‘Mr Atkinson will look after himself. As long as he’s fed, he’ll potter around the house and farm. He’s learning to take it easy after all these years, giving my husband guidance on occasion. Although sometimes my husband does not appreciate his advice or help, as he is a bit set in his ways. He forgets that it is now 1913, and things have progressed from when he was a lad. Well, I think that is it. I look forward to seeing you in the morning. The breakfast table will be laid. You can eat with my family or on your own, whichever you prefer. Rosie knows what everyone has to eat, so don’t worry about that.’

Harriet held her arms out for Georgina, who was playing with Mary’s pendant around her neck. Georgina complained about being removed from her new plaything as her mother prised her away.

‘You can play with it again tomorrow.’ Mary smiled at Georgina. ‘Now, you behave for your mother.’ She passed the crying Georgina to Harriet and then pacified her by reaching for a spoon from the table to play with. ‘You are easy to suit.’ She smiled as Georgina waved the spoon in the air and then grinned as Mary kissed her on the cheek to say farewell. ‘Don’t worry, Mrs Atkinson. Georgina and Ben will be well looked after, and I’ll see that Rosie gets my support too.’ She picked up her gloves and put them on, before being shown the door.

Harriet walked back into the kitchen and put Georgina down on the pegged rug. She watched as the baby pulled herself up to her full height and ventured on wobbly steps over to the doorway. ‘I only hope I’m doing the right thing,’ she whispered to herself. ‘I do love my children, but I need my own time, or is that terribly selfish of me? Besides, Isabelle needs me, especially after James and his public fling.’ Time would tell, no doubt, she thought as she set about her work.

‘Rosie, hold this gate open for me, to let this old ewe through. She can’t be sent to market, she won’t make the drive down the valley.’ Danny yelled at his daughter as he walked amongst his flock, sorting out which sheep he needed to sell before winter and which ones he wanted to keep.

‘That’s what you want to be selling.’ Archie lifted his stick and pointed at the old grey-faced ewe as she bleated her way out onto the open fellside.

‘She’s on her last legs, Father. It’s better that she dies where she knows, rather than being slaughtered at the knacker’s yard, because that’s all she’s worth.’ Danny pulled another of his flock to one side and felt how fit it was, as he replied to his father.