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When Katie and Jess joined them, it turned out that Greg, Arlo and Athene had been talking about the ‘social event of the year’ according to Athene: a Twixmas Barn Dance that was happening in a barn in a nearby village the next day.

Greg groaned. ‘It’s not the social event of the year although it is practically the only one I ever turn out for.’

‘Apart from the quiz nights, the country show, the country show planning meetings, the young farmers’ meet-ups …’ Arlo ticked off events on his fingers.

‘How deliciously rustic,’ Athene said. ‘I hope all of this goes in your memoir.’

Greg laughed and slid an amused and admiring glance at Athene. Wow. He thinks she’s wonderful, Katie thought, trying not to get too excited at whatever was blossoming between them.

‘I’m heading up to Rosthwaite after I’ve dropped you off to help set up the barn,’ Arlo said. ‘It’s not the Ritz but you’d be surprised how it scrubs up once the locals have worked their magic on it and put the lighting and bar in. There must be thirty people helping.’

‘The band aren’t bad either,’ Greg said. ‘I’ll be along later to help.’

Arlo smirked as if Greg had better things to occupy his time. ‘No problem, mate.’

‘I hope I’m not keeping you from your duties,’ Athene said.

‘The barn will wait. You and my Herdwicks won’t.’

Athene smiled politely. ‘I’ll take it as a compliment to be ranked alongside your sheep.’

‘This barn dance sounds exciting,’ Katie said, amused at Athene’s face.

‘I wouldn’t describe it as exciting. Not compared to the glamorous dos you ladies must go to in London,’ Greg said. ‘But you’d be welcome to come along and experience it. I’d actually just invited Athene.’

Jess and Katie gawped at her.

‘You invited Athene to a barn dance?’ Jess asked.

Athene beamed back at them. ‘Yes, isn’t that kind. Of course, I’ve been delighted to accept.’

Katie tried to judge Arlo’s reaction but he remained inscrutable. ‘We’d love to come. It’s very kind of you to ask,’ she said.

Greg’s blue eyes lit up. ‘You’re all welcome. The more the merrier, eh, Arlo?’

He deployed his best host’s smile. ‘Of course. There are still a few places left and all the funds go to the community.’

‘Good,’ Katie said, still feeling a little unsure of how Arlo felt about the whole situation. Was he horrified that she and the gang would be there or looking forward to it? Although she probably shouldn’t, Katie felt a flutter of excitement in her stomach at the prospect of seeing Arlo dancing, even in a barn.

Greg rubbed his hands together. ‘That’s settled then. Let’s all get on our way. Athene, shall I help you on to the boat? Don’t want you messing up that lovely coat. And don’t worry, I have some old overalls for you at the farm.’ He had a glint in his eye as he added, ‘Handling sheep can be a dirty business.’

At the car park, while Jess scraped the ice off the car windows, Katie took her a chance for a quick word with Arlo. ‘Is it OK that we’re all coming to this barn dance?’

‘Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?’

‘Only that we’ve already involved you in our Christmas holiday plans way more than you probably ever expected or wanted.’

‘I might not have expected to be involved but that doesn’t mean I haven’t enjoyed it.’ His smile melted away. ‘What about – Ned?’

‘He doesn’t know Greg or Wanda’s new friends so he can hardly feel left out if he even finds out about the dance. Plus, it’s definitely not his scene.’ Katie had a vision of Ned striding into the barn dance like Mr Darcy at the Meryton Assembly, an expression of disdain on his handsome face. Actually, that could be quite funny. ‘There’s no need to worry about Ned,’ she said firmly, hiding the misgiving she felt over the tone of her parting with Ned the previous morning.

A visible tide of relief washed over Arlo’s face. Katie could tell he hadn’t been relishing the prospect of Ned’s presence.

‘So, will you be dancing at this event, as it’s a barn dance?’

‘I don’t really have much choice.’ He managed a smile. ‘Everyone who can stand has to dance. Otherwise the committee will drag you up. It’s that kind of event.’

‘So, I’ll have no choice either?’