‘It can only be Ethan. I told you he’d be back. What did you say to him?’ Archie turned around with a grin on his face. ‘Welcomed him back with open arms, did you?’

‘I bloody well didn’t. I asked him where he’d been and said that he’d no right to trail off like he did. I also said that he’d caused no end of worry, both for us here and for his parents.’ Danny pulled up his chair and warmed his hands next to the fire. ‘There’s a touch of frost out there this morning.’

‘That’s why he’s back – summer’s come to an end. He’s not daft, he knows where he’ll be warm and fed. You’ll have him now until spring and then he might need another wander. That is if tha wants him.’ Archie looked at his son.

‘To be honest, I’ve missed the little bugger. Happen I didn’t appreciate him when he was here. He kept the yard tidy and the horse harness was always polished, and the horses loved him. He’s a good hand with the two Clydesdales and we will start ploughing that bottom field to plant turnips before long. I should really send him packing, but he’s asked if he can talk to me this evening. He looked serious, so he knows I’ll not mince my words.’

‘This ’un will be glad. Have you heard your father, Rosie? Ethan’s turned up, as bold as brass.’ Archie grinned at Rosie, with her arms full of washing as she entered the kitchen. ‘Tha’s had a face as long as a wet weekend in Blackpool since he’s been away.’

‘What do I care about him? Ethan can trail where he wants. I hope you are not taking him back on, Father.’ Rosie stood with her sheets nearly falling out of her arms, secretly feeling her heart flutter as she heard the news. At the same time she was short with her words, for he’d left her in her hour of need and she couldn’t forgive him.

‘He wants to see me tonight. I told him to go about his work until then. I’ll have a think about it. Ethan is a law unto himself, but not a bad worker when he puts his back into it.’ Danny looked at his daughter, who seemed flushed. His father was right: since Ethan had been gone, Rosie had been miserable. Happen there was something he was missing here.

‘Well, regardless of what Grandpapa thinks, I’m not bothered if he stays or goes.’ Rosie turned on her heels and went quickly to the wash-house with her load.

‘Methinks the lady doth protest too much,’ Archie muttered.