery.”

“What a place!” Dorothy murmured again, shaking her head.

“Siegfried can’t come for dinner – he’s out on a call. Could you pop half of this in another dish and they can have it when they’re back.”

Dorothy found another dish and filled it generously. She passed it over to Calum, keeping a wary eye on the badger. “There you go.”

“Thank you, both. Much appreciated. Not for you, Marilyn!” He exclaimed as the badger nosed the dish interestedly. “Better be off – good night!”

He left and Dorothy shook her head. “We’re not in Kansas any more!” She quoted wryly.

Audrey laughed. “It’s not quite that bad. Though Siegfried would make quite a good lion, don’t you think?”

Dorothy smiled. “I’d love to be a fly on the wall if you ever tell him that.”

“All the roaring. But none of the claws.”

“He seems like a good man.” Dorothy slung an arm around Audrey’s waist and hugged her. “You deserve a good man.”

Chapter Text

Full of pie – Dorothy’s cooking had improved, it turned out – Audrey set off on her rounds. She knew her route well now and daydreamed as she cycled out to the furthest farms. Her brief kiss with Siegfried this morning, the more passionate one last night… She hummed as she cycled, and wondered whether she might see him at a farm tonight.

She was well out of Darrowby when she heard the distant wail of the air raid siren begin. She shivered – not again! – and turned her bike around. The wailing grew louder as she peddled down the hills towards Darrowby, then cut out. Blissful silence reigned for several minutes.

And then.

She heard planes.

Not the steady hum of their own fighters – a sound they were all familiar with by now – but the eery rise and fall of the German machines.

Audrey had heard them in news reels, on her odd trips to the cinema. This was the first time she’d heard them for real, and she fought down the panic that rose in her at the noise.

As she raced through Darrowby, the streets were deserted. She turned into the main square, glanced at the pub, and trusted that Maggie would have her patrons safe. Mr Bosworth would be at their station, ready by the phone.

“Audrey!” A sudden shout rang out into the dark night.

With relief, she pulled up outside Skeldale.

“Inside, quick,” Siegfried grabbed her hand as she raced up the steps, and pulled her into the house. The sound of the German planes was getting closer every second.

She held tight to his hand as he hustled her through the house and into the dining room. “Under here,” he said, gesturing at the dining table. She dropped to her knees and crawled under it.

“Mrs H!” Calum’s voice was surprisingly bright. “How nice to see you!”

She crawled next to him. Siegfried followed her under the table and pulled the wire sides into place.

There was enough space for them to sit upright, and a storm lantern provided light. Audrey looked round, inspecting the shelter with trained eyes, trying to calm herself.

“Morrison shelter?” she said. “Very nice.”

“Adapted,” Siegfried said, sitting with his legs crossed and looking rather like an overgrown schoolboy. “I wanted enough space for any animals that we might have.”

“But it’s just Marilyn today,” Calum said, gesturing at what Audrey had thought was a pile of blankets. There was a blanket, but Audrey could see now that the badger was curled up on top.

“There’s a scraping left of dinner if you want it, Mrs H?” Calum offered her a familiar looking dish.

“I’m fine, thanks Calum.”

He smiled at her. “Good-o. It was excellent, than you.” He stretched and yawned. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to turn in,” he said. “Been a long day.”

“By all means,” Siegfried said. “Here.” He plucked a blanket from a shadowy corner and threw it over. “Sleep tight.”

Calum turned onto his side, facing away from the others, pulled the blanket over himself and lay still.

Audrey and Siegfried sat in tense silence, listening as the planes flew overhead. One sounded so low that she thought it would fly into the hillside. She shivered and Siegfried shifted abruptly, sitting next to her and taking her hand. He didn’t say anything, but the strength of his hand in hers gave her comfort.

Gradually, the noise of the bombers faded into the distance and Audrey relaxed. Siegfried gave her hand a squeeze and let go.

Calum let out a loud snore.

Audrey jumped in astonishment and couldn’t help the nervous giggle that escaped her.

“He’s asleep?”

“He can sleep anywhere, under any conditions,” Siegfried said. “Quite a talent. He’s up at all hours you know – if he’s not on a call he’s off trying to see wildlife. So when he can sleep, he doesn’t waste any time.”

“I’ll say!” How he had managed to drop off when Audrey’s own heart was pounding from nerves… Calum was clearly made of stern stuff.

Siegfried paused a moment. “He’s about the same age as Tris,” he said quietly. Audrey glanced at him. His expression was fixed.

“Your brother?”

Siegfried nodded sharply.

“You’re worrying about him,” Audrey said.

“Always.” He sighed. “Always, but sometimes, like now, it’s worse. When the war feels so close… It sounds terrible, but sometimes when I’m out on the dales, in the sun, with the animals, I can forget there’s anything bad happening in the world.” He snorted. “Until I come across one of Bosworth’s blasted paint cows, of course.” He quietened again. “I miss him, Audrey. I would forgive him everything we ever argued about if only he would come home in one piece.”

“Oh Siegfried.” She took his hand and held it, comforting him as he had her. “Have you written to him yet?”

He shook his head. Taking her silence for rebuke, he said, “I have tried. It just... doesn’t seem to come to anything.”

“Would you like some help?” she offered. She thought of Edward, how the letters they exchanged brought comfort to both of them. “There’s no time like the present?”

“What, now?”

“Why not?”

“Why not, indeed,” Siegfried muttered. He crawled out of the shelter, grabbed his notebook and pen from his desk and crawled back again.

He passed Audrey a blanket. “Might as well get comfortable,” he said, and she curled up in it obediently. “Well – where do I start?”

Half an hour later, Siegfried’s hair was rumpled, his tie discarded, crumpled up pieces of paper surrounded him, and he had written a short note to his brother.

“Well done,” Audrey said. She stretched tiredly in her blanket. Calum had been snoring gently throughout and she rather wanted to emulate him.

“I’ll post it tomorrow,” Siegfried promised. He folded it, tucked it into his pocket, and lay down.

Three tired humans and one badger fitted nicely under the table. “Best get some rest in. Goodnight, Audrey.” His eyes were soft on hers as he smiled. His hand brushed her blanketed shoulder. “And thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” she replied quietly. “Goodnight, Siegfried.” She smiled at him and let her eyes drift close without moving her gaze.

The all clear woke them sometime later. Audrey rubbed her eyes blearily. Though the floor had not been particularly comfortable she’d slept in worse conditions and had dropped off quite easily.

“Wha’s time?” Siegfried muttered.

“Three thirty,” Calum said, sounding bright and chipper. “It’s nearly dawn. I’ll be off. There’s a wood I’ve got my eye on to visit. See you later, Siegfried, Mrs H.” He scrambled past the others, with Marilyn trotting after him, opened the shelter, stood, stretched happily, and disappeared.

“How?” Audrey wondered.

Siegfried snorted. “Youth. Foolishness.” He struggled out of his blankets and sat up. “I for one would like a few more hours in a proper bed. Would you – would you care to stay? There’s a bed made up in one of the spare rooms.”

Sleeping at Skeldale, maybe a quiet morning, having breakfast with Siegfried… it sounded perfect. Regretfully, Audrey shook her head. “I’d better get home. Dorothy will be worrying about me.”

“May I walk you?” Siegfried asked. He was a rumpled, dishevelled mess. The bags under his eyes were prominent. Audrey’s heart swelled.

“I’d like that. Thank you.”

The sky was just beginning to pink when Skeldale’s door closed behind them. The deserted town in the pre-dawn light felt magical. Siegfried slipped his hand through Audrey’s.

“I’m glad you came, last night.”

“Me too,” she said, leaning into him.

“Though it wasn’t quite how I imagined our first night together to be.”

“You’ve imagined it, have you?” Audrey asked, colouring her voice with a tartness that did not disguise her amusement or fondness.

“Oh, Audrey,” Siegfried brushed a kiss to her forehead, “very much so.”

“Behave yourself, Mr Farnon,” she scolded with a smile. “Ain’t you supposed to be walking me home?”

“Regretfully,” he acknowledged.

Her hand clasped in his, he set off down the steps. He started to stride across the square, but she tugged him to a halt. He looked at her quizzically.

“My bike,” she reminded him, nodding her head at where it was propped against the wall of the house.

“Blast,” he muttered. He let go of her and retrieved the bike.

“Blast?”

“Pre-dawn stroll, hand-in-hand, very romantic.” He sighed and looked at the bike he was holding. “Can’t hold your hand now.”

“Silly man,” she said fondly. She looped her arm through his and smiled at him. “Better?”

“Much.”

It was a pleasant stroll through the streets, tired though they were. Audrey, despite longing for her bed, wished it would go on for ever. Soon enough, though, they arrived at her door.

Siegfried stowed her bike carefully and then turned to her. “I suppose this is goodnight,” he murmured.

“Or good morning?”

He chuckled and reached out to cup her cheek. She leant irresistibly into his touch. “Good morning, Audrey.” He moved towards her and she met him, pressing their lips together softly. He kissed her carefully but thoroughly and she held on to him tightly, relishing the feel of his body against hers.

“Maybe next time we spend the night together, we’ll be alone,” he pondered when he finally broke the kiss.

A thrill of longing ran through her and she couldn’t help the way she pulled him tighter against her. “We haven’t even been on a date, yet,” she reminded him.

“Soon,” he promised. Then he reached around her to open the door. He pushed her inside the cottage gently. “Best go before I end up following you in,” he said with a wry smile.

She felt rather the same way herself. She smiled at him, enjoying his wistful, needy expression. “Good morning, Siegfried.” And then, with a deal of willpower, she closed the door.

Chapter Text

Audrey crept into the house. Dash, in his basket in the living room, lifted his head, looked at her and tucked back down immediately.

She padded up the stairs, peeked into the spare room, where Dorothy’s dark head was just visible above the bedcovers, then fell with a sigh into her own bed.

She slept late – well after her usual rising time – and woke to Dorothy at her door.

“There you are, sleepy head,” she said. She slipped into the room, popped a cup of tea on Audrey’s bedside table and sat herself on the end of the bed. “I was worried about you last night.”

Audrey rubbed her eyes and shuffled upright. “Thank you,” she said, picking up the tea. “Sorry.”

“I stopped worrying when I realised you’d probably stopped over with your dishy vet.”

Audrey blushed.

“You did!” Dorothy said. “There was me, alone with Dash in your shelter and you were all snuggled up cosily with your Siegfried.”

“And with Calum, and a badger,” Audrey pointed out with a smile.

“Oh, well I didn’t factor them into my imagination. So there’s less for you to catch me up on then?” Dorothy said with a grin.

“Even if they hadn’t been there, are air raids prime romantic times?!”

“Clinging to each other in fear, bodies pressed together, your breath mingling…”

Audrey threw a pillow at her.

“And after I brought you tea! Ungrateful creature. Are you working today?”

Audrey glanced at her clock. “No, thank goodness.”

“Excellent, we can have a nice day together. You can catch me up on all your gossip and maybe Siegfried will want to come around for dinner…”

Audrey threw another pillow at her.

The housework flew by with two of them at it, and then they went for a stroll. Audrey wanted to introduce Dorothy to Darrowby, which was looking at its best in the golden sunshine as they walked, arm-in-arm with Dash trotting at their heels.

They met Mr Bosworth, wearing his uniform as usual. “We’re required to inspect all the telephones in our area and make sure they’re in working order,” he said to Audrey. “I’ll leave that with you. I have a list, I’ll pop it through your door.” He nodded and left, moustache bristling importantly.

Dorothy stared after him. “Well, if he’s one of the choices of bachelor in the village, I can see why you went for the vet.”

“Hush,” Audrey elbowed her. “He’s very good at his job, even if he is a bit – like that.”

They popped into the Drover’s next. Maggie poured them both a refreshing glass of cider and Audrey introduced her to Dorothy.

“Everything all right last night, Mrs Hall?” Maggie asked.

Audrey nodded. “Came to nothing, for us at least. Didn’t like the sound of the planes much.”

“We didn’t hear them,” Maggie said. “The lads decided to have a sing-song.”

“I should have come here!” Dorothy exclaimed. “And there was me on my lonesome.”

Maggie looked at Audrey and raised her eyebrows.

“I were busy working!” Audrey said, “and Skeldale was closer when the planes were coming…”

Maggie grinned. “How is Mr Farnon? As grumpy as ever?”

“He’s quite well.” Audrey said firmly. Then she was struck by a thought. “Maggie – did you ever meet his brother? Tristan?”

Maggie laughed. “Meet him? I’d say. We had a bit of a thing going, Tris and me. Course, after he left Darrowby and refused to come back, it had to end.” She sighed and twisted the ring on her finger. “I’m happy with Arthur, he’s a good man and I love him. But Tris… Ah well.” She smiled slightly. “He’s doing as well as can be. It would be nice if he’d come back and visit sometime, but I know he won’t.”

Audrey leant forward in surprise. “You hear from him?”

“He writes me a letter every now and then. Makes me laugh with his awful tales.”

“Oh,” Audrey breathed. “Oh, that’s good to hear.”

“He’s still not talking to his brother then?” Maggie surmised shrewdly. “He’ll have his reasons. Tempers, the both of them, and too stubborn for their own good.” She smiled at Audrey. “You’re doing Siegfried a lot of good, you know. Everybody’s noticed.”

Audrey blanched. “Everybody?”

“Oh Aud, you’re the gossip of the village,” Dorothy laughed.

Maggie put a gentle hand on her arm. “It’s not bad, Mrs Hall. People are glad he’s finding his way again. He’s always been good with the animals, and now he has a smile for their owners again too.”

Maggie was called away then, to serve other customers, and Audrey and Dorothy drained their glasses and headed back into the sunshine.

“Don’t look so worried,” Dorothy chided her friend.

“I don’t like the idea that people are watching us,” Audrey said, nibbling her lip.

“They’re pleased for you, and him. Like Maggie said.”

“Hmm,” Audrey said, doubtfully. Then she spotted Siegfried making his way along the street, and worrying about what other people were thinking seemed pointless. He was strolling as though without a care, but Audrey knew him well now and saw the tension in his hand, where he held an envelope.

“He’s posting it,” she breathed.

He spotted her at that moment, and crossed the street.

“Hello Audrey, hello Dash,” he said, his smile melting her insides. “And Dorothy, hello again.” He tipped his hat politely. “I’m posting it,” he said to Audrey, showing her the letter. “Wish me luck?”

“Oh Siegfried, of course,” she said. “I hope it – I hope he… understands.”

Siegfried grasped her hand. “Thank you for helping me write it. I feel so much better for it.” He squeezed her hand and let go. “I’d better get going, I’ve nipped out in between cases and I have a roomful of patients waiting for me to get back.”

“Hop to it, then!” Audrey said with a laugh.

He saluted. “Ma’am.” Then he winked, and hastened off.

“And that’s your fault,” Audrey muttered to Dorothy. “Honestly!”

“It was sweet,” Dorothy countered. “Who’s he writing to?”

“Tristan. His brother.”

“The one who won’t come back to Darrowby and is writing periodically to Maggie?” Dorothy raised an eyebrow.

“They had a falling out. He left two years ago and only wrote once, when he told Siegfried he was joining up. This is – an olive branch, I suppose.”

Dorothy eyed her. “No wonder people are thinking you’re doing him good. Sounds like you’re single-handedly fixing the man.” She looked at Audrey, more seriously. “I hope he’s doing something for you too.”

Audrey blushed, and Dorothy grinned. “Oh, aye! But – more than that, Aud.”

Audrey breathed out. “He’s – yes. He is.”

Dorothy looped their arms together and they wandered slowly down the road, then struck out on the footpath across the fields to the river. Audrey let Dash off his lead – no worry about poisoned rats here – and he scampered ahead.

“Going back to what he’s doing for you…” Dorothy said after a while, “Do you have any – plans?”

“We haven’t been on a proper date yet, Dorothy!”

“Well, you will soon enough.”

Audrey nibbled her lip. “I’m a bit – nervous.”

Dorothy stared at her. “What about?!”

“I haven’t – since Robert – and even with him it had been years…” She sighed. “What if I’m – not up to scratch? If I do something wrong?”

Dorothy laughed. “Audrey, you do worry! Honestly! It’s like riding a bike.”

Audrey stopped dead. “Well, I’ve definitely been doing it wrong then.”

Dorothy stared at her amazed, then burst into peals of laughter. “Oh, Aud!” She bumped Audrey’s shoulder familiarly. “You’re going to be just fine, you and your vet.”

Chapter Text

Audrey stepped through her front door and onto a piece of paper. “Bosworth,” she said, picking it up before Dash could eat it, and stowing it in her pocket.

She made tea and when they were sitting in the living room, she unfolded it.

“Your orders?” Dorothy asked.

Audrey scanned the page. “I had no idea there were so many telephone boxes around here. Well, this will keep me busy.”

“Not today,” Dorothy said firmly. “You deserve a break today.”

There was a tap at the door. Audrey opened it to see Calum there.

“Hello, Mrs H,” he said cheerfully, “I’ve brought you an invitation to dinner. And your friend.”

“Calum! How kind. Come in?”

He shook his head. “I’m on my way out. And – um,” he hesitated for a moment.

“What is it?”

“It’s just, well. Siegfried is cooking and it doesn’t always turn out quite right so... um… don’t come too hungry?”

“I promise we won’t be ravenous,” Audrey assured him. He smiled at her and left. She was just about to close the door, when he shouted, “Six thirty! He said to come at six thirty!”

“Roger that,” she called back and closed the door with a laugh.

“We have an invitation to try Siegfried’s cooking,” she said to Dorothy when she returned to the living room. “An invitation and also a warning about the cooking.”

Dorothy smiled. “Sounds ominous. I can’t wait.”

They arrived at Skeldale promptly for half six. Dorothy had coerced Audrey into powder, lipstick and freshly curled hair. Audrey drew the line at a fancy dress. “Absolutely not,” she said, when Dorothy pulled out a long, glittery, black number from her wardrobe. “It’s just dinner.”

“For your first date then,” Dorothy said with a wink.

Siegfried opened the door. He was wearing a pinny. “Hello, come in, come in!” he said in a rush, then sped off down the corridor.

“So this is Skeldale,” Dorothy said, hanging up her hat and looking around curiously. “Its a bit of a maze, isn’t it?”

“If we keep walking, we’ll get to the kitchen eventually,” Audrey said. She’d found it on her own once before, she could manage it again.

She led Dorothy down the corridor, though Dorothy insisted on poking her nose into every room that they passed.

“Good size,” she murmured about the living room. “Handy,” when they passed the cupboard. “Could be better organised,” about the room stuffed with potions and powders.

Audrey peered around her and took in the chaos. “A masterful understatement.”

“He needs somebody organising him, Aud,” Dorothy said meaningfully.

“Hmm,” Audrey said, non-committally.

They turned the corner and bumped into Calum. “Just putting my things away,” he said. “Dinner’s nearly done. And it doesn’t smell too burnt!” He bustled off past them.

Dorothy stared after him. “Is he always cheerful?”

“He’s a special lad.”

Finally, they made it to the kitchen.

“Come in, come in,” Siegfried said, waving them into the room. “We’ll eat in here. It’s not very fancy but it’s easier. Sit down!” he added, gesturing them to the table.

Audrey chose a seat and sat. He’d obviously tried hard; there was a fresh vase of flowers on the table, the place settings were neat. Everything looked clean and fresh, without the thin layer of dust she’d seen in the living room when she’d been in there.

“It’s stew,” he said. “I hope that’s all right?”

“Perfect,” Audrey said, smiling at him.

He smiled back, then opened the oven door and disappeared briefly behind a cloud of steam. “Ouch, ouch, ouch,” he said, pulling out the pot and dropping it onto the stove.

Audrey looked at him with concern, but he was wearing oven gloves.

He looked at her a little sadly. “Hole,” he said, and wiggled a poking-out finger at her.

“Run it under water, Siegfried,” she said, standing up and towing him to the sink. She pulled the oven glove off his hand, turned on the tap and stuck his hand underneath it.

“Ow,” he said.

“Foolish man,” she said fondly.

“Why don’t I dish up?” Dorothy suggested.

Eventually, they were all sitting around the table.

While Audrey had to admit that Siegfried’s cooking wasn’t exactly on a par with hers, it wasn’t bad either. The happy, surprised noises that Calum was making as he gobbled his portion down suggested it was an unusually good meal for the house.

It was a pleasant, easy meal. Calum was his usual, cheerful self and he entertained them all with tales of his veterinary training mishaps. Siegfried contributed some of his own. Dorothy told some embellished stories of Audrey’s adventures with the WRENS, making Audrey blush wildly and kick her under the table.

Talk turned to their current jobs.

“Any wild adventures as an air raid warden?” Siegfried asked Audrey curiously. “Or is it all patrols and telling people off?”

“Don’t forget the time we taped up your windows,” Audrey said.

“I never could,” Siegfried assured her with a smile.

“But no, that’s about it, so far. For which we should all be grateful, I suppose. I do have a variation coming up.”

“Oh?”

“Bosworth wants me to check that all the public telephones in our area are working. He gave me a list. There are more than I thought.”

Siegfried nodded. “A lot of the farmers don’t have their own phones, they often call me from a nearby telephone box.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “When does he want that done by?”

“Yesterday, knowing him.”

“How about…” Siegfried drummed his fingers briefly on the table, “My list for tomorrow is taking me out and about. If you’re free, why don’t you come along with me? We can check the phones and do my calls. It’ll be easier for you than cycling it all.”

“What a wonderful idea,” Dorothy said, more enthusiastically than Audrey thought was warranted.

Audrey nibbled her lip. “It does sound good. As long as you don’t mind having me along all day?”

Siegfried smiled at her. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”

“Why are you in uniform?” Dorothy asked Audrey the next morning over breakfast. “You’re going to spend a day with Siegfried going around farms.”

Audrey shook her head. “I’m inspecting the telephone boxes, so I am on official duty.” She pronounced it solemnly and stroked an imaginary moustache.

“That Mr Bosworth is a bit of a pain, isn’t he. Mind you,” Dorothy’s eyes twinkled suddenly, “does Siegfried like the uniform?”

“I think he’s used to it by now,” Audrey said. “After all, the first few times we met was when I was on duty.”

“Pity,” Dorothy murmured.

“It’s just a day of farm visits and telephone boxes,” Audrey said firmly. “Don’t make it something it’s not.”

“Are you sure your Mr Farnon won’t?” Dorothy wondered. “In fact, I’d be disappointed with him if he didn’t. He declares he’s courting you and you get, what, two kisses and a dinner with four of us?”

Audrey blushed. “Three kisses. And they were very nice.”

Siegfried arrived promptly at eight thirty and tooted his horn.

Audrey picked up the parcel of sandwiches she’d made herself for lunch and smiled at Dorothy. “Wish me luck!”

“I’ll wish you that and more,” Dorothy said with a wink.

Audrey flapped her hand at her. “And please walk Dash!”

“I will. Now, off you go!”

Audrey slipped into the front seat of the Rover and smiled at Siegfried. “Good morning!”

“Isn’t it just!” Siegfried tipped his head up to the sky – he had the roof of the car down – “A beautiful day and the pleasure of your company. What more could a man want?”

Audrey blushed.

“Have you got your list?” Siegfried asked.

Audrey patted her pocket. “Safe in here. Have you got yours?”

Siegfried patted his pocket. Then the other one. Then his inside pocket. “Damnation,” he muttered. “And I was going to show you how organised I could be.”

Audrey laughed at him. “I’ve met you, Siegfried. Come on, back to Skeldale and then out on our adventures.”

They sped back to Skeldale, Siegfried dashed in. A mere five minutes later, looking flustered, he reappeared. “Found it eventually,” he muttered and jumped back in the car.

Then they were off properly. Out of Darrowby, up the lanes, out into the dales. Audrey admired the view as they drove. Though she was often out this way now, toiling away on her bike in the dark was not quite the same as being chauffeur-driven in glorious sunshine. The green rolling hills stretched far into the distance and she thought, as she so often had in the past year, how lucky she was to live in such a beautiful place. She heaved a gentle sigh.

Siegfried glanced at her. “What’s that about?”

Audrey gestured. “It’s so lovely here. I don’t think I’d ever want to leave.”

He sent her a brief, shy, smile. “I’m very glad to hear that.” Then- “Oh, here we go!” He drew up alongside the first telephone box of the day.

Audrey climbed out of the car, opened the telephone box and went in. She checked the number of the box against her list, tested the dial tone and, satisfied, placed a tick next to the box number. One down, many more to go, she thought to herself.

She checked two more phones before they made it to Siegfried’s first stop of the day. He’d been called to stitch up a cow with a torn udder. Audrey climbed up onto the stone wall by the cow barn and sat, enjoying the sunshine and watching while he worked. He might bluster, shout and be incredibly absent-minded, but he was superb at his job. He stitched up the cow with minimal fuss and soon they were on their way again.

It was a very pleasant way to spend the day, Audrey thought. Siegfried at her side, the sun on her face, her list being checked off quickly.

By midday, she was starting to feel peckish. She was about to open her parcel of sandwiches when Siegfried’s stomach growled loudly.

He looked at her sheepishly and then laughed. “I think that’s a sign we need to take a break.” They were on a long, open stretch of road and he pulled the car over to the side.

“Would you like a sandwich?” Audrey asked, proffering her parcel.

“No – I – hold on.”

She watched, bemused, as he jumped out of the car and opened the boot. A moment later, he was carrying a hamper to the wide grass verge.

“Would you care to join me?” With a flourish, he spread a picnic blanket on the grass.

Audrey got out of the car and sat herself on the blanket. Siegfried opened the hamper and drew out plates, cutlery and cups, followed by an array of parcels.

“Well, this looks rather spectacular,” she said, as finally he placed two bottles of beer on the blanket and closed the hamper lid. “Is there an occasion?”

“I wondered,” he looked at her shyly, “if you might like to consider this a date.”

There was a slight pleading expression on his face and she acquiesced immediately. “That sounds lovely.”

He grinned at her and opened the parcels. There were tomatoes and cucumber, strawberries, cheese, bread and slices of cold meat. A true feast.

“Siegfried Farnon, how did you manage to get all of this? I hope you’re not delving into the black market?” she asked, teasingly.

“Audrey, would I?! No, as it happens, I – called Mrs Pumphrey after you left last night. Explained the situation. She was rather excited to help. More excited than I had expected,” he mused thoughtfully.

Audrey had failed to apprise him of Mrs Pumphrey’s matchmaking activities. She did so now and he laughed. “That explains it,” he said.

Audrey’s fish paste sandwiches were abandoned as they tucked into their spread.

They clinked together their cups of beer. “To our first date,” Siegfried said.

Gradually their eating slowed, and then Siegfried heaved a sigh and sprawled out on the blanket. “Bliss,” he murmured.

With courage helped by her pint of beer, Audrey lay down next to him. She ran her fingers along his arm and then he caught her hand and curled their fingers together.

“That’s more like it,” he said, pulling her even closer. With a sigh, she lay her head on his shoulder.

“It is,” she said happily.

“It’s nice to have you all to myself for a change. We always seem so busy, and Calum and Dorothy are…”

“Lovely people, but generally around.”

She felt his fingers stroke over her hair. “Would you get in terrible trouble if you unpinned it?” he murmured.

“Probably,” she said. “But I can pin it back up before we get home.”

“Excellent,” he breathed. Gentle fingers worked through her hair, finding her pins and drawing them out. Audrey hummed at the feel of it.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said quietly. He pulled a strand of her hair loose and twirled it through his fingers.

She turned into him and lifted her eyes to his. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

He let go of her hair and traced his fingers along jacket shoulder, down her arm. “Would you – would you take this off?” he asked hopefully.

Audrey’s heart fluttered and she blushed. But she sat up, watched him watching her as she drew the jacket off and put it on the blanket next to her. He held out his arms to her and she lay down with his arms around her.

“That’s better,” he murmured. “I can feel you now.” He grinned. “I like the uniform very much, but I think I’ll like what is under it even more.”

She smiled. “Wicked man.” His face was so very close to hers now, they were so entwined. His lips were inviting, stained strawberry-red. She didn’t resist, just moved slightly so she could brush her lips over them.

He responded eagerly, kissing her first gently and then more passionately. She rolled onto her back and he came with her, lying almost over her, his lips moving over hers and then, suddenly, he was pressing kisses to her neck, just above her collar.

She wound her arms around him, wishing that she’d asked him to take his jacket off too. He brushed a kiss just under her ear and she gave in, dipped her hands under his jacket, felt the heat of him through his shirt.

“Audrey,” he said and kissed her lips again. “Oh, Audrey.”

They kissed till they were breathless, and then he pulled back slowly. A lock of his hair sprang free and curled over his forehead. She brushed it back into place and he caught her hand and kissed her palm.

“Audrey, oh, how I wish I could take you to bed!” He gave a heartfelt groan, sat up and then pulled her up too. “I didn’t want to stop,” he admitted. He ran his fingers through her hair, now falling, dishevelled, over her shoulders. “But I don’t want the first time I make love to you to be on the side of the road.”

“The danger of a passing farmer,” Audrey agreed. “Plus, we’re rather too old for it to be comfortable.”

“Old?” Siegfried said, “Old? You wound me, Audrey.”

She laughed. “Your back will thank you tomorrow.”

“Other parts of me might not,” he grumbled. “Audrey – I do – I -” he paused and stroked her cheek. “I adore you.”

Her heart swelled. She leant forward and kissed him again. “I’m rather fond of you too, Siegfried Farnon.”

Chapter Text

The rest of their lists took rather longer; in between checking telephones and treating animals, Siegfried would pull the Rover to the side of secluded stretches of road, take Audrey in his arms and kiss her.

By the time they had finished their lists and reached Darrowby, Audrey was in a state of wild frustration.

“We’ll find a night,” Siegfried promised when he drew up outside her cottage. “No calls, no ARP duty…”

“No Calum or Dorothy,” Audrey said hopefully, patting her re-pinned hair to make sure it was in place. “How do I look?”

She blushed under Siegfried’s scrutiny. He leaned in and kissed her, a swift but passionate thing. “Beautiful,” he said.

With reluctance, Audrey climbed out of the car, her list safely in her pocket, her untouched sandwiches under her arm. “Bye for now, Siegfried.”

He fixed her with one last longing look. “Goodbye, Audrey.”

Dorothy grinned at her when Audrey entered the kitchen. “No need to ask how your day was,” she said cheerfully. “Well done that man!”

“But – I-” Audrey patted her hair again. It was fine.

“Written all over your face, Aud,” Dorothy said. “I hope that means you won’t have any more worries about being out of practice! Now, give me a hand with these carrots and tell me all about it.”

Before her rounds that evening, Audrey popped to Bosworth’s house.

“I’ve checked the telephones,” she said, handing her completed list. “All working apart from two. They’re marked.”

“Oh.” He looked taken aback. He took the list and glanced at it. “Excellent work, Mrs Hall. Thank you. I’ll send this off immediately.” A tiny smile crossed his face. “I have no doubt that we will be the first district to send in our completed list. Well done.”

“Thank you,” Audrey said, thinking how much nicer he seemed when he smiled. With a nod, she left, climbed onto her bike and set off. The hills that she had flown up in Siegfried’s car were, once again, hard work. She sighed as she puffed her way up them.

Half way round another uneventful shift, she heard a car in the distance. Shortly after, Siegfried drew alongside her and stopped.

She came to a thankful halt. “Good evening, Siegfried.”

“Evening, Audrey.” His eyes were fond as he looked at her. “I’m afraid I won’t be in this evening. This is going to be a long call.”

“I’ll miss you,” Audrey said.

“As I will you.” Suddenly he cut off his engine. Audrey’s heart did a little flip as he came around the side of his car to stand next to her. “I can’t let you go without a kiss,” he murmured, reaching for her. He kissed her carefully, so as not to unbalance her on her bike. “To tide us over,” he said with a wink when he drew away. He jumped back into his car and, with a wave of his hand, sped off.

Audrey was left staring after him, a tingle on her lips and an ache in her lower stomach that suggested that the tiding over was not going to work particularly well for her.

She only called in at one farm during her rounds; an accidental light left on, which was profusely apologised for.

And then she was back in Darrowby, a quick tour of the streets, a wistful glance at an empty Skeldale, and home.

“Did you enjoy the picnic?” Mrs Pumphrey asked the next day.

“Very much so, thank you.”

“I nearly gave Uncle Siegfried one of your fruit pies, but I thought it would be less of a treat for you if you had done the baking.”

Audrey laughed. “We had plenty without it and it was a real treat. Thank you.”

“My dear,” Mrs Pumphrey put a gentle hand on her arm, “I was very glad to help.”

Housework, home, dinner with Dorothy, rounds… All passed with a background haze of longing. Audrey worked efficiently, chatted with Dorothy, ensured Darrowby and its surrounding areas were blacked out as per regulations, and did not spot Siegfried all day. There was no hail from Skeldale at the end of her rounds, and when she knocked, there was no answer. A busy day for the vets, apparently.

“You’re out of sorts,” Dorothy noted when Audrey slumped tiredly onto the sofa. “No dishy vet today?”

Audrey shook her head. “They must be busy. He and Calum are both out.” She rubbed her face. “I’m being ridiculous; I saw him yesterday. How can I miss him?”

“Young love,” Dorothy said with a smile.

“I’m the same age as you!” Audrey protested.

“And you’ve been swept off your feet for the first time.”

“Robert-”

“Wasn’t a grand romance to begin with, from what you’ve told me. And certainly wasn’t at the end.”

Audrey shivered, her husband’s drunken rages coming vividly to mind. She touched a hand to her cheek.

“I’m sorry,” Dorothy said contritely. “I didn’t mean-”

“I know.” She rubbed her cheek, soothing a memory of old pain, then stood and stretched. “Bed for me,” she said. “Night, Dorothy.”

“Night, Aud.”

For the first time in years, she dreamt of Robert. Woke, sweaty with her pulse racing, from the threats he’d made to her. To her Edward.

She took slow, deep breaths. Tried to clear her mind. Slowly, her pulse returned to normal. She turned back into her pillow and remembered lying on the picnic blanket with Siegfried, the way he’d kissed her. She dropped back off to sleep with a smile on her face.

When she got up in the morning, Dorothy had already made her scrambled eggs (from egg powder, of course) and a cup of tea.

“I’m sorry about last night,” Dorothy said, as she pushed the cup towards Audrey. “I didn’t mean to stir up bad memories.”

Audrey shook her head. “I know.” She took a sip of tea and smiled at her friend. “You’re forgiven.”

She tucked into her eggs and toast, washed up, and was almost ready to leave for Mrs Pumphrey’s when there was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it,” Dorothy called. Then a moment later, “Audrey, for you!”

Audrey put a final pin into her hair and hastened downstairs. The door was open and a young man stood there. For a second, she thought it was Edward. But the uniform was wrong, and this man was stockier than Edward was.

“Good morning,” she said, coming forward.

“Mrs Hall?” the man asked.

“Yes.” She looked at him closely. He seemed familiar somehow. It came to her in a flash. “Tristan Farnon?”

He pulled his hat from his head. “That’s me. May I come in?”

Audrey glanced into the house, at Dorothy, who was listening closely, and back at the man – at Tristan. “I’m just about to go out to work.”

“Oh.” The lad sagged slightly.

“I’ll go,” Dorothy said. “Goodness knows it’s about time I did something useful for you. You stay here, Aud.”

“If – if you’re sure?”

“Of course I am. Bit of housework, it’ll be good for me.”

“Well then.” Audrey eyed the younger Farnon. “Come on in.”

Audrey led him through to the kitchen. Dorothy shouted a cheery goodbye, the front door shut, and they were alone.

“Tea?” she asked.

“Please,” he said. The teapot was still half-full, so she poured him a cup and passed it over. He cupped it in his hands and looked at her. “Maggie told me where you live,” he said. “I hope you don’t mind?”

Audrey shook her head. “I don’t, of course. But why are you here? Your brother…?” Sudden worry seized her.

“He sent me a letter.” Tristan pulled it out of a pocket and placed it on the table. It was the one that Audrey and Siegfried had written together, during the air raid.

“It reached you fast!” Audrey gasped.

Tristan rubbed his face. Audrey thought he looked ashamed. “I’m stationed in Doncaster,” he said. Then he shook his head. “That doesn’t matter. This letter…” he smoothed it out. “I – I need to understand… Maggie said you and my brother are close. What do you know about… what happened between us?”

Audrey took a slow breath. “I know that you had a falling out,” she said. “I’ve heard there was a fight.”

Tristan laughed hollowly. “The last time I saw my brother, he told me he didn’t want to see or hear from me ever again.”

Audrey sat back in her chair, feeling as though she had been punched in the chest. Siegfried had omitted this crucial detail. No wonder Tristan had stayed out of contact for so long.

“Oh, Tristan,” Audrey said sadly. “I’m so sorry.”

Tristan shrugged. “When I got his letter, I called Maggie. I wanted to talk it over with somebody who knew him. And she told me about you.”

Audrey took a long gulp of tea.

“I need to know. Is my brother the same man who banished me? Or has he changed?”

Audrey breathed out slowly. “He misses you, Tris.”

Tristan twitched at the nickname.

“I’m sorry – that’s what he called you, when he wrote that. Would you rather I called you Tristan?”

He shook his head. “No, no it’s fine.”

“I have a son, about your age. Edward. My lad’s in the navy. I told Siegfried about him, and he told me about you. How he worries about you. Regrets the way you parted.”

Tristan looked away. “Took him long enough to show it.” His voice was croaky.

“I’ve lived here for a year,” Audrey said after a moment. “Siegfried had a reputation for being… difficult.”

Tristan choked a laugh.

“I didn’t meet him for a long time. My Dash is a healthy boy and I never had need of a vet.”

“Dash?” Tristan’s face perked up.

“My dog. Dash!” Audrey raised her voice.

There was a woof and Dash scampered in to the room a moment later. He sniffed Tristan curiously and Tristan made a fuss of him, scratching his head. Dash sat by him and stuck his head on Tristan’s knee.

“He likes you,” Audrey said with a laugh.

“I love animals,” Tris said. “That’s why I stuck out my course after – after I left.” He swallowed. “So when did you meet my brother?”

“I took up ARP duties. He’d left his curtain open one night, so I had to knock. He was… abrupt,” Audrey said, thinking back. “But he didn’t scare me. And I think he liked that. Then one day Dash was poisoned and he saved his life. We’ve been… closer… since then.”

“Maggie said he seemed happier. Less ferocious.”

“I think he’s found some joy in life again,” Audrey said softly. “And he told me how much he misses you. He worries about you all the time. It took a lot of courage for him to write that letter.”

Tristan brushed his fingers over the page.

“What about you?” Audrey asked. “You finished your course?”

Tristan nodded. “First out of sheer bloody-mindedness. I had to prove him wrong. But I love it. I love animals.” He scratched Dash’s ears idly. “When the war started, I decided to join the RAVC. I told my brother I’d joined up. Not the specifics, I didn’t want him to know them. But as a courtesy, that I would be going to war.”

“And now you’re in Doncaster?”

Tristan’s face lit up suddenly. “I was in Egypt – quite enjoying myself, if truth be told. I didn’t like the snakes much but we had some good times with the lads. Then I was asked to come back here to train the next batch of recruits.” He smiled again. “I was never good at my studies, but maybe that’s helped me teaching them, because I love it.”

Audrey looked at him, noting the pride in his face, how much more relaxed he was talking about his post than he was talking about his brother.

“I’m so pleased to hear it, Tris.”

“I did think about Siegfried.” His face closed up again. “Christmas, birthdays… the anniversary of Evelyn’s death… But he told me to stay away.” He shrugged. “It never occurred to me he might regret it.”

“Was it always difficult between you?” Audrey asked curiously. Then she shook her head. “I’m sorry – if that’s too personal…”

Tristan smiled ruefully. “It’s a relief to talk about it, to be honest.” He rubbed his face. “Our mother died when I was young and our father when I was thirteen. Siegfried was married by then so he took me on. It was… hard. He was trying to be a father to me and he was very strict. Evelyn though – she was great. Made us both laugh, kept the peace. Then she died. Just before I went to university.” He sighed. “All the joy went out of the house. Siegfried and I had lost everybody we loved. And we took it out on each other, I suppose.”

Audrey reached over to Tristan, held his hand tightly. “I’m sorry,” she said.

“He was ferocious over my studies. And I – just wanted to have fun. Escape from Darrowby and all the death and enjoy myself. The year I should have graduated, I failed two of my exams and I lied to him. Said I’d passed. I knew how furious he would be – he hated the idea of my enjoying myself while he was holed up on his own in ancient old Skeldale. Then he found out I’d lied.” Tristan shrugged. “And that was that.” He looked at Audrey. “I’m sorry if he’s been struggling. But he told me to go. And I’ve made the best of things. I’ve got a good life, I’m happy, in a job I love.” His hands went back to the letter, tracing over Siegfried’s words. “If Siegfried can be happy for me… proud of me…”

Audrey swallowed. The things she’d learnt about Siegfried in the past few minutes were challenging. She understood now just how much the man had changed. Was she responsible for all that? It was a sobering thought. And now it seemed she would be the one to persuade Tristan to accept Siegfried’s olive branch.

“He will be,” she said firmly. “He’s – happier, now. He’s taken on an assistant, so he’s not so overworked. He’s… finding happiness in life again. And he has missed you terribly. I think he’s regretted the way you parted for so long.”

“But why now?” Tristan asked, looking at the letter.

Audrey blushed.

Tristan raised an eyebrow. “You made him?”

“He’d been talking about writing, but actually doing it was another matter. I found myself at Skeldale during an air raid and, well, it was a good a time as any. All the words are his, you must know. I just helped him put them to paper.”

Tristan smiled. “So – if I may be curious in my turn. Are you and Siegfried… together?”

“We’re courting, yes,” Audrey said, an answering smile crossing her face.

Tristan snorted. “Courting! He really is stuck in a previous century. Well, I’m glad to hear it -” he paused. “What shall I call you?”

Audrey thought for a moment. “Siegfried’s assistant Calum is about your age. He calls me Mrs H.”

“Mrs H. I like it. Mrs H, then – what’s your story? How did you end up in Darrowby?”

Audrey’s cup was empty. “I’ll put on another brew, shall I? And we can have a biscuit, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

Tristan’s face lit up again. “A biscuit! Mrs H, I like you already.”

Audrey laughed. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Chapter Text

Audrey settled them in the living room with tea, biscuits and Dash. Tristan sat down on the sofa and Dash immediately climbed on him. Tristan laughed and stroked him. “What a good boy, Dash.”

“I think you’ve been adopted,” Audrey said, amused. She watched as Tristan took a bite of biscuit and sighed with pleasure, then fended off Dash’s attempts to snaffle the rest of it. “Just push him off if he’s being a nuisance.”

“Mrs H, I could never.” Tristan popped the rest of the biscuit in his mouth and Dash lay down again, ears drooping, head on Tristan’s lap. “Poor boy,” he said with a laugh, and ruffled his ears.

Audrey liked Tristan, she decided. He was an easy character, quick to laugh, relaxed… She could also see how he and Siegfried would butt heads. She hoped more than anything that Tristan would visit Siegfried, let them bury their quarrel in the past.

“So, Mrs H, what’s your story? You’ve heard our tragic tale. What brought you to Darrowby?”

Audrey gave Tristan the short version of her story; skating over the nastier moments with no mention of what her marriage had been like. He listened attentively, nodding in all the right places.

“I’m housekeeping for Mrs Pumphrey now,” she finished.

“Mrs Pumphrey!” Tristan exclaimed. “How is she? And Tricki Woo? He’s still around, isn’t he?”

“She’s very well,” Audrey assured him, “as is Tricki. They’re living in a cottage on the estate now – the manor is a military hospital for the time being.”

Tristan shook his head. “I can’t imagine Mrs Pumphrey living in a cottage.”

“It’s quite a big one,” Audrey said dryly, “though she doesn’t think so, of course. But it’s a lot easier to keep tidy.”

“And that’s where your friend has gone today?”

“Oh, yes, Dorothy.” Audrey had almost forgotten that Dorothy had gone to work in her place. “I do hope she’s getting on well. Dorothy was bombed out recently, so she’s been staying with me. We’re old friends.”

“And you like Darrowby?”

“Very much so. It’s such a beautiful place. And so many characters here.”

“I have missed it,” Tristan mused. “There’s nowhere quite like it.”

Audrey laughed. “I’m discovering that. Calum – Siegfried’s assistant – has a badger he takes everywhere with him. And nobody really blinks an eye about it.”

“He has a badger? And my brother lets him?” Tristan shook his head. “He really has changed.” He scratched Dash’s head and sighed. “I’ll go to Skeldale today.”

Audrey’s heart lifted. “I’m so pleased to hear that, Tris! Though,” she added, “he may be out on calls.”

“In which case I’ll leave a message with the other chap – Calum.” Tristan dislodged Dash gently and stood up. “I’d better go now, before I change my mind.”

Audrey rose too. “It was lovely to meet you, Tristan. I hope we’ll see each other again?”

He grinned at her. “Mrs H, I’m sure we will. Even if things don’t work out with me and Siegfried, I’ve stayed away too long.”

Audrey ushered him to the door, then held out her hand. He ignored it, and pulled her into a hug. For a moment she was startled, but then she relaxed and hugged him back. “Good luck with Siegfried,” she murmured.

Tris squeezed her and let go. “Good luck to you too!” he said cheekily. “I’ll see you soon, Mrs H.” With that, he was out of the door. Audrey watched him down the path with her fingers crossed and her heart full of hope.

With Tris gone, no Dorothy and no work, Audrey felt at a loose end. Dash butted his head against her knee and looked at her hopefully. “A walk?” she asked. He wagged his tail eagerly. “Good idea.”

She fetched his lead, put on her hat and shoes and they headed out together into the bright sunshine. Another beautiful day in Darrowby.

They headed towards the fields down to the river. Dash pranced and Audrey pondered. She’d been shocked by what Tris had told her of his last argument with Siegfried. That Siegfried could have used such final, angry words to his own brother… She remembered him – not so long ago, really – opening his door, furious with her for having the temerity to enforce the blackout. How long had he lived in a terrible mood? How hard must he have found life? He’d softened to her quickly though. Perhaps it was because she hadn’t been afraid of him. Something in her had recognised that he was all bark and no bite. Not like Robert… she shivered briefly in the warm sun. No, Siegfried was nothing like Robert.

They reached the river and Audrey let Dash off his lead. “No chasing birds,” she said sternly as she let him go. He raced off with a happy bark, tail flailing madly, and she laughed.

They enjoyed a long tramp down the river. Dash gambolled around as though he hadn’t been out in weeks. Eventually, Audrey’s stomach rumbled.

“I’m feeling peckish, Dash.” She scratched his head and he licked her hand. “Time for home. I wonder how Tristan has got on. I hope Siegfried was in.”

Audrey was feeling weary by the time they got home. Her air raid duties had made her fit but even so, it had been a long walk. As they turned into her lane, she could see a figure outside her door, and when she got closer, she could tell who it was.

“Siegfried,” she cried, hurrying her weary legs to her door. He was sitting on her doorstep and stood up as she reached him. “Are you – is something wrong?”

His eyes were tinged with red, but he smiled at her. “Not at all. May I come in?”

“Of course!” She opened the door with trembling fingers. “Join me for lunch?”

“Please,” he murmured.

Dash headed immediately for his basket, flumped down and closed his eyes. “Lucky boy,” Audrey said with a laugh. “Cup of tea?” she asked Siegfried, “It’s just sandwiches for lunch, I’m afraid.”

“Sounds lovely,” Siegfried said. He followed her to the kitchen and sat down while she put the kettle on and sliced a loaf of bread.

Audrey prepared the sandwiches as quickly as she could. She couldn’t wait to hear whether Tristan had found Siegfried, whether the brothers had reconciled. Finally, she put sandwiches and tea on the table, sat down, and looked at him.

“So…?”

Siegfried put his hand over hers. “Tristan came to see me.” His face lit up as he said it.

“I’m so glad,” Audrey said. She blinked away unexpected tears.

“We had a good talk.” Siegfried took a sip of tea. “A long overdue one. We both apologised for – things we said. He’s forgiven me.” He looked up at her. “I have you to thank.”

“Oh, Siegfried…” Audrey turned her hand to link their fingers together. “I’m so very pleased for you both.”

He squeezed her hand and let her go. “He said he came to see you. Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For talking to him. For being so very you.” Siegfried looked away for a moment. “I know I wasn’t – entirely honest with you, about our fight. I have been ashamed of what I said to him for so long. I couldn’t – I didn’t want you to think badly of me.”

“Siegfried,” Audrey murmured. She reached out and touched his cheek. He leant into her touch. “I understand. All that matters is that you and Tristan have reconciled.” She stroked his cheek and he covered her hand with his.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“It’s time for me to be honest too,” she said after a moment. She withdrew her hand and took another sip of tea. Siegfried looked at her quizzically. “It’s about my husband.”

“You’re still married and he’s going to track me down!” he exclaimed, a look of horror on his face.

That startled a laugh from her. “What? No! No, he’s definitely dead.”

“Thank goodness,” Siegfried said with a sigh. “Though I am sorry.”

Audrey shook her head. “Don’t be.” She swallowed. “I told you he died because of the Great War. He did. But not during it.”

She paused, collecting her thoughts. Siegfried watched her quietly.

“He came back uninjured, physically. But his mind… he was broken.”

Siegfried nodded, understanding. “Men saw and did so many terrible things.” His face closed up for a moment and Audrey wondered what his war story was. She’d ask another time.

“He found things hard when he came home. He took to drinking to cope. He became… violent.” She touched her face unconsciously.

“He hurt you?” Siegfried’s voice was quiet.

Audrey nodded. “Dorothy wanted me to leave him. But I – I couldn’t. I’d made vows before God. For better or for worse. Then, one day, he didn’t come home from the pub. He’d fallen in the river and drowned. Everybody said what a tragic accident it was.” She swallowed. “But it wasn’t an accident. He left me a letter.” She met Siegfried’s eyes firmly. “I burnt it.”

Siegfried breathed out slowly. “Understandable, I think.”

“He was buried as a Christian. And Edward and I moved to Scarborough, where Dorothy was. I got a job housekeeping. And now you know it all.”

She waited, nervous, for his judgement.

Siegfried stood up. “Audrey,” he said. “My brave, beautiful, Audrey.” He pulled her up and into his arms. She relaxed into his embrace as he stroked her hair. “Thank you for trusting me with your story.” He brushed a kiss to her head.

“No more secrets,” she murmured. “Let’s always be honest with each other.”

“Always.” He pulled away from her a little and looked down into her eyes. “Let me start now.” Her heart thumped suddenly. “I love you, Audrey Hall. I’m in love with you.”

She smiled up at him tremulously, blinking back the tears in her eyes. “And I love you too.”

Chapter Text

He kissed her until her stomach rumbled and then he let her go with a laugh. “I’m sorry my dear. Distracting us from lunch.” He stroked her cheek. “You seem like you need it.”

He guided her back to her chair and smiled at her as they ate their sandwiches. Then he stood reluctantly. “I’d better get back. I’ve got afternoon surgery.”

Audrey followed him to the front door and kissed him again.

“I wish I didn’t have to go,” he said, caressing her with his eyes. “I wish I could stay with you.”

“The animals won’t heal themselves, Siegfried,” she said with a sigh.

He laughed. “Probably a good thing or I’d be out of a job.” He bent and pressed a swift kiss to her cheek. “I’ll see you soon.” Then he hastened away.

A few hours later, Dorothy arrived home.

“How’d you get on?” Audrey asked eagerly as she opened the door.

“Oh, fine,” Dorothy assured her. “Though I have come home with rather more jobs than I left with.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“On hearing that I have no current employment, Mrs Pumphrey has co-opted me into the…” she fished a list out of her pocket, “Victory Garden committee and the Women’s Institute. I’ll be delivering first aid classes to the local children. And I’m on the flower arranging rota.” She lowered the list with a sigh. “My days of idleness are over.”

Audrey grinned. “Give over, you’re happy about it.”

Dorothy laughed. “I am. Good to have a purpose. How was your day? The lad – Tristan?”

“Oh Dorothy,” Audrey said. “It all went so well.” She regaled Dorothy with her day as they chopped vegetables for their dinner.

“I knew it,” Dorothy pronounced, when Audrey finished her tale. “I knew it!”

“Please don’t wave your knife at me,” Audrey said mildly. “I take it you’re pleased then.”

“Oh, Aud,” Dorothy said, dropping the knife and hugging her, “I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Two days passed for Audrey in a happy sort of haze; work with Mrs Pumphrey, a drink in a quiet corner of the pub with Siegfried, their fingers tangled together under the table, an uneventful air raid shift.

She didn’t know when she woke up the next day, with a tired stretch and a smile, just what was in store for her.

Everything went well for quite a time. Dorothy accompanied her to Mrs Pumphrey’s; they were closeted together, discussing plans for the victory garden, while Audrey got on with the household jobs. Audrey was quite glad to have some peace and quiet while she worked, only Tricki venturing to disturb her occasionally, hopeful for a treat.

She arrived home to a note from Siegfried; he’d checked her schedule with Bosworth (she wondered whether they’d managed not to have an argument), given himself a night off, and booked a table at a nice restaurant in Broughton for the following week.

“About time he treated you,” Dorothy said, reading the note over Audrey’s shoulder. Audrey elbowed her.

They had dinner, and then Audrey got changed ready for her air raid round. The evening was calm and warm. She had no premonition of danger as she buckled on her helmet, or climbed on to her bike, waving a cheery goodbye to Dorothy.

She cycled up into the Dales. She knew her route well now, could cycle it without paying too much attention aside from the slight burn in her thighs as she toiled up the hills.

She’d passed Dinsdale’s a while back and was on a quiet stretch, no farms around, when she heard the very distant wail of Darrowby’s air raid siren.

It always caught her off guard, sparking fear deep in her. She took a breath, let it out, carried on cycling – just a little faster.

But the siren had barely switched off when she heard the drone of engines. She listened closely. She could hear their fighters, but in amongst them was the eerie rise and fall of a German plane.

Panic gripped her and she forced herself to be still, to fight the terror that was rising. After a few steady breaths, she climbed off her bike and looked around. There were cows in the field – white striped cows, that would have infuriated Siegfried if he was here to see them. In the distance, a clump of trees. Along the side of the road, a narrow ditch.

She lowered her bike to the ground, turned off the coloured light on the front, and listened.

The planes were getting closer. Not from Darrowby, but from further up the Dales. There was a sound of a distant explosion.

Straining her eyes, tamping down her emotions, Audrey peered into the distance. Another explosion, and this time she saw the burst as it hit the ground.

She’d been sheltered from the war so far. The last bomb she’d seen had been in 1917. Time vanished and she was just a scared young woman again, desperate to live.

She could make out the planes now. The German in front, two British ones behind, chasing it hard. Another bomb fell onto farm land. The German plane was darting about, trying to avoid the guns of the British. It was getting closer and closer.

“God be with me,” Audrey whispered.

The ditch was as much shelter as she would be able to find. She slipped down into it, grateful that it hadn’t rained recently, though she wouldn’t have been troubled by a bit of mud given the circumstances. She tightened the strap on her helmet with fingers that trembled. As she crouched low among the weeds she heard another bomb explode.

Time seemed to lengthen. At least Dash would have Dorothy to look after him, if the worst happened. Siegfried would have his brother to lean on. Edward would be on his own, but Dorothy would keep an eye on him, for her sake.

She thought wistfully of the date that Siegfried had planned for them next week.

The planes were overhead now. She tipped her head up, hand on her helmet, peering up to the sky.

A bomb was falling directly towards her.

So this was how it was going to end. She’d not expected it. Had never thought that her time would come in a lonely ditch. She hoped it wouldn’t hurt too much. Wasn’t it supposed to be instantaneous, a direct hit?

“God keep you all,” she whispered, thinking of all the people she loved.

She ducked her head, and waited for the end.

Chapter Text

Every nerve in her body was braced against the explosion that would shortly tear it to bits. She held herself tightly.

There was an almighty thump.

Heart racing, terrified beyond words, she lifted her head.

Just a few scant yards away, on the other side of the road, a dull metal cylinder protruded from the ground.

Fear held her. Unable to move, barely able to breathe, she stared at it. At this thing that had so nearly destroyed her – and still could.

She had to move.

She had to move carefully.

She forced her unwilling legs into motion. Edged slowly along the ditch. There was her bicycle. Thank goodness she’d dropped it so close. Gingerly she climbed out of the ditch. Got one hand on her bike, then the other. Raised it slowly and carefully, one eye on the bomb.

Her heart beat triple time as she tiptoed away. She was going the opposite way to Darrowby but she didn’t care, she just needed to be away from that thing.

A yard crawled slowly by. Then another. When she’d made it twenty yards down the road she felt like she could breathe again. She dared to climb on her bike and then she was away, speeding to somewhere, anywhere, where she could feel safe.

She cycled with no thoughts, nothing in her brain aside from the fizzing of fear. But then she rounded a corner and there was a phone box. Her training overrode the blankness of her mind. She must report the bomb. She had to call Bosworth. She skidded to a stop. The phone was one of the ones she’d noted as being broken. She leant her bike against it and went in. Wonders, she heard the dial tone as she lifted the receiver. Leaning her head against the cool window pane, she dialled the Darrowby ARP headquarters number.

“I have to report an unexploded bomb,” she said as soon as Bosworth answered. She gave him the position as accurately as she could, waited while he noted it down.

“Very good, Mrs Hall,” he said after a moment. “I will pass the information on.” She heard his pencil tapping. “That’s the main road into Darrowby from the north. Are you in a position to inform the farms that side?”

“I can do that, Mr Bosworth.”

“Very good.”

And then he hung up.

She replaced the receiver. One more job to do. She could do it.

She climbed back on the bike and set back off. Her fingers were white on her handlebars and she shivered with cold. She gritted her teeth. Not far to Dinsdale’s.

She was almost in the farmyard when she heard the distant faint wail of the all clear. Finally she reached the farmhouse. She got off her bike and put out a steadying hand to the solid wall of the farm house. Her legs were trembling uncontrollably. Slowly, she made it to the front door and rapped, hard.

The door swung open almost immediately. Mr Dinsdale, eyes wide and surprised, stood there.

“Lass! Whatever are you doing?”

“Mr Dinsdale,” Audrey said. She was shaking all over now, she couldn’t stop it. “I have to report an unexploded bomb on the main road into Darrowby.”

Her knees buckled and then a strong arm was around her, helping her into the house. “Sit down, lass,” he said gently, and she was lowered into a chair.

“Sorry,” she said through chattering teeth.

“Missus,” Mr Dinsdale said, “a cup of tea for Mrs Hall.” A large hand rested on her back. “We just put on a brew. We always do after the all clear.”

A cup arrived in front of her, on the solid wooden table that she couldn’t look away from. She tried to hold it but she was shaking too much and tea slopped onto the table.

“Here, Missus,” Mr Dinsdale said, and she could hear the concern in his voice, “Get on the phone to Farnon. Tell him his lass is here and in a right bad way. And he’s to come here the long way."

Another voice, softer, replied. The front door opened and closed.

“I have to tell – the others,” Audrey managed. “Other farms.”

A blanket was draped over her shoulders. “You’re not going anywhere, lass. The young-uns will pass the message on first thing. Nobody will be going out at this time.”

She clutched the blanket gratefully. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Time faded into nothingness. All Audrey was aware of was the blanket around her, the solidness of the chair, the grains running through the wood of the table in front of her.

Muted sound around her. Worried noises. A cup pressed to her lips that she sipped without registering.

The only thing in her mind was the dull grey shape of the bomb as it fell towards her.

The front door opened and closed.

A gentle hand against her face. Her given name, whispered.

She blinked. Siegfried was crouched next to her chair. “I’ve come to take you home, dearest,” he said. “Can you walk to the car?”

He helped her out of the chair. Her legs were weak but with his strong arms around her, she managed to walk.

A conversation that she didn’t register between Siegfried and Mr Dinsdale. Then they were outside, crossing the short distance to his car. He helped her in, tucked the blanket around her carefully.

The car was moving. Occasionally his hand came to cover hers. She tried to focus on the feel of it. Where it was soft, where it was calloused.

The car drew to a halt. “Home,” Siegfried said.

He helped her out of the car. The cottage door flew open when they were half way down the path.

“Audrey!” Dorothy cried, running out to them clad only in her nightgown. “What’s happened?”

Audrey opened her mouth to say that she was fine, but nothing came out.

“I think she’s in shock,” Siegfried said.

Supported between the two of them, she made it upstairs. Dorothy undressed her, pulled her nightgown over her head and tucked her into bed.

A conversation outside her bedroom door that she couldn’t quite hear.

Siegfried came in, pulled a chair to the side of her bed and sat down. “Try and sleep now,” he coaxed. “I’ll be right here.”

He brushed a kiss to her forehead. She closed her eyes obediently.

The bomb fell. Pain exploded through her body and she jerked upright, screaming.

“It’s just a dream.” A hand on her cheek, stroking. “Just a dream, Audrey. Look at me now. Can you look at me, my dear?” She opened her eyes, focussed on Siegfried. “Just a dream,” he murmured. “You’re safe, you’re here.”

She leant forward with a sigh, into the comfort of his arms.

Eventually, she slept.

The scent of freshly brewed tea wafted into her room, waking her slowly. Siegfried was asleep in her chair, his hand still resting on the side of the bed. Dorothy stood in the doorway.

“I brought you some tea, Aud,” she said quietly.

“Thank you,” Audrey said, sitting up slowly.

Dorothy’s face lit up. “You’re talking! How are you feeling?”

The memory of terror lingered, but it wasn’t all encompassing. The bomb was still in her mind’s eye, but she could focus on Dorothy.

“Better,” she said after a moment.

Siegfried stirred. His eyes opened. “Audrey,” he said, reaching for her. His fingers laced with hers. She smiled at him and he sagged with relief. “Darling girl,” he said. “There you are.”

With two pairs of eyes watching her closely, she sipped her tea. She let the warmth swirl through her and sighed.

“I’m sorry about last night,” she said. She felt ashamed of her catatonic state, the way she’d had to be helped home and to bed.

“Nonsense,” Siegfried said firmly. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”

Dorothy sat on her bed and Audrey leant against her, relishing her warmth. “What happened, Aud?” she asked. “Do you think you can tell us?”

Suddenly she was back there in the ditch, looking up at death falling towards her. She shivered. The fear came rushing back, filling her up.

“Audrey.” Siegfried took her cup away and held her hand. “It might help if you can.”

She licked her lips. “The planes were coming towards me. Bombs falling in the fields. I was out on the road.”

Siegfried’s hand gripped hers tighter.

“Tried to shelter in the ditch. Then… it…” She closed her eyes. There it was. “Bomb. Falling. Right onto me. Thought – that was it.” Her words were failing her. “Didn’t explode,” she whispered. “Just – other side of the road.”

She shook violently.

Siegfried squeezed her hand tightly. His face was white.

“I’ll get you another cup of tea, Aud,” Dorothy said and left them.

“You’re still here,” Siegfried whispered. She lifted her eyes to his. “Try and concentrate on that, my darling.”

Dorothy returned with a fresh cup of tea and a plate of toast with butter and jam. “Don’t even think about the rations. You need it.”

The tea and jam made Audrey feel more herself. She devoured the toast, suddenly ravenous, then leant back against her pillows. “Thank you Dorothy. Both of you. Thank you so much.”

Siegfried pressed a kiss to her forehead. Dorothy sat next to her and put an arm round her shoulder. They sat in silence for a moment. Audrey felt as though she was surrounded by love. She’d coped on her own for so long and having her best friend and a man who loved her by her side was precious.

A knock at the front door disturbed their peace. Siegfried stood, stretched and groaned. “I’ll get it.”

Audrey wondered who would be knocking at this time. Then she heard Siegfried’s voice rise to an infuriated shout and she leant into Dorothy’s arms and laughed.

“Aud?” Dorothy said, alarmed. “What is it?”

“Only one person can make Siegfried that cross these days.” Somehow hearing Siegfried roar had raised her spirits just as well as the tea and the companionship had done. She heard the stomp of two pairs of shoes on the stairs. “You’ll see.”

Mr Bosworth appeared in the doorway. He looked her at, blushed and stared at the floor.

“Oh-” Audrey glanced at herself. “Dorothy, my dressing gown – on the door.” Dorothy helped her into it and Audrey cleared her throat. “Good morning, Mr Bosworth.”

“Good morning Mrs Hall.” Mr Bosworth smiled at her awkwardly. “I heard that you were rather upset last night. I came to – make sure that you’re quite well.”

“Near misses from bombs will tend to make a person rather upset,” Siegfried snarled.

“Oh. I didn’t realise…” Mr Bosworth trailed off and swallowed. “I also came to say thank you. Your swift work identifying the telephones that were out of order and informing me of the situation last night means that the bomb has already been defused. Darrowby is safer for your efforts. Thank you.” He halted and looked around uncertainly.

Audrey was touched. “Thank you, Mr Bosworth. That means a lot.” She glanced at Siegfried who muttered something that might have been agreement.

Mr Bosworth stood awkwardly for a moment.

“I’ll see you out, Bosworth,” Siegfried said. “I’m sorry, my dear. I had better get back and check on Calum. I didn’t warn him I’d be out all night.” He bent over her bed and brushed a kiss to her cheek. “I’ll leave you in Dorothy’s capable hands.”

Audrey bit back a grin as he positively hustled Mr Bosworth out of the room.

“What’s going on there?” Dorothy wondered when the front door had shut behind the two men. She looked at Audrey. “You’re looking brighter, Aud. Maybe I should be grateful to that old bore after all?”

“He and Siegfried have been at each other for almost as long as I’ve known them both. If you want to rile Siegfried up, ask him what he thinks about cows being painted for safety.”

“I think I’d rather not be on the receiving end of that rant,” Dorothy retorted.

Audrey laughed and stretched. “I think I’m going to get up,” she said. “I feel much better.” She climbed slowly and carefully out of bed, but there didn’t seem to be any physical side effects of the previous night.

She made her way downstairs, Dorothy hovering anxiously behind her. Dash was in his basket and greeted with her with a furiously wagging tail. She crouched and hugged him, appreciated the lick he gave her ear. “Good lad,” she said, stroking him.

“You know, I’d have looked after him. If it – had happened. Him and Edward. You can rely on me, Aud.”

Audrey buried her face in Dash’s fur briefly. He was such an uncomplicated comfort. “I know,” she breathed. “I knew.”

Chapter Text

She took things slowly for the rest of the day. Dorothy went over to Mrs Pumphrey’s and returned with an instruction that Audrey was to take a few days off and a pot of strawberry jam.

“She seemed quite pleased to give it away,” Dorothy said, perplexed, as she handed it over.

Audrey chuckled. “I thought they planted too many strawberries in the victory garden. She’ll have you carting them all over Darrowby soon.”

Slow but occupied was the way forward, she realised soon. If she had her mind on something, she was all right. It was the quiet times when the fear came washing back in and she was left white and trembling. She cleaned the house, brushing off Dorothy’s attempts to make her rest. They walked Dash down to the river and back in bright sunshine. Everybody they met greeted Audrey with smiles. They always had, but Audrey thought there was something extra to them today.

Mr Bosworth returned, cautiously, as though he was fearing Siegfried lurking, and told her that her shifts would be covered by a stand-in for the week. Audrey was grateful; she wasn’t sure she’d be able to cycle past that spot any time soon.

Calum came over with an invitation for them both to go to Skeldale for dinner. He was cooking, he said proudly. “I’ve improved a lot recently,” he added, and Audrey made a mental note to have a sandwich before they left.

A week passed, gently.

During the day when she was busy, back at Mrs Pumphrey’s, in her house, in the garden, in the pub with Siegfried, she was content. In the nights, her dreams were troubling. Dorothy came in so many times to wake her from a nightmare that in the end they decided just to share a bed.

“We’ve shared before, after all,” Dorothy said, the first night when she slipped in next to Audrey. Her presence seemed to help, and the nightmares faded.

“We could wait another week,” Siegfried said, stopping in on the morning of their date. “I don’t want to rush you.”

Audrey smiled. “I’ve been looking forward to it,” she said. She put a hand on his arm. “We’ve been waiting long enough, don’t you think?”

“You’re sure…?”

He was being so thoughtful. What a good man he was. “I am.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I can’t wait.”

“You look lovely, Aud,” Dorothy said, leaning against the door frame and watching Audrey get ready.

“Thank you.” Audrey peered at herself in the mirror. Slicked a little more lipstick over her lips. It had been a long time she had primped herself for a date. “Not too much?”

“Perfect.”

She shot Dorothy a smile. “Don’t – don’t worry if I don’t come home tonight, will you?”

Dorothy’s eyebrows raised. “It’s like that, is it?”

“We haven’t talked about it,” Audrey admitted, “But I… would like it.”

“He won’t be able to resist you, looking like that. You’re not nervous any more then?”

Audrey thought of the picnic. It seemed so long ago now, but when she thought of the way he’d touched her, the way he’d kissed her… “No,” she said softly. “I’m not nervous.”

Siegfried picked her up. He looked very smart; hair neat, suit pressed.

“You look beautiful,” he said when she opened the door. She blushed at the open admiration in his eyes.

“Where are we going?” she asked when he’d helped her in to the car.

“A restaurant in Broughton,” he said, starting the car. “I refuse to have our date interrupted by farmers with complaints.”

“They wouldn’t – would they?”

“Oh, they would,” Siegfried said grimly. “One accosted me in the cinema once, of all places. Told me that the salve I’d given him wasn’t working, and what was I going to do about it?”

Audrey laughed. “And what did you do?”

Siegfried smiled ruefully. “I lived up to my reputation as an irascible grump.” His hand found hers briefly. “One of many things that has changed about me, recently.”

The restaurant was lovely. Fresh flowers adorned each table and even though the menu was not extensive, it was all tasty.

Siegfried kept Audrey entertained throughout the meal, telling her stories about various veterinary mishaps. Through it all he watched her with quiet, dark eyes.

When she looked up from her meal to find his gaze fixed on her, heat and longing in his eyes, she shivered with anticipation. He noticed the shiver and reached out to her, stroked his fingers over her hand.

“Are you all right?” he asked quietly.

“More than,” she admitted. “More than all right.” She moved her hand so that she could lace their fingers together.

“Is Dorothy expecting you back tonight?” he asked, his voice crackling.

She licked her lips. “No.”

He breathed out. “Good,” he murmured.

Soon they’d paid and were out. They stood in the quiet summer air and the heat seemed to rise between them.

“Home?” Siegfried asked.

Audrey’s heart beat fast. “Home,” she agreed.

Siegfried took a step towards her and she looked up at him, trying to read him. He bent down, slowly, pressed his lips against hers. It was the first time he’d kissed her in over a week and she’d missed it, welcomed him now, moved her lips hungrily over his.

When he drew back, he was flushed. “I didn’t want to wait,” he admitted, tracing his fingers over her lips, cupping her cheek.

“Let’s not wait any longer, Siegfried.” She leant into him. “Come on.” She took his hand and pulled him towards the car.

He drove fast back to Darrowby. Every inch of Audrey’s skin prickled with anticipation. The way Siegfried was glancing at her, the colour in his face, suggested he was feeling the same.

Finally, the car was parked. He led her in through the back door. Calum was sitting at the kitchen table, nose in a book, half-full bowl in front of him. Marilyn and Jess were curled up by the Aga.

“You’re in charge, Calum,” Siegfried said. “We are not to be disturbed. Not even for the King himself.”

Audrey flushed with embarrassment but the lad didn’t raise his head from his book, merely raised his hand in acknowledgement. Siegfried slipped his hand into hers, led her from the kitchen, through the winding corridor, up the stairs and into his room.

The curtains were closed and he’d left a lamp on. It looked cosy. And neat, she realised.

“You’ve tidied,” she said with a smile.

Siegfried raised his eyebrows and then laughed. “Of course. I’d forgotten you’d been in here before. I thought I’d make a good impression but you know my hopeless ways.” He took a step towards her, cupped her cheek and kissed her.

She moved into him as he kissed her, feeling faint with desire and expectation. His kisses grew firmer and she opened her mouth to him, slipped an arm around his waist to hold him close.

“Is this all right?” he whispered, moving away from her lips from a moment.

“More than,” she murmured. She put her hands to his jacket lapels. “You look so handsome.” She felt suddenly brave and pulled the jacket off his shoulders. He chuckled and shed it, throwing it onto a chair by the wall.

“And you look beautiful. You always look beautiful, but particularly so tonight.” He studied her with a frown.

“What is it?”

“It’s a lovely dress,” he said, and continued plaintively, “but how do I get you out of it?”

She turned her back to him and swept her hair up. “Buttons.”

“I see.”

Gentle fingers on her bare neck made her gasp. His fingers caressed her skin before slipping to the first button. He undid it and then she shivered as he pressed a kiss to the newly exposed skin.

“Siegfried…”

Another button, another kiss. He worked his way down slowly, paying attention to every inch of skin.

She held her dress to her chest as it loosened. Finally, all the buttons were undone. He nuzzled into the crook of her neck. “Let it go, Audrey,” he said quietly.

She took a breath and the dress pooled at her feet. He helped her step out of it then turned her to face him. She stood before him in only her underwear, her heart pounding, her desire reaching fever pitch. He took his time drinking her in.

“So beautiful,” he murmured.

He kissed her again and as he kissed her she reached for his shirt buttons, undid them one by one as he shivered under her touch. When they were all undone he threw the shirt off impatiently.

Audrey let herself stare, wandered her eyes over his broad shoulders, his toned arms. Trailed her fingers from the sparse hair on his chest downwards to the line that led to his trousers. His stomach was soft. As she explored it, he groaned quietly and rested his head on her shoulder.

“You will be the death of me, dearest.”

“Not just yet, I hope,” Audrey said with a smile, and undid his trousers. They joined the pile of clothes on the floor.

Siegfried kissed her again and now she felt his bare chest against her skin. He was warm and soft and she loved it.

He paused in his kisses for a moment. “My dear, I should tell you… It has been a long time for me. I’m a little out of practice.”

Audrey smiled at him. “As am I. But it’s us, Siegfried. And it will be perfect, whatever.”

He drew her in close. “I love you more than I can say. Come to bed with me now.”

In bed, the last scraps of clothing were disposed of. Audrey explored all of Siegfried’s body, tracing her fingers along him. When she finally held him just where he wanted, he sighed.

“Audrey,” he murmured.

He let her caress him for a few moments before he stopped her gently. “Enough, or I’ll be gone.” He chuckled. “I don’t want to waste it. Let me touch you, Audrey.”

She let him go and leaned back into the bed with a smile. He leant over her and kissed her lips, then moved downwards. His mouth explored her breasts, sucking and nibbling and she could almost feel him learning her reactions. It had been a long time, a long, long time since she’d felt anything like this, if indeed she ever had before. She curled her fingers into his hair and gave herself up to pleasure.

When he was nestled between her legs, he paused and looked up at her. “May I…?”

This was new, but it was Siegfried and she trusted him and she wanted him. Dear God, how she wanted him. She nodded sharply and he kept his eyes fixed on hers as he lowered his mouth between her legs.

It was heaven, it was bliss… “Siegfried,” she said and she felt him smile. His tongue explored her, licking and moving. Sensation flooded through her. She shifted against him, desperate for something – something more, something to ease the wanting and the needing.

She found it when he slipped a finger carefully inside her. “Siegfried,” she gasped. Then his finger and tongue were working together and she was somewhere else entirely and all there was was pleasure, exploding through her.

She came back to herself to find Siegfried propped on one elbow next to her, smiling down at her.

She grinned at him. “Proud of yourself, are you?”

He kissed her and she could taste herself on his tongue. “Immensely,” he agreed. “I’ve not lost my touch,” he added, rather smugly.

“Wretch!” she knocked him over and rolled on top of him, pinning him down.

His eyes lit up. “If this is pay back, I am all for it.”

She laughed and kissed him. The feel of him under her was intoxicating. She ran her hands over his chest, smiling as he shuddered. As she moved, she could feel him, still hard against her. She sat up and moved back a little. She’d never done this before, but as he stared at her, eyes wide, full of desire, she wanted nothing more than to please him in every way she could.

She reached for him, took him in hand and as he gasped she guided him into her.

“Audrey,” he said as she sank down. “Audrey – you are…”

She kissed the words from his mouth, then moved cautiously.

His hands came to her hips, holding her gently, urging her into the rhythm that he wanted. Then suddenly he sat up so that they were chest to chest, and he was holding her tightly, pushing up into her.

One of his hands on her breast, caressing and teasing, and she was on the brink again.

“I love you,” he murmured and then they were both falling, together.

“That was rather good,” Siegfried said, when they’d recovered and were lying with their arms wrapped around each other.

“We weren’t too out of practice after all.” Audrey agreed, nuzzling into him. “I love you.”

He kissed her sweetly. “I love you. I never want to leave this bed again.”

“You’d get rather smelly. And I imagine you’d get bored eventually.”

“Never!” he proclaimed. He ducked his head and kissed her neck, her breast. “How could I get bored of this?”

She tangled her fingers in his hair and sighed as he kissed her.

“Though I grant you, we would need to bathe occasionally.” He rested his head on her breast and looked up at her. “Imagine – a lovely deep, hot bath… together.”

Audrey closed her eyes. “Bliss. The bath, I mean. I dream of a deep bath.”

He bit her breast gently. “Cheek.”

She laughed and pulled him up into her arms. “I do adore you, Siegfried.”

Later, when they were even more tired, sated and happy, Siegfried conceded to the need to wash. Audrey borrowed his dressing gown and headed down the corridor to the bathroom, hoping that she would not encounter Calum. In the bathroom she washed and brushed her teeth quickly, then studied herself in the mirror. She was a sight; hair no longer in neat curls but tangled, face red with rash from his beard, little red flower bruises dotted over her body where he’d kissed her deeply. She sighed in satisfaction; she looked a mess, and she felt thoroughly loved.

She passed the dressing gown to Siegfried for his turn. When she climbed into the bed to wait for him, she paused in surprise. Darling thoughtful man he was, he’d changed the sheets for her. She wriggled down, enjoying the soft cleanness against her skin.

She was worn out and was half asleep by the time he got into bed.

She curled into him with a yawn. “There you are, my sleepy lass.” She blinked. “That’s what Dinsdale called you. My lass. I rather like it.”

He pulled her into him and she leant her head on his chest. “I do too.” She yawned again. “I should warn you,” she tangled her fingers into his chest hair, “I’ve been having a lot of nightmares.”

He held her hand still and kissed her forehead. “Wake me if you need to. I’ll wake you if I can.”

He shifted them so that he could wrap himself around her. “Goodnight, my darling.”

She woke slowly, lazily, in the morning. Siegfried’s arm was flung over her waist. She’d slept all night and she hadn’t even dreamt, let alone had a nightmare. She sighed happily.

“Morning,” Siegfried said and yawned. She rolled over and he blinked at her sleepily. “How did you sleep?”

“Perfectly.” She leant into him and kissed him.

His eyes were full of love. “I’m so pleased.” He found her hand and traced idle patterns on to it. “Audrey – when I got the phone call from Mrs Dinsdale last week, when… it happened…” he sighed and squeezed her hand. “I was terrified for you.”

“I’m sorry,” Audrey whispered, but he shook his head.

“It’s not about that…”

He trailed off, eyes closed, and Audrey waited. She pressed her free hand against his chest and felt the pounding of his heart.

Finally he opened his eyes again. “Everything good that has happened to me recently has been because of you. From the minute you stormed into my house, completely unafraid of me.”

“I had a job to do,” Audrey said, her heart beginning to beat in time with his.

He smiled at her. “And you did it, and you helped this hopeless creature tape up his windows, and then you had a whisky with him. That day, a little light entered my life again.”

“Siegfried,” Audrey whispered, moved at his honesty.

“And then you became my friend. You helped me realise I needed an assistant. You brought my brother back into my life. You’ve loved me.”

“I couldn’t help it,” Audrey said. She pressed a kiss to his lips. “There was just something about you.”

He laughed and sat up. The covers pooled around his waist and Audrey let her eyes wander over his chest.

“You have done so much for me, my darling.” He turned and fished something out of his drawer. “Audrey,” he said.

Audrey’s heart fluttered. Carefully, she sat up, headless of the covers falling away.

“You have done so much for me, and I want to repay you by loving you, body and soul, for the rest of my life. If you’ll have me.” He swallowed and passed the box to her.

With tears in her eyes, she opened it. A thin silver band, one shining blue stone.

“Will you marry me? Will you let me love you as you deserve, for all our lives together?” He paused, watching her examine the ring. “I can apply to Mrs Pumphrey for a character reference.”

Audrey lifted her eyes to his. “Silly man,” she said fondly. “Oh Siegfried. Of course. Of course I’ll marry you.”

A luminous smile spread over his face. He plucked the ring from the box. Audrey held out a shaking hand and he slipped the ring carefully on.

“Perfect,” he murmured. He pulled her in and kissed her. “Thank you, thank you.” He lowered her to the bed. “I love you,” he whispered as their bodies drew together once again.

Chapter Text

The sideboard was free of dust now. Audrey stuffed her duster into her pinny pocket and examined the photographs displayed. Some were the same as they had been all those months ago; Siegfried, Evelyn, Tristan. And then there were some new ones; Tristan in uniform outside Skeldale, his arm around his brother; Siegfried and Audrey together with the dogs, down by the river. She ran her finger briefly over their faces and smiled. How happy they had been, still were, would always be.

“Audrey!” Siegfried’s voice rang out.

“In here!” she called back.

He arrived moments later, pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. Then he glanced down at her, taking in her pinny, the duster. “You’re not cleaning again are you? I feel like you’ll be tidying me away in a minute.”

“Depends – have you been tracking mud through the house again?”

He kissed her nose. “I was very good; my boots are at the back door.”

“Well done,” she said. She looked up and met his eyes. “I just want it to be perfect.”

“They’re coming here to celebrate us, dearest. Nobody will care if there is a speck of dust on any surface.”

“I would care.”

“And there isn’t. No dust would dare.” He found the strings of her pinny and tugged it loose. “Leave it now, my dear. Only an hour to go. Hadn’t you better go home and get ready?”

Home, for the next few hours, was her cottage.

She would be moving into Skeldale, its new mistress, after their wedding this afternoon. She’d spent most of her spare moments in the last month in Skeldale, cleaning, sorting, organising.

Tristan had visited and found himself shut into the practice store cupboard with instructions to make it less of a disaster. “And to think I liked you!” he had called through the door.

She’d discovered that Siegfried could lose anything handed to him almost immediately. He’d storm round the house, shouting for whatever he’d misplaced. She’d coaxed him into giving things places to live and he’d begrudgingly admitted that life was easier for it.

The front door opened and shut.

“Hello, Ma,” Edward said, poking his head around the door, shaking snow from his hair. “Maggie said that she’ll bring the food over just before the service.”

They hadn’t set a date for the wedding until they’d heard from Edward. He’d been given a week of leave in January and, though they’d been loathe to wait, Audrey had wanted her son at her wedding. Now, with January snow sparkling, she was glad of the delay. Darrowby was beautiful at this time of year.

“Are you sure she has it all under control?” she asked, nibbling her lip. She wasn’t used to relying on other people.

Tristan appeared next to Edward. “Absolutely, Mrs H.” He grinned at her. “Isn’t it about time you were getting ready?”

“That’s what I said!” Siegfried exclaimed.

“Come on Ma,” Edward said, offering her his arm, “I’ll walk you home.”

Audrey breathed out. “Well then.” She looked up at Siegfried.

“I’ll see you in the church, my dear,” he said. He brushed his lips over hers. “I love you.”

She gazed at him for a moment. She could barely believe that the next time she saw him, they’d be getting married.

“Ma,” Edward said, pulling her gently.

“I’m coming,” she said, and with one last look at Siegfried, she let Edward lead her away.

Outside, snow flakes were drifting lazily and the ground lay under a white blanket. The air was crisp and clean and invigorating. Audrey drew in a deep breath, let it fill her up.

“You’re finally here!” Dorothy cried when they reached the cottage. “You were cleaning again, weren’t you? Honestly!” She pushed Edward gently into the living room, where his uniform was pressed and waiting for him, then hustled Audrey up the stairs to what was, for one last hour, her bedroom.

Audrey looked around her room, at all the familiar things. She’d be sorry to say goodbye to the cottage. It had been a lovely home. But Dorothy was taking it over, so she’d be able to come back frequently.

Then she spotted the dress hanging on her wardrobe and gasped. “Dorothy!” She touched a careful finger to the white silk. “Where has this come from?” She’d been planning to wear one of her old dresses.

“We scared it up for you,” Dorothy said, watching her with a pleased smile. “I got your measurements from your ARP uniform and we’ve been working on it in secret. Do you like it?”

“Like it?” Audrey took it down carefully and held it to herself. The slight v of the neckline, the nipped in waist, the full, long sleeves, the elegant length of it… “Dorothy, I love it.” She shot her friend a curious glance. “Who’s we?”

“Me, Mrs Pumphrey, Maggie, Mrs Dinsdale, a few of the other farmers’ wives.” Dorothy hugged her. “So many people here care about you, Aud.”

Tears sprang into Audrey’s eyes. “Will you help me?”

Dorothy forced her to have a quick shower, muttering under her breath about Audrey’s cleaning, then, when she was clean and dry, Audrey submitted to Dorothy’s ministrations. She helped her into the dress, did up the buttons carefully. Then she sat her down and brushed her hair till it shone, pinned it into loose waves. A tiny brush of blusher, a touch of colour on her lips and Dorothy stepped back with a satisfied smile.

“There you go. What do you think?”

Audrey turned to the mirror. “Oh, Dorothy!” She gazed at herself in wonder.

“Don’t cry!” Dorothy said, passing her a hanky.

Audrey blinked hard and dabbed her eyes with the hanky. She felt overwhelmed. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Dorothy kissed the top of her head. “Thank you, for everything you’ve done for me this year.”

Audrey dabbed her eyes again. “I’m going to miss you, Dorothy.”

“Nonsense, you’ll be having far too much fun with Siegfried to miss me. And I’m not going anywhere. You can come round whenever you want.” She kissed her again. “Now, off you pop downstairs. I’ve got to get changed myself.”

Audrey made her way carefully down the stairs.

Edward was waiting in the living room and when he saw her he stood up, his mouth falling open. “Ma,” he said. “You look beautiful.”

She smiled damply. “Don’t make me cry.” She studied him. He looked so handsome, so grown up. “I love you, Edward.”

“I know, Ma,” he said gently. “I’ve always known.” She stretched out a hand to him and he held it tightly. “I’m so happy for you… After dad…” he shook his head. “I’m glad you’ve got Siegfried. He’s a good man.”

“He is. You like him then?” Audrey asked, slightly nervously. Edward had not had much time to get to know her future husband. She desperately wanted them to learn to care for each other.

“I do. And I like Tristan.”

“I’m so glad,” she said with relief.

“I suppose Tristan will be my step-uncle,” Edward mused.

“Don’t put that idea in his head!” Audrey exclaimed. “He’ll be a terror.”

“Who’ll be a terror?” Dorothy asked, appearing in the door.

“Tris, if he thinks he’s an uncle now,” Audrey said.

Dorothy laughed. “I like Tris.”

“We all do,” Audrey said. “But it won’t stop him being a menace.”

“Enough about Tris,” Dorothy said. “It’s nearly time. Just one more thing, Aud.” She vanished into the kitchen and came back with two small bouquets. “We picked these earlier.”

“Snowdrops,” Audrey breathed, stroking one delicate white bloom with a careful finger.

“Apt, don’t you think?” Dorothy looked at the others. “Are we all ready?”

Audrey took a steady breath in and then let it out slowly. Her heart was beating fast and she felt rather unsteady. She was glad she’d have Edward’s arm to lean on. “Ready,” she said firmly.

Snow was drifting lazily as they walked to the church. Slow dancing flakes landed in Audrey’s hair, covering it like lace. Edward held her carefully with Dorothy at her other side as they walked through the quiet streets. It felt dreamlike to Audrey, but soon they were at the church. The old, solid stone felt secure and real. She let her fingers drift over the wooden door as they went in, grounding herself.

In the porch, she shed the coat that Dorothy had bundled her into for the walk. Dorothy fussed around her for a moment, making sure everything was perfect.

Then Edward opened the door to the main church, the sound of the organ burst forth, and with her arm through her son’s and her best friend behind her, Audrey stepped forward.

The church was crowded but Audrey’s gaze was fixed on the man standing by the chancel. The look of awe and love on his face was all she needed to see.

Finally she reached him, Edward passed her hand to him and they were hand-in-hand, gazing at each other. Siegfried squeezed her hands tightly and she smiled at him. It seemed strange that an hour ago she’d been cleaning and now, here she was getting married to a man she loved with everything in her.

The service passed in a haze. They gave their troth, they said their vows and they were man and wife.

“You may kiss the bride!” the vicar announced.

His lips brushed over hers. “You look beautiful,” he murmured before he withdrew, beaming at her.

And then there was clapping and Audrey finally turned to look at the church. What seemed like the whole of Darrowby was there, dressed in their Sunday finest, turned out just for them. In the front row, Mrs Pumphrey, beaming, with Tricki. In the second row, Calum, in charge of Jess, Dash and Marilyn. Bosworth next to him, dressed in his uniform as usual and surreptitiously wiping away a tear. Behind Bosworth, all the Dinsdales…

Audrey leant into Siegfried, a lump in her throat.

“You are so very loved,” he whispered.

They walked down the aisle, Tris, Dorothy and Edward following them, and then they were out of the church. The whole thing had taken no longer than half an hour, but outside the snow had stopped. The clouds had cleared. The sun was out and everything was sparkling bright. She drew a deep breath.

Siegfried looked at her. “Home? We have a crowd to feed!”

She shook her head. “I hadn’t expected it. I hope Maggie managed enough food.”

To her surprise Siegfried chuckled. “I had expected it, my dear. Maggie has joined forces with Mrs Pumphrey and I think we will have enough, just about.”

“Your coat, Audrey,” Dorothy murmured from just behind them, but Audrey shook her head.

“Just this once, I want to be impractical.” She felt like a snow queen, in her beautiful gown with glittering white all around her.

“In which case we will get home quickly,” Siegfried said. “I’m not having you catching a cold on our wedding day!”

Hand-in-hand, they walked the short distance from the church to the house. Audrey was aware of the cold, but it couldn’t touch her, not today. Skeldale stood grey and solid against the bright snow, but it didn’t look imposing to Audrey, these days. It looked friendly, welcoming. A place of refuge and love.

They climbed up the steps to the front door and Audrey took a breath. This was it. Her new home. Her new life.

Siegfried glanced down at her. “Mrs Farnon,” he said and she smiled to hear it. “There is a tradition…”

And before she could protest, he’d swung her into his arms and she was clutching him with her arm around his neck, laughing.

“Welcome to your new home, Mrs Farnon. My wife. My darling Audrey.” Carefully, he carried her over the threshold. The house that had been sad and dusty last year was gleaming now, and full of life. The future beckoned brightly. “Welcome to Skeldale.”