‘It’s more than that. She must be missing her grandmother, and I know that she must be upset with us arguing constantly,’ said James. ‘I am upset about it myself. Isn’t it time we put an end to it? What’s done is done. I can’t amend the past, and I admit that I have been a fool.’ He looked at his wife. He’d found it hard to believe that his daughter had as good as been arrested for being involved in smashing her own mother’s window. Yes, it was for a cause that was worthy, in Jane’s eyes, but it was not like her to be so demonstrative. She’d say what she thought, yes, but she wouldn’t normally have caused criminal damage.

‘I was going to suggest that, once you return to work, Jane could be your assistant, as she’s not enjoying working in the warehouse. And you will need someone to help you, once you return, in the next week or two. That might give her more purpose in life, and she always has been closer to you than to me. You know what daughters are like with their fathers – in their eyes, fathers can do no wrong. Even if he is the biggest cad in the district.’ Isabelle’s eyes flashed at James. She would never forgive him for doing her wrong, no matter how hard he tried.

‘There you go again – you cannot let it lie. But yes, I’d welcome Jane into the studio to help me. She knows the basics already, and it would save me having to train someone else. I hope to be back next week, once I regain a little more strength in my leg. It would get Jane into a position that makes her feel more important. I don’t think she has appreciated having to learn the workings of the firm from the bottom up. I also think she may be a little jealous of Harriet helping you out. Perhaps Jane thought she would be given a better position in the firm, given that she is our daughter, despite not showing one bit of interest in using a needle.’ James hoisted himself up and looked out of the window. ‘Autumn is here, the beech leaves have turned already. It’ll soon be winter and then we will have problems getting ourselves into work, let alone Harriet getting there from up at Crummock.’

‘We’ve always managed, and if Harriet can’t make her way from Crummock, then I will have to do without her. I’m going to have to find somebody anyway, I think. We have so many orders and, to be honest, at the moment Harriet is a godsend, but all she talks about is her children and the farm. It’s a bit never-ending, and I switch off after a while.’ Isabelle walked over to James and stood beside him.