Harriet rearranged her long grey skirt and breathed in deeply. Closing her eyes, she thought back to her home. Hopefully Mary would nearly have finished getting Ben ready for school, and Georgina would be sitting up at the table in her highchair, eating her chopped-up egg with a toasted bread soldier, if she had not thrown it onto the floor by now. It was a game that she liked to play and one that tested her mother’s patience. Harriet knew Rosie would be coping, but she had looked pale this morning; the poor girl was still getting used to her more adult body. Would they all manage without her? What if Georgina took ill? Perhaps she should get off the train and put an end to the stupid idea of helping out at Atkinson’s again.

It was too late. The whistle blew and the train jolted into action. The wheels turned slowly at first, and then picked up speed as the carriages swayed backwards and forwards over the tracks, chattering as they went over the points. She was on her way to join Isabelle, for her first day back in work for nearly nineteen years. She only hoped she had not lost her touch, and that Isabelle would hold her tongue if she made any mistakes. That day would tell, and she need not return in the morning if things went badly. But most of all Harriet hoped that her children would not miss her too much and that they would be safe until her return.

‘Harriet, I’m so glad you didn’t change your mind. I know it must be strange to have to leave your children behind and, honestly, I can’t find the words to say how grateful I am.’ Isabelle rushed over to Harriet’s side as she opened the door and made her way into the cutting and sample room in Atkinson’s. She kissed her lovingly on the cheek and held out her hand for Harriet to join her in a morning coffee before they both started work. ‘Please do sit down, I had Nancy make enough for us both. Have you eaten? I can always order you some breakfast. Cook is already preparing for our luncheon rush in the restaurant. He wouldn’t mind.’ Isabelle smiled as Harriet took off her coat and sat down beside her.

‘No, I’m fine, thank you, just a little nervous and worried about leaving my family.’ Harriet fidgeted in her chair as Isabelle poured her a coffee from the silver pot that had just been delivered to her. Strict instructions had been given to all staff to make Harriet feel most welcome.