He had meant to talk to Lottie, to try and reconcile. But she turned around quickly to fetch Anne, and Ben didn't stop her because he didn't actually know what to say to her if they did talk.

Anne walked down the stairs slowly and Ben felt guilty. Was she afraid? He wasn't proud of how he had behaved last time he had been here. Luckily, she suddenly rushed down the stairs and hugged him. Ben hugged her back and caressed her head. "All's well now, lassie. They let me go last night, but it was late then."

He looked up at Lottie. "Thank you, Lottie, fer lookin' after 'er. I appreciate it." Perhaps pretending nothing had happened was the best approach. He kind of wanted to apologise for having been an ass, but he couldn't bring himself to do so in front of Anne.