‘Beth, I’m relying on you to take care of Harry. Can I trust you to keep away from the lake and to stay in sight of the Hall at all times?’ ‘You can, Lottie. I promise we’ll come to no harm. There’s so much to explore here; it’s much better than Romford.’ ‘And I can climb really big trees, Lottie,’ Harry said helpfully. ‘I’m sure you can, darling; but please do not do so for there’s no one here to assist you down if you become stuck.’ She pressed her lips into a stern line and waited. Eventually he nodded. ‘All right, Lottie. I’ll only climb little trees then I shan’t get stuck.’ ‘Good boy; now off you go and remember, if you hear the stable bell ringing, you must come back immediately. That means you have always to stay in earshot - is that clear?’ ‘Yes, Lottie,’ they chorused. She watched them race off, eager to be outside in the unseasonably warm autumn sunshine. September was a lovely time of year, the trees still green, but the bramble leaves already painted crimson and gold.
