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as it eventually pulled up outside the Royal Station Hotel.
    â€˜This looks magnificent,’ commented Jennie, her eyes wide with wonder as she surveyed the impressive architecture.
    â€˜Should be,’ observed John. ‘It was only built last year. The station is just behind so is very handy for tomorrow. I want you all to enjoy this evening.’
    His requests, made previously by letter, were all fulfilled and his generous tips on arrival ensured they were well looked after by the staff, who were also very helpful the next day when the visitors left for Edinburgh where they were to stay the night.
    The journey north remained uneventful. Although it was familiar to them from previous years they always found it interesting, looking out for new landmarks while recognising those that were more enduring.
    Reaching Waverley Station in Edinburgh, they quickly transferred to the Royal British Hotel. Once again John saw to their well-being and, after the evening meal, when they were all seated in the lounge, he reached into his pocket.
    â€˜These are for your onward journey to Dundee in the morning,’ he announced as he handed four tickets to James. ‘I’m sorry your mother and I will not be travelling with you but I had an invitation to meet Charles McVee with whom I have a trading venture. He suggested we might meet when he learned I would be in Edinburgh. It will give us the opportunity to clear up some final points and then seal the deal to our mutual satisfaction.’
    â€˜Would you like me to stay, Father?’ offered James.
    â€˜Not at all, but thank you for the thought! I know you are very familiar with what is in hand and the progress we have made, but there is nothing to keep you here. Your cousins have organised a special party for you young ones tomorrow, starting in the afternoon, so you be on that train in the morning. Your mother and I will catch the four-fifteen from Edinburgh and will join you later.’
    They spent a pleasant evening together and, when they rose to go to bed, Alistair and Olivia made a special point of thanking Mr and Mrs Carnforth for their kindness and hospitality.
    â€˜Think nothing of it,’ replied John. ‘It is a pleasure having you both with us and I am sure you will have an enjoyable day tomorrow. You’ll know almost everyone there from previous years.’
    The following morning Jennie and John saw them off at the station. Jennie lingered long, watching the train until it had completely disappeared.
    â€˜Come along, love,’ said John quietly, taking her arm.
    â€˜Will they be all right?’ she asked, a catch in her voice.
    â€˜Of course.’ He gave a little laugh at her concern. ‘They are young men and women, no longer children. And they have each other.’
    â€˜But . . .’
    â€˜There are no buts about it,’ he said. ‘Now fasten up that coat, the wind is getting a bit snarly.’ He reached out and gently fastened her thick coat at the neck. He held his finger at the last button after he’d fastened it and looked tenderly into her eyes. ‘Don’t worry, love, nothing’s going to happen to them.’ Oblivious to the other people on the station platform, he kissed her gently on the lips. ‘Now, let us enjoy the rest of our day.’
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    â€˜There they are!’ Lena was the first to spot her cousins among the people meeting the train from Edinburgh at Dundee station. Her smile broad with pleasure, she waved and then glanced at her brother. They had always got on well with their cousins, Avril, Fiona and Robbie, and knew they would spend a joyful New Year together. Not wanting her friend to be left out of the intimacy of the occasion, she held out her hand. Olivia, appreciating the meaning behind the gesture, took it gratefully
    Olivia and Alistair had first come north ten years ago with their father and mother to experience a Scottish New Year with Jennie’s