Brunskill was silent as he shook Luke’s hand. He knew he had to look like a gentleman, but he also knew that his days of being top dog among the cadets were over. No one was even giving him the time of day as he went and sat down behind the drystone wall and lit a cigarette. Bloody Luke Fox – his sort always won.

23

23

‘Really, Harriet, I’d have thought that you would have set your sights a little higher than Ethan, for Rosie.’ Isabelle looked across at her sister-in-law in amazement at the news she’d just been told.

‘I did – I said anybody but Ethan. There’s so many more suitable than him, but it is as Danny says: they are both happy with one another, and that counts for a lot. Besides, they are both young; we are hoping that it will come to nothing and that their so-called love for one another will dwindle. I don’t think Ethan has even told his parents. He won’t dare, as Jethro would have something to say about it, so he can’t be that serious. I just hope he doesn’t break Rosie’s heart in the process.’ Harriet looked up from her sewing and noticed Isabelle scowling.

‘Well, I certainly expect better of my Jane, even though she is trying me to within an inch of my patience at the moment. There’s plenty of young eligible men in the dale and she’s older than your Rosie, so she needs to get a move on. I keep encouraging her to attend socials and the local dances, but with no luck. I think we will have to have a Christmas Ball this year at Windfell, just like Mama used to have, and then perhaps I can invite someone who’s suitable along for her. Besides, it will do the family good and will disperse any rumours about James and me having a failed marriage.’ Isabelle stood back and admired the dress that she had been finishing off for a customer and smiled. ‘If Jane wore something like this, she would have no end of admirers.’ She pulled out the long skirts of the deep-red velvet ballgown and sat back in satisfaction at her work. ‘Mrs Capstick is a very lucky lady. I hope her husband appreciates her keeping up appearances.’

‘I’m sure he does, I’ve never seen a more devoted couple.’ Harriet smiled. ‘Should Jane not be with us by now? I was going to watch her as she cut out the pattern for the blouse that Amelia Hall ordered. I thought it was a good one to start with.’