Chapter 33

Phil took his place at the sink. He’d put his shirt back on now. Laurie had quite enjoyed the afternoon. He hadn’t done badly on the shears, either.

“You got quite fast by the end of the day, Phil,” Tommy said, putting the barrel on the table and starting to fill the tankards that Sally got out of the cupboard and passed to him.

“I thought I was doing better,” Phil said. “And I only got head-butted in the balls the once.”

They were all laughing as Cat edged back in the door.

“Here maid, you come and sit by me and have a drink before you run away back to your barn,” Jimmy said. “And then tomorrow, we’ll come and sort out your door and make it tidy for you, all right?”

Cat looked dubious but did as he asked and there were general murmurs of agreement.

Laurie sipped his cider in contentment. It had been a good day. 16: London

“Do you want to come to town with me one day next week?”