‘It’s a shame you don’t have as much interest in your own lass, Rosie, and a bit more time for the two at home.’ Harriet looked across at her husband. She was fed up with her lot in life, and sick of hearing Charlotte’s and Isabelle’s names on everyone’s lips. She was the one who had helped to start the Atkinson empire; or had they all forgotten? She too had put in many hours designing and sewing, initially in the first little shop at Settle, but then the business had expanded and her family had become her main focus. It was then that she had decided that running a business was not for her, and that her heart lay with her family and home.

‘Get yourself home, Harriet. Henry from Sowermire next door to us is about to leave, so get a lift with him back up to Crummock, before you say anything else that you might regret.’ Danny scowled at his wife. She had a caustic tongue in her head, when she was that way inclined. Better that she went home before she caused any bother. He watched as she made her way through the mourners, catching Henry at the church gate as he climbed into his trap. At least she had the sense not to argue with Danny there, but he knew he would be in for an onslaught on his return home.

‘Well, that’s your mother seen to, Rosie. Let’s away and keep your grandfather company – he looks a bit lost without your grandmother on his arm.’ Danny turned round to his daughter. He loved her dearly, despite what her mother had said. Rosie appreciated the farm and the world around her, and never said a bad word about anyone. At sixteen, a year younger than her cousin Jane, she was just the opposite: a young woman with a love of nature and a gentleness for the people around her. How could Harriet say that he had no time for her? They were as close as a daughter and father could be.

‘So, Mother’s decided to go home then? She’s been worrying all day about our Ben and Georgina. Although Ben seemed well enough this morning; he gave me a load of cheek when I went into his bedroom. He even threw one of his pillows at me as I left.’ Rosie smiled at her father – he was everything to her. He was so different from her mother, who always seemed to be fighting the world. He smiled and had time for her, and she loved to be with him, cherishing every moment.

‘Aye, well, you know: mothers and sons, there’s a special bond.’ Danny linked his arm into his daughter’s.

‘A bit like fathers and daughters?’ Rosie smiled as she walked over to her grandfather. She enjoyed having her father to herself.