‘I told Danny what Amy was like, Harriet. I told him he was a fool. I didn’t say anything to you because I knew you loved him. It was just that Amy let him have his own way.’ Isabelle looked across at Harriet, with her head held high.

‘I know, you were torn between us. Don’t worry, Isabelle, I understand. What I’m trying to tell you, though, is that Madge must not come between you and James. She’s done what Amy Brown did to us – given James an easy distraction, and that’s all she was. Like Amy, Madge was someone who made him feel he was special when she lifted her skirts. When really it was both of us who loved them more.’ Harriet went and put her arms around Isabelle. ‘At least you haven’t the worry of knowing that a child was born from James’s fling. I sometimes wonder if Amy’s firstborn could be Danny’s, and I hear that he’s come back to live at Ragged Hall, which makes me worry even more.’

‘Oh, Harriet, I’m sure he won’t be Danny’s. She married someone from over Slaidburn. He’s just come to look after his grandfather while he’s unwell.’ Isabelle breathed in deeply and blew her nose.

‘We’ll see, because one day he will turn up like a bad penny, of that I’m sure, and I will know instantly if I’m right or not. Anyway, let’s get back to Jane. Bring her to me when she’s not busy helping her father and I’ll show her how to cut out a pattern. Then we will take it from there. It is what she should be doing: following in your footsteps. Although looking through the store today, I couldn’t help but notice how many people are purchasing our finished garments from our suppliers. The fact that people are able to make their own clothing now, too, means that I think our role in life may soon be forgotten, and only needed for very special occasions.’ Harriet went back to her sewing and put her head down.

‘I’m glad Mother left you shares in Atkinson’s, for you are still a part of the family and always will be, Harriet. And don’t you worry: Danny loves you and always will. And as for James, well, I’ve no option but to forgive him, for the sake of our family.’

21

21

‘Well, bugger me, you’ll never guess who’s just casually sloped back into the yard, with his mattress over his back and two dead rabbits in his hands, as if nothing’s happened.’ Danny came into the kitchen and looked at his father as he gazed out of the window.