Bonds of Earth, The by E.V. Thompson

around him.’
    â€˜Is that Elworthy down there by the river, talking to a man with a horse?’
    Nessa pointed to where two men were talking by a narrow bridge which spanned the river in the far corner of the farm. One of the men was wearing a smock, an article of clothing adopted by many of those who worked the land, but it was sight of the other man which caused Goran to start in surprise. Holding the reins of a thoroughbred horse as he talked to his companion, he was dressed in the manner of a gentleman … and Goran recognized him immediately.
    â€˜Yes, that’s Elworthy, but what’s Sir John Spurre doing down there talking to him? As far as I’m aware it’s the first time he’s ever come to either of the two farms.’
    As they watched, Elworthy began pointing in various directions and Goran pulled a startled Nessa behind a clump of gorse before the two talking men looked in their direction.
    â€˜I’d rather Sir John didn’t see us,’ he explained, ‘He’s up to something or he wouldn’t be down there talking to Elworthy and it certainly won’t be a social visit. Sir John despises small independent farmers like Elworthy and Agnes. I’ll need to tell her about this.’
    â€˜Why, what could he be saying that’s likely to cause any trouble?’
    â€˜I don’t know, but Elworthy is so much in awe of anyone in authority he would agree to anything they said, even if he had no idea what they were talking about – and Elworthy seldom understands what strangers say to him. I’m going to have to go right away to tell Agnes what we’re seeing, Nessa, I think it could be important. I was meant to speak to your pa while I was up here on the moor, but will you do it for me? Tell him Agnes would like to speak to him about something they need to discuss. If Sir John Spurre is planning something it will be to his benefit and nobody else’s and I suspect it has to do with your pa’s mine opening up here.’
    Nessa was disappointed that her meeting with Goran was coming to such an abrupt end but she accepted it was due to a matter of some importance.
    â€˜I’ll be certain to tell Pa tonight, but will I be seeing you again soon?’
    â€˜I hope so … I’ve enjoyed being with you today.’ Struggling to think of a reason why they should meet, he said, ‘Why don’t you come down to the cottage sometime? A Sunday evening would be best. Agnes goes to the chapel down the road then and sends me home early. One of Elworthy’s sows has just had thirteen piglets and you could bring Jennifer to see them.’
    Both Nessa and Goran went their different ways happy in the knowledge they would meet again soon, but, as he neared Agnes’s farm, Goran put thoughts of Nessa out of his mind for the moment. He had an uneasy feeling Sir John’s visit to Elworthy’s farm spelled trouble.

    â€˜Are you certain it was Sir John you saw talking to Elworthy? I don’t doubt you might have seen him on the farm. Although he’s quick enough to jump on anyone who trespasses on his land he doesn’t believe the same laws apply to him. Even so, I can’t think what he and Elworthy would have to say to each other.’ Agnes Roach shook her head in disbelief.
    â€˜It was Sir John right enough, and Elworthy had his hat off, holding it in both hands as though he was nervous. At least, that was the impression I got although I was too far away to see his expression.’
    â€˜It has to be something to do with the mine and the rights they want, but Sir John would have got no sense out of Elworthy, he’s been getting worse lately and wouldn’t have understood what Sir John was talking about. That reminds me, did you tell that mine captain I want to speak to him?’
    â€˜He was underground all the time I was up at the mine but I left word with one of his daughters, the one who showed me where the